VANCOUVER ISLAND. An island on the Pacific coast of North America. belonging to British Columbia, from the mainland of which it is separated on the north by Queen Charlotte Sound and on the east by—Tohnston and Georgia straits. It is separated from the State of Wash ington by Georgia and Fuca straits (Map: Brit ish Columbia, 1) 5). Its greatest length is from northwest to southeast. Area, 12,760 square miles. The island is mountainous, belonging to the adjacent chain on the continent. Victoria Peak is the highest point, reaching an elevation of about 75011 feet. The coast presents a fjord like aspect, being roughly irregular. Nootka Sound is on the west. Lakes; and rivers abound, but none of the streams is navigable. The cli mate is damp and raw, yet is considered health ful. The summers are pleasantly warm, to the prevailing westerly winds. The island has line forests of both coniferous and (tepid nous trees. There is plenty of big game, and the fisheries are rich in salmon, herring, and sturgeon. The flora and fauna are akin to those
of 11ritish Columbia (q.v.). Gold is found in the rivers; iron and copper ores are abundant; and particularly noteworthy are the coal-mines, which supply t he whole Pavi tic coast. The island has two railways. There arc about 10,000 in dians—the \Vakash. Victoria. the capital of British Columbia, with a population of 20,816 in 1901, is situated at the southeastern end of the island.
Vancouver was discovered in 1774 by Juan Francisco de la Bodegay Quadra, and in 1792 was circumnavigated by George Vancouver, whence its name. The United States laid claim to it, but relinquished it under the Oregon Boundary Treaty in 1846. At the instance of Great Britain the Hudson's Bay Company agreed to vacate the island for ten years, in order that settlers might enter. As a result it was made a colony at the end of that time, and in 1866 it was united with British Columbia.