This report details the geological and geographical survey of the Bow and Belly rivers region in the Northwest Territories, focusing on its potential for resource development and settlement. George Mercer Dawson, a prominent geologist and geographer, led this expedition. The report is based on extensive fieldwork, including geological mapping, mineralogical analysis, and observations of flora and fauna. Dawson's primary argument centers on the region's rich mineral deposits and the feasibility of establishing infrastructure to exploit them, while also noting the challenges posed by the environment.

This report is a foundational document in the geological understanding of Western Canada. It is recognized for its detailed scientific observations and its influence on subsequent resource development policies in the Northwest Territories. The work provides critical historical data for researchers studying the region's natural history and the early stages of Canadian geological surveying.