First published in 1938, this work is important for an understanding of the settlement of the three prairie provinces and of the implementation of the National Policy initiated by Sir John A. Macdonald.

This book has three main components: A short essay on policy 1870-1930; Appendix I. ("A listing of land use regulations") a comprehensive listing of orders in council which defined land use regulations to 1930; and Appendix II ("Selected legislation") an arrangement of selected acts of Parliament and orders in council. Together these survey the main elements of federal policy regarding Crown lands.