This thesis is a regional study of the physical and human geography of Rama Township. An area of 35,954 acres, it is situated on the east shore of Lake Couchiching. Within the township's boundaries there are two lakes - Lake St. John (pronounced Sin-jun) and Mud Lake. There are also several rivers, the most important being the Black River and its tributary, the Head River. The Severn River marks the north-western limit of the township. Two railways, both Canadian National, traverse the area, converging at Washago. Highway 11 and 12 lead to Rama from large population centres. There are 81 miles of road within the township. Highway #69 is provincial and follows the Couchiching shore. Although gravel, it is kept in fair condition. There is one county road reaching from O'Connell to Fawkham which is also well kept. The remaining are township roads and are not usually in very good condition. Rama Township has a population of 653. Of these, 379 are concentrated along the lakeshore. There is an additional 375 Indian residents. A large summer population, much of which is transient, swells this total during the warmer months. The progress of Rama has been limited to some extent by the environment. In some cases, the people have over come difficulties and made very satisfactory adjustments to adverse conditions. Yet if the people of Rama Township could understand their environment more fully, they would be able to gain a more balanced economy, a more efficient land utilization, and some types of specialization which would provide a surplus for sale outside of the township. If this could be done, the threatening bonds of self-sufficiency would be broken.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)