No fees are charged at these offices for the information given. Inquirers should write, stating what they want to know, and they will receive replies to their inquiries and literature which will further inform their minds. A large number of booking agents are appointed in various towns throughout the country by the Canadian Immigration Department. These local agents are also commissioned and required to give all necessary information and to arrange for the transportation of emigrants by the various steamship lines. It is forbidden to such agents to charge fees for letters of introduction to officials on the Canadian side and for other services that fall within the duties for which they are paid commission. The spring is far and away the best time of the year to arrive in Canada. It is when agricultural operations are commencing that the demand for labour invariably exceeds the supply and the activity in industries other than agricultural is also at its greatest. Through the winter there is a general slackening both on the land and in the cities. Farmers, farm labourers, and female domestic servants are the classes who are most encouraged by the Canadian Immigration Department to go out. All others are advised to get definite assurance of employment in Canada before leaving home. They should be provided with a few pounds for use on the other side after all the expenses of going out have been paid. As has been indicated in an earlier chapter, there are usually a large number of Canadian farmers willing to advance the passage money if necessary to well-recommended men. Lists of such farmers are kept in the Departments of Agriculture in the various Provinces. The Dominion immigration agents on this side would tell intending emigrants desiring such assistance to whom to apply. The various Canadian railway companies and their shipping lines, with the great Cunard line, which specialises in the emigrant business, are also well furnished with information of value to emigrants. At the offices of these lines information with regard to employment and getting the money for the passage advanced to selected men, if that is absolutely necessary, is also given.