Firstly the system of rivers and lakes meant transportation was relatively easy through most of the year. Then there was an extensive old-growth forest which was used almost from the beginning for domestic building, and very profitably for masts and spars for the King's Navy.
The system of rivers and lakes facilitated transportation throughout most of the year. The extensive old-growth forest was utilized for domestic construction, as well as for producing masts and spars for the King's Navy.