106 pp. With 2 large folding lithographed maps. (8vo) 22x14 cm (8¾x5½"), original blue cloth lettered in gilt. First Edition, French language issue.
Essay on Canada, the text covers a wide range of subjects: geography, population, religion, cities, agriculture, geology, climate, commerce, transportation, etc. Both of the maps are by Thos. C. Keefer, the first is "Map of the Provence of Canada, and the Lower Colonies, Shewing the connection by Steam Navigation with New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin & Minnisota, and with Europe by the route of the River St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, shewing also connection by Railways & Canals with New England, Mississippi & Missouri Rivers, Iowa & Nebraska," 63.3x98 cm; the second is "Mercator's Projection. With the Great Circle (shortest Sailing) or Air Lines, Illustrating the directness & capacity of the River St. Lawrence from Lake Erie to the Atlantic, as a means of communication between Europe and the Commercial Centre of the Great West. Showing the Extension of the Northern Pacific Railway Route Through Canada, to the Nearest Atlantic Seaport at Montreal," 57.3x87.5 cm. Warren Heckrotte notes that "The first map shows railroads in operation, in progress, proposed and canals. Most of railroads are of course in the U.S., extending just beyond Chicago. The second map show all of U.S., except for southern Texas and Florida, and projected railroads to the west coast. The projections are off the mark." With cover title and running heading "Essai Couronné sur le Canada."
Provenance: Schoyer, 9/02
References: Sabin 32422. There is an English edition, Sabin 32421, labeled second edition, published by B. Dawson, Montreal.