Practical notes made during a tour in Canada, and a portion of the United States, in MDCCCXXXI

2nd edition.4 x 6-1/2 inches. [iii]-xvi, 426pp.[1], plus folding map in front pocket.19th-century polished calf, gilt, spine gilt extra, leather label stamped in gilt. Minor soiling, corners worn. Contemporary bookplate. Internally clean. Map backed on linen. Bottom birder small tear on p.413 not to text, other wise, very good condition.

2nd (and best) Edition containing Notes of a Second Visit, made in 1833 with additional "notes made during a second visit to Canada in MDCCCXXXIII." and includes a large map which was not in the 1833 first edition of only 379pp.

This large map, 15-1/2 x 26 inches, is now rare itself. It is titled "Map of the British North American Provinces and Adjoining States 1833". Published as the Act directs by W[illiam]. Blackwood, Edinburgh 1833. Includes a reference legend for 38 counties in Lower Canada as well as smaller legend for 19 Townships in Wentworth and Lincoln. Toronto labeled York. Eng. by J. Moffat

TPL 1641. SABIN 24102. WRIGHT HOWES 45:148. HOWES F86.

Adam Fergusson was a agriculturalist, politician and author. He was a director of the Highland Society of Scotland, an agricultural association which published a journal, supported exhibitions, and encouraged improved farming methods. In 1831 the society sent him to Canada and the United States to investigate the state of agriculture and the potential for emigration. In 1834 he issued a new edition of the Practical notes which incorporated observations made during another visit to North America in 1833. Fergusson was impressed with the opportunities for immigrants, and brought his family to Canada in the summer of 1833. He settled near Waterdown in East Flamborough Township where he built his home, Woodhill, in 1834. He and James Webster bought 7,367 acres in Nichol Township on part of which they established the village of Fergus. Webster built a grist mill and sawmill; Fergusson "offered to build a church as soon as a Church of Scotland clergyman could be obtained." Fergusson commanded a militia unit during the Rebellion of 1837, and in its aftermath proposed unsuccessfully that British regiments be recruited for a short term of active service and encouraged to settle permanently in groups after being disbanded.