MACTAGGART (John).
Three Years in Canada: An account of the actual state of the country in 1826-7-8...
McTaggart, British engineer and geologist, was engaged as a clerk of works on the Rideau Canal from 1826 to 1828. In addition to giving an account of the undertaking, including the clearing of the wilderness for 160 miles from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario, he offers varied and interesting observations on the economic and social conditions of the Canadas, natural history, and resources, stressing mining potential, transportation, and the importance of improving navigation of the St. Lawrence River. He is especially critical of the colony’s immigration and land policies, sharply commenting on the ineptness of the government clerks, who were more than likely to mislead emigrants into settling on poor sites.
TPL 1500. LANDE 592. SABIN 43665. DIONNE II, 1047.
