Linda Dorricott

Informative and reliable account of the first detailed coastline survey of Vancouver Island, its native people and British Admiralty management around the time of the American Civil War. G. H. Richards noted the negative effects of European settlers on First Nations villages and the spread of smallpox which quickly reduced native populations by 80%. He advised missionaries and education to protect the natives, and commended a utopian community set up by one missionary (while criticising the other Christian initiatives). The Appendices provide background on names of Admiralty and native people, glossary of naval terms, and mapping of the various First Nations encountered.… (mehr)