The Physical and Agricultural Geography of Pelham Township

Abstract

This is a geographical study of the physical and agricultural geography of Pelham Township. It is based largely on field work done in the summer and autumn of 1954. Putman and Chapman have presented an excellent generalized account of the surface features of Southern Ontario. However, in the study of an area as small as Pelham Township, a more detailed account of the physiography is needed. It has been the author's purpose to fulfill this need. A thorough knowledge of the physical basis is prerequisite to a complete understanding of the agricultural geography of an area. Care must be taken, however, unless the physical factor be overemphasized; other factors, especially the historical and economic factors, must be considered in any explanation of the present land use of an area. It is the author's purpose, in this study, to describe, and account for, the present pattern of land use in Pelham Township. The study is divided into four chapters. The first two present the physical and historical background of agriculture. They are followed by a chapter on land types and distribution of farm types, and a final chapter of summary and conclusions.