The Historical Geography of Huronia in the First Half of the 17th Century

Abstract

<p> The purpose of this thesis is the reconstruction of the geography of Huronia during the first half of the 17th century. Six broad, interrelated and basically geographical themes constitute the major portion of the thesis: the delimitation of the settled area; the physical characteristics of the area in as much as they relate to the Huron occupance; population estimates for the period; settlement patterns; the subsistence economy; and the interrelated facets of politics and trade. Where necessary sociological factors were introduced to give geographical patterns greater meaning. In attempting such a reconstruction and interpretation of a past landscape some emphasis is placed on the func­tional relationships that existed between the various cultural and natural phenomena in the landscape. </p>