Drawing of a Common Ostrich from a 18th century specimen [modern geographical distribution: East Africa, South Africa, and Australia.] Attributed to Peter Paillou.

Drawing of a Southern Cassowary from a 18th century specimen [modern geographical distribution: Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia.] Attributed to Peter Paillou.

Contract between Louis La Valle[e] and Joseph La Valle[e], sons of Joseph, of Sorel, and outfitter Archibald Norman McLeod, partner, for McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. The voyageurs receives an advance of 8 piastres, will receive 6 when leaving. Contract duration is three years. Payment is for 700 livres per annum. Position given as "wintering" milieu. Destination of posts of the Northwest in Upper Canada.

File includes a kept copy of a letter to John Mckenzie. The letter contains numerous politcal observations. It discusses John's patents and a matter to do with the Attorney General, Quebec society, and the regretted departure of Lord Dalhousie.

Agreement between Albert F. Dawes and La Corporation de la Ville de Lachine regarding land.

Item consists of a colour illustration of a snake alongside dissected pieces from a strychnine tree. Figures have been cut out and pasted onto sheet. The caption identifies the tree as a "Strychnos Nux Vomica." The rest of the caption identifies the snake depicted as "a small Coluber in many parts of India; seemingly a Variety of the Cobra Minelle." An additional pencil annotation by Henry Mousley identifies the species of snake as "Tropidonotus stolatus (var.)" The drawing is signed by James Forbes and dated 1818.

File consists of a letter written by Thomas Abraham, to Robert Abraham and Margaret Abraham, his children, about subjects including Robert's health and the weather/climate.

Drawing of a Dodo from a 18th century specimen [modern geographical distribution: extinct].

Drawing of a Chicken from a 18th century specimen [modern geographical distribution: worldwide].

Drawing of a Chicken from a 18th century specimen [modern geographical distribution: worldwide].