Ralph Vicero, in his splendid thesis on French-Canadian immigration to NPH' England, studies in great detail the economic and demographical crisis which gripped Quebec starting in the 1840's. On the map, the Province of Quebec occupies a deal of space.
Great riches are to be found in the forests and the mineral resources of the province.
Unfortunately, the amount of arable land is quite limited. The habitant was first and foremost a farmer. Farming was the only way of life that his people had ever known. Farming was furthermore possible on the land south of the St. Lawrence River, extending toward the border with the United States. Agriculture could also be carried on in a narrow band of territory north of the River.