Plate I

Catharine Parr Strickland Traill (1802–1899)
A pioneering British-born Canadian author and naturalist, Catharine Parr Strickland Traill is best known for her contributions to early Canadian literature and her vivid descriptions of the Canadian wilderness. Along with her husband, she moved to Canada in 1832, where she documented her experiences with the natural world. Her most famous works include The Backwoods of Canada and Canadian Wild Flowers, where she combined her love of nature with her remarkable talent for observation. Traill’s passion for botany and the Canadian landscape helped illuminate the country’s diverse flora for a growing audience.

Agnes Fitzgibbon (1824–1906)
Agnes Fitzgibbon was an Irish-born Canadian botanical artist and illustrator who made significant contributions to the documentation of North American wildflowers. Known for her detailed and accurate botanical illustrations, she worked alongside other prominent figures of her time to bring the beauty and diversity of Canadian plant life to wider attention. Her collaboration with Catharine Parr Strickland Traill on North American Wild Flowers was a testament to her artistic skill and dedication to preserving the flora of her adopted homeland. Fitzgibbon’s illustrations continue to captivate and inspire nature lovers and botanical enthusiasts.