Arpent

Abstract: The use of data collected from several series of documents, particularly census published in the 19th century, is marred by a variety of methodological constraints. One of the principal biases observed with reference to the Quebec census divisions results from the simultaneous use of French and English measuring systems for designating units of volume and surface with no explicit reference to which system is being utilized. The problem becomes particularly evident when deal­ ing with certain parameters relating to the occupation of the land and associated institutions. In general, there was a prevalence of French measurements (the arpent and the minot) in seigneurial Quebec, whereas in the new cantonal divisions, the acre and the bushel were the measurements most often used. This general guideline is indicative, however. In fact, in certain regions such as the Saguenay, the uncertainty is heightened by the fact that the original division of the land was performed on a cantonal basis, whereas the settlers came almost exclusively from the seigneurial zones. In such cases, in the absence of further validation, it is difficult to know which system of measurement was actually used. Consequently, we believe that any model for converting units of measurement must take into account this methodological problem, which doubtless affects more than one region in Quebec.