Montreal had never rivalled Quebec City even though it was the fur headquarters of the Northwest company. The timber trade which began in earnest when Napoleon effectively stopped trade with Baltic states was to be the impetus for the phenomenal growth of Montreal. In the twelve years from 1800 - 1812 the population swelled from 9,000 to 16,000. Later as reciprocity agreements with the United States were concluded, Montreal became the transshipment centre for sawn lumber to the United States.
A. Sherriff Scott was born in Scotland where he studied painting as a young man. In about 1911 he emigrated to Canada and founded a school of painting in Montreal. Scott painted many historical scenes and became well known for his commissioned portraits and murals.
