Colies. Françaises (Amérique) I. A Martinique. Imp. Ad. Mertens, Paris-Bruxelles.

• Main Author: Ad. Mertens
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Ad. Mertens, Paris-Bruxelles 1890
• Subjects: Political; Pictorial map; Day Island
• Online Access: https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~333470~90101853; https://media.davidrumsey.com/MediaManager/srvr?mediafile=/Size4/RUMSEY~8~1/195/14304087.jpg

Map of the French colony in the Americas, which is the current-day island of Martinique. Map shows political boundaries, cities, routes, topography, coastline and drainage. Relief shown with hachures. Map appears as an inset within illustrated scenery from the corresponding area, including the terrain, flora, fauna, architecture and items of cultural significance, such as regional products. Colored chromolithograph on card, with gilded details. Part of a set of 88 cards showing departments of France, as well as French colonies around the world. Verso of each card has an identical advertisement, beginning: Le fil géographique, 40 millions de pelotes par an très lisse, très fort, aussi brillant que la soie . [= Geographical thread, 40 million spools per year, very smooth, very strong, as shiny as silk . ]. (Imprint taken from verso; date estimated.) Set of chromolithographic maps of France and colonies, published in Paris by Imp. Ad. Mertens, circa 1890. Set contains 88 cards, each 9 x 12 cm. Cards contain political maps showing the boundaries for departments in France, as well as French colonies around the world. "Départements" are the second-tier administrative subdivisions of France, below the regions. The cards contain a total of 95 maps: 80 cards have a single map of one department; 8 cards have maps of French colonies, some with multiple maps, each representing a different colony. Maps show political boundaries, cities, routes, topography, coastlines and drainage. Relief shown with hachures. Maps appear on illustrations of unfurled scrolls, surrounded by scenery from the corresponding area, including terrain, water, flora, fauna, architecture and items of cultural significance. Maps of colonies also include indigenous figures in traditional dress. Chromolithographs feature glimmering gilded details. The verso of each card has identical text - an advertisement for the printer, beginning: Le fil géographique : 40 millions de pelotes par an très lisse, très fort, aussi brillant que la soie . [= Geographical ...