This is one of the most graphic and beautifully engraved maps in Scherer's series of North American maps. California is depicted as an island with a nearly flat northern coast and only two place names in the south. The map is engraved with various shading to show the areas converted to Christianity, those exposed to the gospel, and those still unenlightened. Lighter shades denote where missions are located and, according to the cartouche, the habitants have been 'illuminated in true faith.' The map is richly decorated with cartouches held aloft by cherubs, a fabulous sea monster, and a large ship bearing Jesuit priests sailing in the Atlantic. The entire Pacific region contains a scene of Christ in a wheat field surrounded by six followers with sickles. Plaques above and below quote passages from Matthew and John regarding spreading the gospel. An interesting map illustrating a different perspective on colonization.

References: McLaughlin #162; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SHER-1a #26; Tooley (Amer) plt. #60.

Condition: B+

A superb, dark impression with light toning along the centerfold and a hint of offsetting.