A New Map of the Island of Barbadoes: First systematic map of the island wherein every Parish, Plantation, Watermill, Windmill and Cattlemill is described with the name of the Present Possessor.

London,: By Phillip Lea at ye Atlas & Hercules in ye Poltry over against ye ould Jury and by John Sellers at his shop on the West side of the Royal Exchange,, [c.1682].. 530 by 610mm. (20.75 by 24 inches).. Hand-coloured engraved map. This very rare map is the earliest systematic survey of Barbados. Produced from the surveys of Richard Ford during the 1670s it shows the already extensive nature of sugar cultivation throughout the island. The map is oriented with north to the right by a large compass rose. Each of the island's eleven parishes, as established in 1645, are located and named. Each land plot and plantation (844) is identified with the proprietor's name and only six small patches of native forest remain uncultivated. The celebrated sugar mills throughout the island are located and shown with icons identified in a key as either windmill, watermill, or cattlemill - all which are employed in the grinding of sugar canes. The map is embellished with small vignettes of local plants such as the pawpaw tree, Bennawno (banana), Indian corn, sugar cane, pineapple, and Cabage Tree (palm). Bridgetown, Haletown, Speights Town, and Oistins are further detailed in small plan insets. One of the more interesting features of the map is the absence of the island's fortifications, which were evidently omitted by Ford due to his Quaker sensibilities. The surrounding reefs are indicated by a line of crosses with navigational hazards and bays noted. An elaborate cartouche features the allegorical figure of Britannia with the British coat of arms, Ceres holding a cornucopia, and Neptune with his consort. Contained within the cartouche is a "New Description of the Island of Barbados" that provides a description of the island's history, geography, and commerce. The map is further embellished with ships, sea monsters, and putti. This is the second state, with several alterations, sold by Phillip Lea and John Seller. Stevens and Tree give the date as 1685 on the basis of the imprint they consulted, but this example is undated, putting it slightly earlier. Tony Campbell, 'The Printed Maps of Barbados from the earliest times to 1873', Map Collector's Circle 21 (1965); Henry Stevens and Tree, 'Comparative Cartography', Map Collector's Circle 39 (1951) 6b.