Series consists of three groups of manuscripts and works in print: one of works by Catharine Parr Traill; one of works by members of her extended family and descendants; and one of additional material largely comprising works by Catharine Parr Traill.
The manuscripts and works in print by Catharine Parr Traill are arranged in three groups: her journals and notebooks; her literary manuscripts; and a small amount of printed material. The journals and notebooks are arranged chronologically, with transcripts prepared by Traill's biographer Sara Eaton interfiled among the originals. Some of the journals include entries by Thomas Traill and one notebook appears to have been shared by Catharine Parr Traill's sister-in-law, Katharine Rackham. As well as diary entries, the journals include biographical notes, botanical notes, notes on religious themes and spiritualism, some letter drafts, poems, and drafts of various books by Traill. Traill's literary manuscripts are arranged in six groups: miscellaneous pieces, including poems, notes and short stories; material for what appears to be a late edition of Traill's Canadian emigrant's guide; material for 'Studies of plant life in Canada'; material for 'Pearls and pebbles'; for 'Cot and cradle stories'; and for unpublished memoirs. The series includes copies of Traill's 'Sketch book of a young naturalist' (1831), 'Canadian wild flowers' (1869), and 'Infant's prayer book' (1873).
The manuscripts and printed works by members of Catharine Parr Traill's extended family, including the Traills, Stricklands and Moodies, are arranged alphabetically by author, and include material by Annie Atwood, Florence Atwood, Frederick Montague De La Fosse, Mary Agnes FitzGibbon, John W. Dunbar Moodie, Hargrave Henry Muchall, Mary Muchall, G. Page, Frances Stewart, Agnes Strickland, Jane Strickland, Samuel Strickland and the Reverend G. Warren. Some of the manuscripts are transcripts of works by Catharine Parr Traill. Included are some clippings of works in print.
The additional manuscripts largely comprise works by Catharine Parr Traill, including material for 'Studies of plant life in Canada', 'Pearls and pebbles' and 'Cot and cradle stories', but also include one Florence Atwood manuscript and some miscellaneous material.
See also the Correspondence series, for manuscripts by William Edward Traill.
