FARMING THE FRONTIER: THE AGRICULTURAL OPENING OF THE OREGON COUNTRY, 1786-1846. Gibson, James R. Vancouver, University of British Columbia Press, c1985. 265pp, Cloth, $29.95, ISBN 0-7748-0219-7.CIP Grade 12 and up Reviewed by Iyvan Michalchyshyn Volume 14 Number 4 1986 July This book, written by James R. Gibson, a geographer at York University, is a very detailed account of the development of the Oregon district. The account is very straight forward and uses many primary sources, such as the Hudson Bay Company archives, to trace the evolution of this area from a fur trading to an agricultural settlement. As this evolution occurs, the area comes under the control and influence of the United States. Gibson points out how Canadian claims to this region were quite legitimate and how they were overlooked in the final political decision. The work is quite scholarly and uses much statistical material. Many useful maps and illustrations are included. It is also well footnoted and has an extensive bibliography. As a result of these factors, I would suggest the book is best suited for university undergraduates and perhaps keen high school students. Iyvan Michalchyshyn, Gordon Bell H.S., Winnipeg, Man.