Copied from the QUEBEC-RESEARCH list Answer by Linda Maitland <lindamaitland@telus.net> Hi Laurent, I'll do my best to explain, paraphrasing and quoting from the book, "The Illustrated History of Canada" edited by Craig Brown, page 127-129. Keeping in mind that Quebec City was founded in 1608 and Montreal in 1642, King Louis XIV of France embarked on a vigorous recruiting program to people New France, as by 1663 there were only 3000 colonists. "One source of new settlers was the Regiment de Carignan, the officers and men sent to defend the settlers from the Iroquois in 1665... Many of the officers and about 400 of the men" settled in New France. These soldiers and the other settlers recruited to New France at this time rarely brought wives with them. "In 1663 men outnumber women two to one", so the Crown recruited female immigrants, les filles du roi, or King's Daughters. "Between 1663 and 1673, about 775 women accepted royal offers of transportation to New France...with the assistance of a royal dowry...ninety per cent of the women found husbands." By 1681 the population was nearly 10,000, and these settlers produced "most of the Francophone population of Canada". Hope this helps. Linda Maitland Vancouver, BC http://www.ziplink.net/~24601/roots/sources/KINGGIRL.htm The King's Daughters http://morinking.coastalw.com/roots/fillesdu.htm Filles du Roi