Why were Frances North American holdings so sparsely populated

The harsh climate.

Explanation:

The harsh climate forced some settlers into different areas.

I think it is because the climate was harsh. There are other reasons, but that is all I remember learning from school-

My memory sucks- T^T

Hope this helps! <33

the option which was not a function of missionaries in the northwest was the first one - they established posts for trading furs and other goods.

missionaries were sent around the world to spread religion and their knowledge and others - they were not merchants who sold furs and other goods.