situation whereby they may obtain the important privileges of settlement in his majesty's provinces of Upper Canada or Nova Scotia. JAMES BUCHANAN. N. B. Passports have already been granted at this office to 340 persons to proceed to Upper Canada.

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From the above, it is evident, that the policy recommended by the author of a låte work on North America,* who subscribes himself a British Traveller'-but whom we apprehend to have been, in reality, a British spy, is now actually adopted by the government of England. That policy consists in a rigorous system of colonization, by pouring large supplies of population into the Canadian territories; so as to endeavour at forming a counterpoise to the United States; or at least to raise up the local means of future annoyance. We mention it that our rulers may be upon their guard, and that our fellow citizens may not hesitate to sanction those measures which have for their object the defence and security of our country. We by no means wish to interfere with Great Britain, in the policy she may think fit to adopt, with regard to the regulation of her own subjects; or to rival her in the display of attractions;-but we do think, that, when a number of our fellow creatures repair spontaneously to our shores, because they are distressed, and anxious, but unable, to find employment-it is our duty, as a generous and hospitable people, to attend to the hardship of the case, and to seek and offer a suitable remedy. If Great Britain will undertake to provide for these emigrants, it is well; but, finding them among us, fatiguing our citizens, as they do, with their importunity to be rendered useful, we think it would be no more than consistent with a just character of liberality to afford to these persons an opportunity of enrolling themselves in companies for the settlement of our western territory. We have heard, as yet, of but a few detached societies for this purpose; assuming no regular form, and admitting none but those who can advance the sum of one hundred dollars at least. Such are the emigrant societies in the eastern states. But, no specific plan has been hitherto proposed for embodying the individuals destitute of resources, and rendering their services valuable in the grand scheme of western colonization.

We would suggest, then, in the absence of any other, and till a better shall be communicated (which we earnestly wish may be the case), that there be an Association of 500 persons, at least; whose individual example shall mutually stimulate to exertions, which, if isolated, they might be wholly incompetent to render successful. From these a committee of twenty-four persons or more, with a chairman, treasurer, and secretary, should be chosen by a general assembly of the body, and be entrusted with the conduct of their affairs. We would have an agent appointed by the government of the United States, to confer with the representatives

• The Colonial Policy of Great Britain.

of the company, and to reside at the chief seat of their destination. Congress, it is presumed, would not refuse grants of land to respectable bodies on the most indulgent and liberal terms; especially were the application made through a proper channel, and sanctioned by the due authorities. At a suitable spot, adjacent to some one of the great western rivers, that empty into the Atlantic Ocean-the Mississippi, the Scioto, or the Ohio-it is proposed to fix upon an eligible scite, for a town, or city; the ultimate magnitude of which would be assisted, as well as the joint interests of the different companies of settlers secured, by the various bodies. being brought as much as possible near to each other. In this view it would be proper, that all the companies should emanate from one spot, and look to one rallying point; where the proposed agent of Congress should reside. Hence the distribution of lots should diverge as radii from a common centre, to every point in the circumference, describing an entire circle. Protection and assistance might thus with greater facility be extended equally to the various quarters, and mutual support, so necessary to incipient success, would be the happy result of compact order in the arrangement.

It cannot be doubted, we think, that much good would come of all this; but the first question naturally is, how is it to be accomplished? Whence the necessary funds? Let it be inquired, what would be the expense of transport for 500 persons, and also of rations for the whole during one year: omitting entirely the consideration of the chace, fowling, and fishing, as sources for a supply of fresh food. Will it exceed the probable sum to be expected of three or more opulent storekeepers, in return for the exclusive privilege of opening stores by themselves or their agents in the new district during a limited term of three or five years? In such case, it would be necessary to leave open the option of procuring articles for private family use from any of the great cities, in order to guard against any undue combination or monopoly; but no other stores should be licensed excepting those belonging to the contractors. A more eligible course might be, to obtain a loan on prior mortgage of the land; the interest to be defrayed out of the second year's crop, and soforth, until the redemption of the principal at the expiration of the debt granted by Congress; it being understood, that the mortgage is to be first satisfied, before the payment of the purchase money. This point, it is presumed, Congress would not object to yield, in order to forward the important interests at issue in this question; since, by so doing, they will not have parted with any essential right, or in any degree have endangered the fulfilment of their just claims.

Thus far it may seem that the proposed settlement is suited more particularly to persons accustomed to agricultural pursuits, and the trades connected with it; but, it is conceived, that, by selecting a position at the extremity of one of those states, in which knowledge is duly estimated, or in such parts of the Missouri, In

diana, Illinois, or upper border of Louisiana territory, as but upon countries in some degree civilized-certain establishments might be founded, which would afford employment to the various powers of mind, as well as of body; and that a college, or university, with academies to supply it, might be instituted with advantage. It is not so much the state of a country, as the genius and determination of individuals, that gives rise to great undertakings. The cheapness of subsistence, when there, and the economy of education in free schools (which might be brought about, by liberally endowing the professorships) would compensate for the distant travel of youths even from the New England states; and the attraction of superior qualifications, notwithstanding their remoteness, might prevail in the proportion of their power, and surmount every intermediate obstacle. Such establishments would of course raise up printing presses, bookseller's stores, and demand a considerable quantity of stationary-hence the employment for a paper-mill-besides the consumption of innumerable articles of convenience and luxury; so that for talent, genius, and skill, for labour of many kinds, for speculation in some instances, and for industry in all, there would be found a brisk, extensive, and increasing demand.

We are afraid to trust ourselves in the indulgence of the contemplation, that such a prospect naturally excites,-so gratifying to the true patriot, and so interesting to human nature,-lest we should appear too visionary and romantic in the view of some of our readers. But in dismissing the subject for the present we cannot omit to recal the memorable instance of the town of Harmony; which exhibits a conclusive example of what industry, perseverence, good sense, and, above all, union, properly directed, are able to accomplish: qualities which, assembled and uniting their forces in one direction, will overcome difficulties apparently insuperable; will convert the wilderness into smiling plenty, and must infallibly produce the happiest results.

As a matter intimately connected with the general scope of the foregoing observations, we shall detain our readers with some account of New South Wales; a country, which, as we expect to show, is destined, one day or another, to have no small weight in the interests of the world. England cannot be too narrowly watched. All the Colonies that have been settled by her, in right of possession, of conquest, or of treaty, are become objects of her special care and protection; nor was she willing to give up certain Dutch colonies, captured during the war, which were to be restored by the treaty of peace-without retaining for a term of years, some share in their advantages. But the value attached to colonial possession is more particularly exemplified, in the refusal of the British Cabinet, to restore the islands of St. Lucie and Tobago, formerly belonging to France, as well as the Saintes near Guadalope, in the West Indies, and the Isle of France, in the East. We are led to these remarks by recent information

from England, that a new governor has been appointed for New South Wales; which is to be discontinued as a place of punishment, and to be converted to more important purposes." From all that we have heard of this colony, we are persuaded, that, sooner or later, its consequence as a place of trade and resort,-its vast agricultural resources, resembling, in this respect, our Columbia herself, its fisheries,its position, adjacent to China and Japan, and moreover its extent, (taking the whole island, 2000 miles long, and, in some places, nearly as broad)-must raise it into a more general and particular notice; attracting to its shores a host of settlers, traders, and others, who, multiplying with the powers of production in the soil, must speedily acquire for the country a new character, and force its way to public attention. Perhaps, at no distant day the infant colony, arriving at maturer vigor may reject parental control, and assume the independent functions of its manhood. A case, so analagous, in some respects, to that of our own country, it is curious to contemplate; and, whether the severence take place sooner or later, one thing is pretty certain, that it will occur through the mismanagement of the mother country.

We shall now proceed to give some account of the settlement itself derived from the information of an eye witness. Botany Bay, so called from the quantity of new botanical plants found growing on its shores, is situated in 33° S. long. 170° E. The most considerable district is that of Sidney. There are built ships of 500 tons, which sail to China, and to Peru. The East India Company is extremely jealous of the trade between New South Wales and China; and it is possible that, in the true spirit of monopoly, by their influence in the British Parliament, they may succeed in crushing it. Such a measure would infallibly produce much opposition in New South Wales; and, if persevered in, might be productive of a serious rupture. Sidney has, besides, as its dependencies, Paramatta, Newcastle, and Hawksbury, together with two islands, adjacent to the main land, termed Norfolk Island and Van Dieman's Land. All these settlements are prosperous and thriving. As the inhabitants enjoy a pure climate and productive soil, diseases, with the exception of such as arise from intemperance, or accident, are little known. Fresh fruits and vegetables are produced from the beginning to the end of the year. In the several towns, are to be found mechanics, manufacturers, and artists of every description; but agricultural labour is the most productive. In New South Wales, there are two annual harvests of wheat, of maize, and of grass. The increase of maize is astonishing; one bushel of its seed producing 600! Wheat is generally eaten by the wealthier classes, and supplied to shipping. Maize is consumed chiefly by the poor. Rice, millet, and oats, have, as yet, been rarely planted; but they thrive uncommonly well. The wild cattle are almost as numerous as those of South America; and, by means of them, and of the tame herds and flocks, an abundance of fresh meat is at all times to be had in the different markets, and,

generally, at a reasonable price. A cross breed of sheep, mingling a few English ewes with some Cape and Bengal rams, has produced a very superior fleece, which has been much admired, and estimated to be worth 6s. per pound in England. The climate is very favourable to sheep, and the mutton perhaps not to be surpassed in the world. The excellent quality of the wool has induced several public spirited individuals to establish, at Paramatta, a woollen manufactory; which has been attended with every success. At Sidney, 78 looms are constantly employed in weaving sails and sacking, as also a coarse cloth and linen. Some line and flax are manufactured; and, if encouragement offered, might be so to a much greater extent.

Bass, by his discovery of the straits that bear his name, obviated, to vessels sailing from the Cape of Good Hope to New South Wales, the passage to and around a very stormy cape; which new track shortened the distance from Africa by one thousand miles. The sea that washes the shores of New South Wales and of Peru, deserves the name of Pacific; for it has no violent curents, no Trade Winds, no Chinese Tuffons. From Sidney the voyage to New Zealand is frequently performed in three days; to China, in five weeks; to Peru, in four; to Bengal, in six; and to the Cape of Good Hope, in five. The geographical advantages of the position, therefore, are evidently great and promising.

From the south pole herrings visit Botany Bay during November and following months; and five or six species of the fish common to the British channel are daily caught on the coast. Sperm whales abound in the mouths of the rivers, and in every part of the sea to Peru. The oil is brought there in small vessels, and thence exported to London. One house in Sidney, consisting of three partners, who were formerly convicts, remitted oil and seal skins to London, in one year, to the value of £50,000. It is expected, that a profitable traffic, will be carried on between Sidney and Peru, should the South American provinces establish their independence. The exports of the Colony have hitherto principally consisted of oil, seal skins, coals, and wool. The trade in skins and coals, is the most thriving; though it is much straitened by the restrictions in favour of the East India Company. The culture of hemp and flax for exportation is rapidly increasing. Masts and spars, equal to those of Norway, are exported to Bengal; and a profitable trade in sandal wood, procured from the neighbouring Feejee islands, is carried on with the South Sea islands and China, where, the demand is very great, and, of course, prices very high. At present, owing to the absurd monopoly vested in the East India Company, the trade to China is illicit, and carried on under numerous disadvantages. The chief articles of import are, spirituous liquors, tea, sugar, agricultural implements, manufacturing tools and machines, watches, haberdashery, millinery, wrought iron, brass, copper, pewter, steel, glass and earthenware, books, leather, cutlery, stuffs, baizes, hats, soaps, drugs, colours, stationary, tin, japanned and plated ware, toys, sadlery, musical and mathematical instru