REMARKS ON EM IGRATION. 465

ling through the principal parts of, the British em- pire in North America.

In remarking generally on the condition of the inhabitants of our American colonies, as respects their means, none, except those engaged immediately or." indirectly in commerce, have accumulated fortunesa’ The majority of the whole population possess consi- derable property in land and cattle ; among the re— mainder, many are poor; but beggars are scarcely ever seen, unless it be in the towns, where some accidental calamity or natural infirmity brings occa- sionally a destitute individual to solicit charity. Many of the Irish emigrants are frequently observed beg- ging, for a short time after landing.

The old settlers are not always discovered to be the most opulent, notwithstanding the advantages they have had of selecting the best lands. It is truly lamentable to observe the condition of some of those who have long occupied the finest farms, and. whose poverty is the visible consequence of unsteadiness, extravagance, and often a silly species of pride that attaches contempt to rural industry. In each of the colonies I know many farmers of this character, who, before the month of May each year, have to purchase grain and potatoes from their more provident neigh- bours. -.

It is, however, most satisfactory to know, that, in every instance, the early settler who has confined his labour to agriculture, and who has managed the fruits of his toil with frugality and judgment, is

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