everal modern writers
have alluded to this fact; but in conversation with Mr. G. W. Walker,
the author has been given to understand, that neither he nor his
colleague, Mr. Backhouse, ever heard of this projected emigration. The
correspondence upon the subject would probably disclose more clearly the
ultimate views of the imperial government. Dr. Laing assigns, for the
relinquishment of the project, a refusal to extend the laws of England
to the settlement,--but gives no authority.]

SECTION X.

The spirit of the Commissioner's propositions was embodied by the home
government, and its offers were published in various forms; chiefly,
indeed, by the diligence of adventurers who, to freight their ships,
filled volumes, and depicted in lively colors the beauty of the
colonies. The intending settler was told, that not only would he find
cheap land and cheap labor, but a large return for his produce.

By the grants of Sir Thomas Brisbane, bonds were required to be given
for the support and employment of prisoners, until their detention
expired--calculated at the average term of ten years. For every hundred
acres, the settler engaged to provide one convict with food and
clothing, in return for his labor; and to contribute 18s. per annum
towards the expense of medicine, police, and religious instruction
(1822). Still further to encourage such contracts, the settlers were
furnished with a cow, for every convict attached to their grants, to
continue in their possession during the term of his servitude![157]

The regulation issued at Downing-street in 1824, engaged that the
purchaser of land--who within ten years might save ten times the amount
of his payment, by the employment of convicts, reckoning each at L16 per
annum--should receive back his money, though without interest; but when
the land was conditionally given, one-fifth part of that saving would
pass to account of quit-rent, and thus probably entitle the employer to
entire relief.

The Van Diemen's Land Company, by agreement with Earl Bathurst, entered
into similar covenants, and received their land subject to a quit-rent,
redeemable by the sustentation and employment of prisoners--to them a
fortunate stipulation,[158] and which has relieved their vast territory
from a heavy pressure. These various plans indicate the difficulties of
finding masters, which once prevailed.

The government having roused the spirit of emigration, were soon enabled
to grant a favor