parative plenty. It is alleged--though we do not vouch for the
fact--that when wheat and maize were carried into Ireland and given
gratis, the famine was not stayed. Though they had the wheat and
maize, they could not grind them; if ground, they could not cook
them--they had neither vessels nor fuel; if vessels and fuel were
given, they were still unable to assist themselves--they had not skill
to cook them; and if cooked, they could not eat them--they had never
been accustomed to do so! Such are the effects of carrying contentment
too far: the individual becomes wholly resourceless.

We try to induce them to fish with the same results. If we give them
boats, they have no nets; give them nets, they know not how to use
them; teach them to use them, and they can neither cook nor eat the
fish; and as to selling them for other comforts, there is no market!
Without a knowledge of agriculture, or fishing, or even talents to
feed themselves, such men are useless in any quarter, unless as
subjects to be taught; and now at last, but greatly too late, they are
being taught, and the much-abused railway will carry their produce to
the market.

The Scottish Celt is more shifty. In the old days when he had flesh
and little else to eat, he could broil it on the coals; and a Scotch
collop is perhaps equal to a Turkish kebob. We wonder if in Australia
the long-forgotten Scotch collop has been revived? It requires no
cooking-vessels. It may be held to the fire on a twig, or laid on the
coals and turned by a similar twig--bent into a collop-tongs--or even
by the fingers.

In the Rebellion of 1745, the Scoto-Celt could knead into a cake the
meal, which he carried as his sole provision, and knew that it ought
to be fired upon a griddle; but if he had no other convenience, he
could knead it in his bonnet, and eat it raw, and go forth to meet and
conquer the best-appointed soldiers in Europe. It was only when at
last he had neither rest nor food that he was dispersed--not
conquered. A lowland Scot is better. With a dish and hot water, and of
course the meal and salt, he can make _brose_, and live and thrive
upon it.

How John Bull, who in his own country is carnivorous, and will have
his roast-pig on Sunday, if he should slave all the week--how he gets
on in a new country, is more doubtful. Very likely, having more wants,
he makes more provision for them; but as below a certain rank he is
not a writing animal, less is known of his succes