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state of the labouring poor is not what it ought to
be. Secondly, that policy as well as humanity
calls loudly for an amelioration of their condition.
And thirdly, that there are no means so easy, so
effectual and so likely, both to satisfy the poor
man's complaints, and to relieve those on whom
his maintenance is a severe burthen, as providing
him with a small allotment of land, sufficient to give
him an interest in the soil which he cultivates,
and to assist him in the support of his family.
It could not have been supposed that any
objection could have been started against a plan
so obviously beneficial to all parties, and so
immediately practicable ; but there are some who
object to any innovation on old established cus-
toms, and some, I fear, who think the poor
man's situation better than it really is. There
are some likewise who are so thoroughly convinced
of what they term a superabundant population,
that they consider emigration,* on an extensive
* There is a species of Emigration which I much approve, and
am endeavouring to promote. Our Colonies stand much in need
of Females. No decency of manners or morals can be preserved
whilst such a disproportion between the sexes continues. It is not
fit that man should be alone. The fault I find with emigration is,
that the best of our population leave us, whilst the worst stay at
home to torment and disgrace us. Could the latter be sent away
and the former kept at home, and made content in their situation
of life, our strength would be improved, and our revenue in-
creased. In this case, I should be an advocate for emigration,
and not an opponent to it.