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 PEACTICAL SUGGESTIONS 
 
 AS TO 
 
 INSTRUCTION IN FARMING 
 
 IN 
 
 CANADA & THE NORTH-WEST, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 " Angustam amice pauperic-in pati 
 Eobustus acri militia piier 
 Condiscat." — Horace. Carm. iii. 2. 
 
 EIGHTH EDITIOX, HE VISE I) 
 
 FORD, EATHBOXE, AND WALTER, 
 21, FiNSEURY Paa-f.mf.xt, LoM>oy, E.C.
 
 PEEFACE 
 
 The American Colonisation Company is a private 
 undertaking, witli a complete organisation on both sides of 
 the Atlantic, which ensures a thorough fulfilment abroad of 
 every engagement entered into here.
 
 PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS 
 
 AS TO 
 
 INSTRUCTION IN FARMING 
 
 IN 
 
 Canada and the North-West, and the 
 United States of America. 
 
 A Self-supporting Occupation and Opening in Life far 
 
 Gentleinen^s Sons, and a pimdent icay of starting for any 
 
 lolio desire to engage in Agricidture in America. 
 
 Young gentlemen desirin<? to learn American agriculture ^^iect^aiid 
 
 ° . . Scope of the 
 
 and stock raising thoroughly, with the view, when they have Sj^tem. 
 gained sufficient experience, of commencing work on farms 
 of their own, can he placed with carefully-chosen farmers in 
 the best districts either of the United States or Canada, 
 where they will receive board and residence in addition to 
 monthly pay, so that from the commencement they can be 
 self-supporting and start successfully. 
 
 The system requires on the part of the pupil the same 
 attention to the farm and actual labour as the owner of the 
 farm and his sons are accustomed to bestow upon it, and 
 almost any one who has thus learned farming can engage in 
 it profitably on his own account; (1) by the purchase of 
 land for cash ; (2) on time payments extending over a term 
 of years ; (3) by joining the farmer he is placed with, or some 
 of his English companions ; (4) by taking a farm on the 
 share system, a plan commonly adoj^ted in the States ; (5) by 
 acquiring 160 acres freehold, and free of cost, under the
 
 6 
 
 Homestead* Act. In either of the last two metliods he can, 
 if necessary, commence with little or no capital beyond that 
 which he may save out of his earnings ; and though the pro- 
 gress then will be slower at first, it is the way in which 
 many, and in some districts the majority, of American 
 farmers begin. 
 
 The leading principle of the system we have originated is 
 to make the young men self-supporting from the first, and in 
 this way the self-reliance so necessary to success in a new 
 country can best be acquired. To send them out without 
 the imposed obligation to work and to earn honest payment 
 for their services would not lead to habits of industry, and 
 to that practical acquaintance with every part of the business 
 without which they could not safely be hereafter trusted 
 with farms of their own ; and the farmer himself would not 
 liave such control over them as would ensure his being able 
 to teach them properly. 
 
 The farmers selected to receive young men are chiefly 
 those cultivating from 160 to 600 acres as mixed grain and 
 stock farms, which are the size and description most general 
 in the States ; and as it would probably be on farms of this 
 acreage that the majority of those going out would commence 
 for themselves, it is unquestionably better for them to gain 
 their experience in this manner than on larger farms ; those, 
 however, who desire to learn on larger farms, and can after- 
 wards command the capital necessary to start and carry them 
 on, can be suitably placed for that purpose, though the 
 advice in all cases is that they should commence in the 
 smaller way. 
 
 To those who prefer an active out-of-door life to the 
 
 * The fees on entering a Homestead amount to about £3, and absolute title is 
 given after proof of five years' residence and cultivation each year of some por- 
 tion. A capital of £100 would be sufficient to enable a young Englishman to 
 commence in a small way for himself. It may be observed, however, that many 
 Americans start successfully with even smaller amounts. 
 
 « UIUC '
 
 sedentary occupation of an office, or who seek, but arc 
 unable to find, an ojKining in England which will permit 
 them to earn an income and maintain themselves, this occu- 
 pation must specially commend itself ; for the life is a manly, 
 honest, self-reliant, and healthy one, and a substantial living 
 can be the result. 
 
 But whilst it offers an assured future to those who will 
 acquire habits of industry, and are content to live soberly 
 and economically, it is not desired to suggest change to such 
 as have already settled occupations here, or to cause the 
 slightest feeling of disappointment to those who go out 
 through any highly-coloured representations of the life. 
 
 Experience has shown that the best and proper way to ^^^^ '" 
 start farming is by learning the business thoroughly at the 
 outset in the manner here suggested, and without the aid 
 of capital. Capital is of little or no use without experience, 
 or, at any rate, a fair knowledge of farming. Of course, 
 where capital is wanting, progress will be slower at first ; but 
 whilst on the one hand there are many who have started 
 without money and are yet prosperous, there are many more, 
 especially among the English, who, after beginning farming 
 with considerable capital, have lost it for lack of industry 
 and experience. 
 
 The course here recommended is, that the learner should Pi!i<;i «»' 
 go out with a view to live and work precisely as the 
 farmers themselves, their sons, and their men do, because 
 the proper plan for any one who intends to engage in 
 farming is first to acquire this practical knowledge and 
 experience, even if he have, or should hereafter have, the 
 command of capital ; and it is the only way in which those 
 starting without capital, or with only a moderate amount, 
 can become successful. 
 
 As to the work to be learned, it is the custom for farmers, wlirk*^ *^
 
 not to 
 
 8 
 
 especially in Canada and the Western States, to do the 
 work themselves with but little hired help, and it is 
 necessary, therefore, for a pupil not to be above learning 
 to use his hands. Personal labour is not considered in the 
 least derogatory in America, but is regarded as a title to 
 social resjxjct ; and as hired labour is generally expensive, 
 especially at busy seasons of the year, such as harvest, it is 
 customary for a farmer to exchange work with his neigh- 
 bour; the new settler, therefore, stands at a disadvantage 
 if, through being unable or unwilling to work, he is com- 
 pelled to hire labour, or if his two days' time are only worth 
 his neighbour's one day. 
 
 Those, therefore, who do not propose to learn farming 
 by actively helping with the daily work, but wish to idle 
 about towTis, or only to ride about and overlook others, are 
 not recommended to go under this system ; for, though thjey 
 might honestly believe they were doing all that was necessary 
 for their future success, they would eventually find they had 
 been acquiring only habits of idleness, never becoming 
 thoroughly independent, but making constant demands for 
 money on their friends at home, and permanently prejudicing 
 their prospects. 
 
 This plain view of the matter is expressed in the interest 
 only of the pupil and his friends. We are far from painting 
 a success to be acquired without labour, or advocating a 
 system under which we could easily, if so desired, place 
 young men with farmers or other residents, who would be 
 willing to receive them on moderate annual payments without 
 expecting their help or exertions. 
 
 Xor can a residence with English gentlemen be recom- 
 mended to those who go out to really learn farming, for, 
 though there are English families settled in various districts 
 in comfortable homes, they are usually officers or other
 
 gentlemen who, having but recently gone out, are only them- 
 selves learning American farming, and are, therefore, not 
 qualified to teach it ; these gentlemen, moreover, usually re- 
 quire high terms as payment for board and residence, how- 
 ever long the pupil may remain (often as much as j£100 a 
 year), and usually give no pay; so that the young men 
 neither become self-supporting, nor are taught as an Ameri- 
 can farmer who has begun without money and made his own 
 way would be able to teach them ; and unless the}^ have 
 acquired the knowledge of detail and habits of work and 
 steadiness which a practical training gives, they will not be 
 likely to succeed in the management of land or farms of their 
 own ; it is not only knowing how to do the work, but the 
 habit of actually' doing it which is so necessary for their 
 success when they start for themselves. 
 
 As to the country or district to be selected, there is no Selection of 
 
 •^ ^ ' Country. 
 
 doubt that Xorth America has an advantage on the score of 
 distance over most of the English colonies. ISTot only are 
 Australia and Xew Zealand far distant, and the cost of the 
 journey very great, but it now requires considerable capital 
 to succeed in these colonies; the Cape has few advant- 
 ages, and the constant difficulties with the natives form a 
 serious obstacle to settlement there. North America is 
 provided with perfect railway communication ; Quebec and 
 New York, its principal ports, iire within ten days of Liver- 
 pool, and the mails are dispatched nearly every day. 
 
 In reference to the most desirable parts for settlement, the 
 " Standard," in commenting upon recent emigration statistics, 
 says : — 
 
 *' When we glance at the direction taken by the human flood which 
 in June poured out of the Mersey, we find as usual that the great Re- 
 public obtained the greatest share of the fertilising overflow of the Old 
 Continent. Of these 26,688 people, 22,565 were bound for the United 
 States, 3,837 for Canada, 40 for Australia, 173 for South America, and
 
 10 
 
 31 for Africa, by which may be understood the Cape and Natal. . . 
 It may be, therefore, said in general terms that last month's emigrants 
 went entirely to the United States and Canada. . . The great dis- 
 tances of the South African and Australian colonies are a drawback to 
 their settlement. With the exception of New Zealand, and of Tasmania 
 in a less degree, they present but small attractions to the tiller of the 
 soil." 
 
 The district at first selected "by the founders of this agency 
 was that of Southern Minnesota and Upper Iowa, a country 
 exceptionally healthy. The climate is hotter in summer and 
 colder in winter than in England, but the seasons are very 
 enjoyable, the atmosphere is clear, dry, and bracing, and no 
 rain falls during the winter months, which are much more 
 healthy than in England. 
 
 The same characteristics of temperature, soil, and climate 
 are also found in Southern Wisconsin, to which State we 
 are now sending pupils, and the farm-houses [and appoint- 
 ments are usually better than in the first- named districts. 
 The best parts of Canada also offer an excellent field for 
 learning farming, probably better than any of the Prairie 
 States, though the prairies give better opportunities for buy- 
 ing land at low prices or starting a farm. "We have selected, 
 therefore, the province of Ontario, as being one of the best 
 districts in Canada, and eminently suited for those who desire 
 to gain a thorough knowledge of farm and country, and yet 
 wish to settle under English laws ; and Manitoba, where the 
 finest wheat is raised on a soil of unexampled fertility, and 
 the crops have never yet failed. Many prefer the milder 
 winter climate and more equal seasons of some of the Southern 
 States, and these we shall be able to place in the well-known 
 blue grass region of Kentucky and richest parts of Missouri 
 and Nebraska, abounding in cattle, where the farms are large, 
 and the homes often more attractive than in the north. 
 Missouri is a great agricultural and stock-raising State, and 
 blue grass grows as luxuriantly as it does in Kentucky.
 
 11 
 
 There are great natural advantages for the successful growing 
 of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. In ^NTebraska Indian corn Nebraska. 
 as well as other grain is largely grown, and cattle-breeding is 
 a profitable occupation in this State. We need only say of 
 Texas that which all men allow, that the rich pasturage of Texas 
 this State makes it unrivalled as a stock-raising country, 
 and that we have selected a healthy, station in a quiet and 
 fertile district. A training at any of the stations provided 
 by us for pupils qualifies them for settling in any part of the 
 United States, Canada, or Manitoba, where free lands are to 
 had ; and their judgment in selecting a favourable locality 
 for operations will be much assisted by the experience gained 
 in their course of tuition. 
 
 The farmhouses in all of the Western districts are usually ^^omes. 
 unpretentious, smaller than in England, and not adorned 
 with gardens ; the living also is generally plainer than that 
 which young men well brought up here have been accustomed 
 to, especially in the mode of cooking, which is indifferent, 
 but the diet is plentiful and there is everywhere what may 
 be termed a rough abundance. 
 
 The people are orderly, sober, honest, energetic, and The Farmers, 
 steady ; and the farmers, who have been carefully selected to 
 receive the pupils, are among the best and most respected in 
 the community, and often fill posts in the local Government 
 or administration. They will in each case do all in their 
 power to make those they receive comfortable, provided the 
 latter are industrious, steady, and docile. 
 
 Usually only one pupil will be placed on a farm, never '^^^ ^^^^' 
 more than two ; and in every instance a separate bedroom is 
 stipulated for, unless expressly stated to the contrary : some 
 of the farmers wish to take two pupils, but though the com- 
 panionship of another young Englishman might be very 
 agreeable, it is not considered to their ultimate advantage to
 
 12 
 
 Rxpenditure 
 and Allow- 
 ance. 
 
 be together. They will he more under the influence of the 
 farmer and more interested in their work when on separate 
 farms. 
 
 Tlie cost of clothes and necessary expenditure need not 
 exceed £10 a year, and can be provided out of their pay. 
 Young men going out inexperienced would not at first be 
 worth more than their board, but in the agreement made on 
 their behalf with the farmers it is stipulated that they shall 
 receive from £1 to £2 a month, in addition to board and 
 residence, for the first twelve months or more, according to 
 age, ability, and the custom of the locality ; after that time 
 they are worth more, and can in some cases earn as much as ' 
 £4 a month throughout the year, if they are strong, capable, 
 and industrious ; but having by this time acquired self-re- 
 liance and experience in the business, they would be able, and 
 probably prefer, to bargain on their own account^ until they 
 are ready to take land or farms of their own. 
 
 A probation of from one to three years is sufficient to 
 confer such a thorough knowledge of farming as will 
 qualify them to start on their own account, with a good 
 prospect of success. 
 
 In corroboration of the views advanced in the present and 
 previous editions of this pamphlet, respecting the necessity 
 for some such probationary time being spent on an American 
 farm before any investment of capital is made, the following 
 extract is given from a speech by Mr. J. Walter^ M.P. for 
 Berkshire, and of the " Times " newspaper, who, in saying 
 that he — 
 
 *' jHcid some experience of the emigration of English farmers to 
 America .... believed it would be greatly to their advantage, 
 and would materially advance their object, if they would serve a very 
 few years of apprenticeship before they entered upon their career as 
 
 farmers To succeed as an emigrant farmer there should be 
 
 at first, on one side or other of the Atlantic, an apprenticeship, so to 
 say, to the business."
 
 13 
 
 In a subsequent speech Mr. Walter says : — 
 
 ** I am firmly persuaded that America will become more a field of 
 enterprise to thousands of English gentlemen, farmers,'and other classesof 
 
 people Before the close of next century there will be a 
 
 population of 200 millions in the United States, and what I wish is 
 that more Englishmen would go out there." 
 
 The work required is hard, and a sound constitution is work and 
 
 . . . , Recreation^ 
 
 essential, but the health and physical capacity are improved 
 by the regular exercise, and there is plenty of recreation ; 
 for at certain seasons of the year, especially in Canada or the 
 West, there is not so much to be done on the farm, and 
 some time is then pleasantly spent in social enjoyments ; 
 sport also is plentiful. 
 
 As to the profits to be derived from farming, the oecupa- ^^'^^^* 
 tion should afford an income comparatively free from anxiety 
 for the maintenance of a family and a provision for the 
 future : — and further, it may be stated that there are some 
 cases in which farmers in some of the States referred to 
 commenced without capital and have realised from £10,000 
 to £20,000, or more, from farming : this result is excep- 
 tional ; it is, however, by no means exceptional to see farmers 
 who came into the country originally without any money at 
 all now well-to-do and thriving. The advantages of 
 superior education which most young Englishmen have 
 received will, if they show equal industry with their 
 American neighbours, ensure their becoming influential and 
 respected members of the community, progress being much 
 more rapid, and openings for advancement, both in agricul- 
 tural and commercial life, much more numerous in America 
 than in England. The author of "To-Day in America," 
 says : — 
 
 " Life in America must have special charms for young Englishmen 
 who have to make their way in the world."
 
 Total Outlay 
 
 14 
 
 Tliu total outlay necessary for entering on an American 
 farm in the manner here indicated, according to local ad- 
 vantages, size, and quality, under the auspices of this agency, 
 i>^: — For premium, in Iowa, £50; Minnesota, £60; in Canada, 
 £60, £80, and £100; in Wisconsin, Manitoba, Missouri, 
 Nebraska, and Texas, £70; and in Kentucky, £80; beyond 
 which there is no charge whatever, either annual or other- 
 wise, and the only further expense is the cost of the journey, 
 and such outfit as may be taken. The graduation of the 
 premium depends on the style and characteristics of the 
 farm. 
 
 These premiums cover the amount paid to the farmer as 
 well as the agency here, and also the payment to the local 
 agents who receive and place the pupils on suitable farms, 
 and who continue, from time to time, to advise them and 
 see to their welfare ; the proportion paid to the farmer is in 
 each case specified in the agreement and receipt, and this 
 amount is in each case remitted by us, and is placed in trust 
 in the local bank, and paid to the farmer when the contract 
 is signed, after a month's trial has elapsed, and the pupil has 
 signified his satisfaction with the way he is placed ; this 
 precaution being taken so that if any change of farm is 
 necessary it can be the more readily made. 
 
 The entire cost of the journey to the States or Canada 
 will be covered by from £20 to £26, according to distance 
 and locality selected ; it includes iirst-class cabin on the 
 steamship, first-class railway fares in America, Pullman's 
 sleeping cars, and the whole of the living expenses from 
 the time of leaving Liverpool until the pupil is. settled on 
 the farm. Detailed particulars of these expenses, and the 
 fullest instructions as to the journey, are supplied before 
 departure, also letters of introduction to our agents, both 
 en route and at their destination, who are advised in advance
 
 15 
 
 of eacli sailing. At IsTew York they meet the vessel on 
 arrival, assist in passing baggage through the Custom-house, 
 and see the pupils off by train ; the arrangements throughout 
 being so complete that no difficulty or mistake can arise at 
 any stage of the journey. 
 
 The only addition to the premium and the cost of the outfit- 
 journey is the outfit, which need not be large or expensive, 
 but should consist of a supply of winter underclothing, and, 
 in addition to the suits in ordinary wear, such worn clothes 
 as may be hardly suitable for use here, but quite good 
 enough for rough wear. Other clothing can be bought, as 
 and when required, out of monthly pay. They learn thus to 
 take care of their money. It is a mistaken kindness on the 
 part of parents or friends here to send out additional amounts, 
 for it only tends to promote a feeling of dependence upon 
 home instead of one of self-reliance. 
 
 The question may arise in the reader's mind, "Why should R^^ponsibi- 
 any premium Ije paid 1 It is undoubtedly true that young Agency, 
 men can seek, and probably obtain, temporary employment 
 for themselves without paying any premium for being 
 properly directed where to go, and for being provided with a 
 settled home on their arrival ; but the attempt has been 
 found dangerous unless they have friends to whom they can 
 apply, and then of coiu'se the services of a responsible agent 
 are not necessary. It is very difficult for a young man 
 without advice, in the States, to ascertain the best spot for 
 his purposes; he would probably hang about large cities 
 where employment is as difficult to find as it is in England, 
 or if he should settle upon some country district he must 
 lodge in hotels, and when successful in finding employment, 
 it might only be of a temporary nature, or with undesirable 
 comrades or acquaintances ; and even if the consequences 
 were not demoralising, the difficulties and expense would be
 
 16 
 
 very considerable. Of course, when experienced in fai'm life, 
 it would be easy enough to find suitable places, but it is at 
 the commencement that help and guidance are of so much 
 value j and experience shows that parents are safer in paying 
 a premium to ensure suitable positions, for a certain term, on 
 the arrival of their sons, than in sending them out in a hap- 
 hazard manner to seek homes for themselves. A stronpr 
 confirmation of this view is to be found in the fact that 
 parents who have sent sons under our care have, after a fair 
 trial, sent other sons also through our agency. 
 
 It should be understood also that the interest this agency 
 takes in those who go out under its care does not cease upon 
 their settlement on suitable farms ; and it is kept informed 
 of, and it reports on, their progress, and endeavours to afford 
 them every advice and assistance. The first few months on 
 a farm is probably the most trying time of all, and pupils 
 are particidarly desired, as soon as possible after arrival, to 
 write their views, fully and freely, about the living and the 
 work, to assist our judgment, and to show whether the best 
 arrangements under the circumstances have been made ; so 
 that if for any reason a change seems necessary (as will some- 
 times happen even where the greatest care has been taken in 
 selection), it may be made without delay, under proper in- 
 structions, and before the contract is closed with the farmer. 
 In any case of doubt or difiiculty, the pupil should at once 
 seek and follow the advice of our local representative, and 
 should also write immediately to this office. Where any 
 change is made without consulting with the resident agent 
 or ourselves, we cannot undertake to be responsible for the 
 result, although at all times, and under all circumstances, the 
 best thing possible in the interest of the pupil will be done. 
 Our interest in his welfare is identical with his own ; we 
 take every precaution against dissatisfaction or failure that
 
 17 
 
 knowledge and long experience can suggest, and any further 
 modification which appears necessary will at once be adopted. 
 
 It is desirable that all who propose to settle in America Quaiincatiou 
 shoukl thoroughly understand what the life is like. A " "^ 
 proper and early understanding of what they may expect 
 has much to do with their ultimate success. Some arc sure 
 to say the hardships and difference in living are greater than 
 they anticipated, and others similarly circumstanced will 
 declare that the life is by no means so rough as they ex- 
 pected ; all wall not meet wdtli the same success, all will not 
 be equally contented. Some, after a thorough trial, may not 
 like the occupation or be fitted for it ; but to these, openings 
 in commercial life may present themselves, for such oppor- 
 tunities are more numerous there than in Euii^dand. Others 
 may not do well, from circumstances over which the agent 
 who places them can have no control ; and some few would 
 be of a class who would not succeed anywhere. For the 
 last, the kindest thing their friends can do is to leave them 
 fairly started, entirely dependent on their own exertions, and 
 not to be continually sending them money from home ; for 
 no one need suffer want who has ordinary bodily health ; 
 and the steadiness which this mode of life will sooner or later ^tca.uim.*. 
 beget is an excellent course of training. The moral drawn 
 by Robinson Crusoe, from his experience, will still apply, 
 that ■' the diligent lived well and comfortably, and the sloth- 
 fid lived hard and beggarly, and so I believe, generally 
 speaking, it is all over the world." We cannot be resjwnsibh' 
 for the consequences of irregular conduct ; the system here 
 recommended as a safe training and a valuable opening in 
 life is based upon sobriety, steadiness, and self-control. 
 
 We believe that a young man when fairly started should 
 depend for success mainly on his own exertions, and agree 
 with a recent writer in " Scribner " that —
 
 18 
 
 * * The younf; man who is saved from the effort of making his own 
 way in the world and the necessity of establishing his own position, 
 is denied the most powerful stimulus to labour and development. The 
 young men who are coming every year out of the colleges and the 
 professional schools of the country, and starting into active life, will 
 win success or sink into failure mainly in accordance with the amount 
 of stimulus under which their education has been acquired. If they 
 have been obliged to labour until they have learned the value of 
 money ; if they have been forced into close economies, and learned also 
 how difficult it is to keep it ; if they have grown up with the con- 
 scioitsness upon them that everything they hope for in the world must 
 be won by their own unaided force and industry ; if they have acquired 
 thrifty habits and self helpfulness and self trust, — they enter life with 
 great and most assuring advantages. " 
 
 It is precisely this training whicli can be found in the 
 occupation we offer ; but though we can carry out what we 
 undertake we cannot always ensure a successful result, nor 
 provide the pupU with a lucrative appointment. We can, 
 as Emerson says, "but accompany the youth to the gate of 
 the arena, for it is certain that, not by any strength of ours 
 but only by strength of his own, must he stand or fall." 
 Unquestionably in some cases, notwithstanding all the care 
 of ourselves and our agents, signal failure has been more or 
 less the result — less when the pupil has simply been dis- 
 inclined for steady application, more in that of those of 
 dissolute and intemperate habits. But even in these latter 
 and disheartening cases, success is not absolutely hopeless, if 
 friends will be persuaded not to commit the fatal error of 
 continually helping with money young men whom it would 
 be truer kindness to leave to help themselves. The late 
 lamented President Garfield, who rose by his own exertions 
 from the humblest to the highest station in his native 
 country, once observed with homely triteness : — 
 
 ** Nine times out of ten, the best thing that can happen to a young 
 man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim for him- 
 self. In all my acquaintance, I never knew a man to be drowned who 
 was worth the saving." 
 
 Proper contracts are entered into by us both with the
 
 19 
 
 farmers and the friends of the pupils, and the fullest parti- 
 culars will be given on all points upon which further infor- 
 mation is desired. AVhenever it is possible, a personal 
 interview is most satisfactory, for the numerous questions 
 which naturally occur can then be more fully answered and 
 explained than by letter. 
 
 Reference will be given to imrents whose sons have i^<^f''»'cnces 
 gone out (many among the number being the sons of clergy- 
 men, officers, and members of county families), so soon as it 
 has been decided that this proposed occupation and opening 
 meets the views of the inquirer. 
 
 Cheques on London Bankers should be crossed Messrs. Bankers. 
 Hoare and Co., 37, Fleet Street, London, E.C. ; cheques on 
 Country Bankers should be crossed Messrs. Melville, Evans, 
 and Co., 75, Lombard Street, E.C. Solicitors inquiring on 
 behalf of cKents are referred to Messrs. Wm. and A. Eanken ^'fiicitois 
 Ford, Solicitors, 4, South Square, Gray's Inn, London, W.C. 
 
 appe:ndix. 
 
 The subioined letter is from Mr. Farrar, who wrote to T>iscu.ssiouoa 
 
 » , . , . T -, n 1 . the System. 
 
 some of the papers respecting this method of jjlacing out . | 
 
 young men to learn farming in the Western States when it 
 first originated. It is addressed to a former member of the 
 American Colonisation Company. The corres^Dondence wliich 
 ensued was reprinted in full in tlie earlier editions of tliis 
 pamphlet; it is, however, omitted in this issue, at Mr. 
 Farrar's request, because the present letter renders its publi- 
 cation unnecessarv. 
 
 I: 
 
 "Dear Sir,— "' 
 
 *' I thank you for sending me the new edition of yoiu* pamphlet 
 entitled 'Farm Pupils in Aniprica.' It appears to describe Farm Lif»> 
 and Prospects in the "West both fully and fairly, the picture certainly !
 
 20 
 
 not being in any way overcoloureJ. I .should in fairness say tins to 
 you, because last winter I ventured to express a diflerent opinion to 
 some of the London papers, at a time when your arrangements had not 
 the completeness and maturity which they appear to possess now. The 
 test of practical experience is, undoubtedly, the best evidence in favour 
 of your plans, and, in view of the satisfaction which they are found to 
 give, it would be impossible to deny their success. 
 
 "I have, as you know, always been strongly of opinion that 
 English settlers should not go out and attempt the business of farming 
 without sufficient practical training, for, if they do, that course will 
 probably lead to a loss, at any rate of some part of the capital they 
 invest. I have no doubt that a year or two's training under a good 
 practical farmer will prove the metal of the young men, and their 
 fitness for a life requiring work. If eventually they do not like the 
 occupation, they will have gained in health, and have been placed in 
 a fair way of becoming frugal and industrious, while if they go through 
 the trial successfully, any capital which their friends can afterwards 
 supply them with to purchase and stock a farm will have many times 
 the value of the same amount of money given them at the start. 
 
 '* I think your plan of sending these young men to American farmers 
 is the only proper course. I should not recommend any one to go to 
 an English settler who had himself only recently learned the business 
 of American farming ; and, so far as my experience goes, what are 
 known as English Colonies in the States, had better be avoided. 
 
 *' I am, dear Sir, 
 
 • ' Yours faithfully, 
 "^Signed) J. M. FAllRAR, M.A., 
 
 " Official Commissioner for Immigration, Minnesota, and author 
 of ' Five Years in Minnesota.' 
 
 *' H. F. Shearmax, Esq., 
 
 "London, loth July, 1881." 
 
 AVhilst the correspondence was going on with Mr. Farrar, 
 
 the Editor of the " Field " newspaper, in a note appended to 
 
 one of the letters, says : 
 
 "We have no wish to interfere in a case of conflicting interest, but, 
 in justice to Mr. Shearman, it should be stated that he has laid the 
 papers and circulars referred to in his letter before us, and we have 
 failed to see in them anything but straightforward business, and 
 evidence of considerable care on his part. " 
 
 Competitive "VVc should be sorry to be supposed to deny the right of 
 any one to engage in a business open to all the world. It is 
 natural that others should endeavour to imitate our succcess.
 
 21 
 
 Eut some who have borrowed our system, without the prac- 
 tical experience on which it is founded, have been driven to 
 copy it too closely. One gentleman in holy orders gives such 
 practical testimony to its merits, that, in entering upon the 
 business, he has not scrupled to take verbatim from our 
 pamphlets and contracts every sentence material to his pur- 
 pose ; a proceeding so little to be expected from a clergyman, 
 that we are compelled to refer to it lest the want of originality 
 should be ascribed to ourselves. 
 
 The method of some of our competitors differs from our 
 own in advocating that sailings should take place in large par- 
 ties, a plan we abandoned more than two years ago as being in 
 no respect so desirable as frequent sailings in fewer numbers ; 
 for it invariably happens that when large parties go together 
 there will be some whose influence would not be for the 
 good of the rest. Nor are personally conducted sailings 
 necessary, for the arrangements we make for the journey are 
 so complete that the youngest may accomplish it without 
 mistake or inconvenience, and we take every care necessary 
 to ensui'e the safe conduct of pupils from the time they leave 
 England until they arrive at their destination. 
 
 In more or less adopting our system, competitors also 
 usually adopt our terms, although unable to offer the advan- 
 tages either in choice of locality or arrangements for settle- 
 ment which experience has enabled us to do ; while some 
 indeed fix a lower charge, expressly stating that they cannot 
 assume any responsibility whatever as to the settlement or 
 future of the pupils ; a system which obviously affords no 
 guarantee or security to parents. 
 
 Some systems differ from our own in recommending young 
 men to learn from English gentlemen who have recently 
 settled abroad, and have, therefore, little knowledge of farm- 
 ing ; this plan, which we have referred to on page 8, has a
 
 ',2 
 
 certain attractiveness; but whilst it offers, possibly, pleasant 
 homes, it could scarcely turn out good farmers. 
 
 A residence in a so-called agricultural college (really only 
 a private establishment) is another plan proposed, as offering 
 the best preparation for American farm-life. There may b& 
 something to say in favour of such a training for farming in 
 England, where the system of agricultiu'e is highly artificial, 
 and a knowledge of chemistry, rotation of crops, etc., i& 
 essential ; but in America, where agriculture is of a more 
 simple character, the time and money so spent, even if the 
 tuition is good, would be more or less thrown away, and at 
 the end of twelve months less would be known about the 
 real work of the farm than if a pupil had commenced to 
 plough, and plant, and attend to stock under the watchful 
 eye of an experienced practical farmer. If this course is 
 gone through at all, it should follow a practical training on a 
 farm, and then it should rather be at one of the numerous 
 agricultural colleges founded by the respective States or Pro- 
 vinces in which they are situated, and which are usually ably 
 conducted by efficient professors, than at private establish- 
 ments started as mere speculations. 
 
 Both of the above plans, however, entail a hea^'y annual 
 outlay, whilst the pupil's labour is in the meantime unpro- 
 ductive, and he neither acquires habits of self-reliance nor 
 becomes self-supporting ; nor is it, we believe, desirable that 
 young men should associate in large numbers either on farms 
 or in the so-called colleges of those whose chief income is 
 derived from taking pupils ; they would be under a more 
 healthy influence and better control when placed singly 
 under the care of a practical farmer, whose income is derived 
 from the profits of his farm, and where the best opportuni- 
 ties are offered for practical instruction and future advance- 
 ment, with the imposed obligation to work, which would 
 ensure regular habits of industry.
 
 23 
 
 We believe that the preliminary training we recommend 
 is based npon right principles, and would prove of real and 
 lasting benefit to the pupil, making him self-reliant and 
 independent, and enabling him to do well in any department 
 of agriculture, and in any State in which he may settle. 
 We purpose, therefore, to follow in the future the system wo 
 have adopted in the past. It woidd be easy, perhaps, for us 
 to send out more young men than we do, if we felt at liberty to 
 offer a less laborious life to sons, even though at a greater 
 cost to their parents ; but this, we are sure, would ultimately 
 result in disappointment and failure. Those we have 
 hitherto sent out have included the sons or relatives of noble- 
 men, officers, clergymen, solicitors, and country and other 
 gentlemen, and wards in chancery, and we are happy to 
 believe that in the case of many for whom no suitable posi- 
 tion could be found at home, we have been instrumental in 
 laying the foundation of a manly, honourable, and prosperous 
 future. 
 
 The system we have initiated has been very generally 
 
 commended, and our pamphlets describing it have been 
 
 prepared with a desire to place the matter candidly before 
 
 inquirers. In evidence that this object has been obtained, 
 
 quotations may be given from a few of the numerous letters 
 
 received from correspondents. A clergyman, in writing on 
 
 this subject, says : 
 
 "I thank you for abstaining from inducing my son to go by any- 
 highly- coloured representations of the life there." 
 
 Another writer says of this publication : 
 
 ** It makes a most candid statement of the facts, dealing fairly with 
 both sides of the question. There is nothing in it to lead me to expect 
 too much without activity." 
 
 A Barrister says of the pamphlet : 
 
 ** So far as I can judge from its contents, the system you are work- 
 ing upon is the only true one to command success."
 
 24 
 
 As to the desirability of the life, a geutleman writes : 
 
 ♦' A friend has placed in my hands a pamphlet containing your 
 prospectus (if I may so term it) of an ' occupation and business for 
 gentlemen's sons.' He did so knowing the great interest I had in 
 things American, acquired during a period of sixteen years' residence 
 in the States, and also for the purpose of asking my advice in the 
 matter, in the interest of a friend of his." 
 
 '* I have perused the various documents with much interest, and 
 your scheme has my entire approval .... and if anything I 
 can say or write will induce any enterprising young man to go out, I 
 shall consider that I am conferring upon him a great favour." 
 
 "Your great difficulty, it strikes me, speaking from an English 
 standpoint, is to make them understand how the dignity of labour is 
 respected in the States . . . ." 
 
 OPINIONS OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE 
 AND OF THEIR FRIENDS. 
 
 It has been suggested by several correspondents that a 
 few of the written opinions of the friends of those who have 
 gone out under our care should be appended, so that in 
 quirers may be able at once to form an opinion upon the 
 testimony of those having actual experience of the life as to 
 the advantage of the openings here proposed. We avail our- 
 selves of this suggestion, which will serve at once to place 
 before 'applicants some idea of the young men's opinion of 
 the life, without requiring at an early stage of the negotia- 
 tion an actual reference to parents, which we do not feel at 
 liberty to give unrestrictedly in the first instance, solely 
 because it would be trespassing unduly on their kindness by 
 asking them to engage in such an extensive correspondence 
 as an immediate reference to them would involve. 
 
 One of the pupils, a member of a county family, in a long 
 letter written on October 10th, 1880, states that he is "placed 
 satisfactorily in every way," and says : 
 
 *'Mr. and Mrs.- are as kind as possible to me, and I have to 
 
 thank you again for the pleasant place you secured for me. It is much 
 better than I ever anticipated. " 
 
 The farmer he is with writes on October 9th, 1880 : 
 
 *' A is doing nicely, and seems to be much pleased with every- 
 thing. We are very much pleased with him, and expect to turn him 
 oat an A 1 farmer, should he continue with us long enough."
 
 25 
 
 The fatliei' of tliis young gentleman writes, Xovember 2nd, 
 1880: 
 
 "I have had several letters from my son, in all of which he ex- 
 presses his satisfaction at being placed with Mr. . . . .1 
 
 heard from my son that he was 'jolly well settled,' as he called it. 
 . . . . 1 can quite understand that some of your party were dis- 
 appointed at the prospect of work. My son evidently likes Mr. and 
 
 Mrs. very nmch, and he says he is very comfortable, and well 
 
 lodged and boarded ; he takes a great interest in the stock, of which he 
 has now the charge. I should add that my son says in one of his letters 
 that his ideas of roughing it are by no means realised." 
 
 And again, on tlie 26th April, 1881 : 
 
 "Two more of my sons are thinking of joining their brother Bob 
 in America, and have only been waiting to hear from him and Mr. 
 
 M definitely. He wrote about a fortnight since — was very well, 
 
 had been head man for three months in Mr. M 's absence. The 
 
 latter also writes that he has been very successful in his stewardship." 
 
 An officers son who went out writes on December 21st, 
 
 1880: 
 
 •* . . . . AVell, as regards my new home, I could not wish for 
 
 a more comfortable place. Both Mr. and ISIrs. are exceedingly 
 
 kind, and I am sure Mr. E has chosen me a very comfortable place 
 
 indeed ; and as to the work, it certainly is pretty hard at first, but I 
 am getting accustomed to it, and on the whole it is really much better 
 than I ever anticipated. " 
 
 His father writes on January 20tli, 1881 : 
 
 ** We to-day received along letter from , written in the highest 
 
 spirits possible. To judge from its tone, he must be very happy and 
 comfortable, and his own words are, ' I like the life very much, and 
 like it better ever}' day. ' He speaks in the highest terms of the kind- 
 ness of Mr. and Mrs. , who, he says, are kindness itself. .... 
 
 1 give you all these details to show you that the boy is really satisfied, 
 and, after all the interest and kindness you have shown him, I know 
 you will be pleased." 
 
 And again, in February, 1881, the same gentleman 
 
 writes : 
 
 *' You will be glad to hear that continues to write in the best 
 
 of spirits, and expresses himself as fully satisfied and contented." 
 
 Another gentleman writes on the 24th January, 1881, 
 respecting a relative who was one of the first to go out : 
 
 **I have lately heard from , when he seemed well and satisfied 
 
 with the arrangements as carried out, having been placed with a Mr.
 
 26 
 
 T . The work was hard, as was to be expected, and though he has 
 
 since left Mr. T and joined another farm, it was by mutual arrange- 
 ment, and he speaks highly of that person and Mrs. T 's kindness, 
 
 and has great goodwill towards them both. " 
 
 One, a gentleman, aged twenty-one, on his arrival, writes 
 on January 25th, 1881 : 
 
 ** I arrived here all safe and sound after a splendid passage. It 
 was like crossing a mill-pond. We did it under eight days from 
 Queenstown. 
 
 " I must say this : that ever since I landed I have met with nothing 
 
 but kindness, everybody has been most attentive, I like 3Ir. R 
 
 and Mr. C , what little I have seen of them so far, very much 
 
 indeed, and they all speak very highly of Mr. V I 
 
 like the country and the people so far very much. I will write you 
 
 again and tell you how I get on with Mr. V , but from what Mr, 
 
 R , Mr. C , and Mr. N , the banker, say, I feel no anxiety 
 
 on that score." 
 
 Two gentlemen, whose sons are on farms, write as follows ; 
 
 " I write to you to say that my'son, in the letters we have hitherto 
 received from him, expresses himself well satisfied witli the people with 
 whom you have placed him, and he speaks highly of the attentions he 
 has received from your agents, Mr. C ■ and Mr. R . 
 
 '* You certainly took a great interest in sending my son to a farm 
 
 like Mr. B 's, and his letter seems a very happy one. I can only 
 
 say that I am more than satisfied." 
 
 J. G., aged 20, writes, March 20th, 1881 : 
 
 "Taking everything into consideration, I like the prospect better 
 
 than I expected. Mr. D seems a very nice man, and makes us as 
 
 comfortable as possible." 
 
 H. F. W., aged 24, writes on March 23rd, 1881 : 
 
 ** I like the change of life and farming immensely. Mr. and Mrs. 
 are nice, kind, and homely people, and strive to do their utmost 
 
 to make everything comfortable for me. I never enjoyed better health 
 than I do now. We are constantly having people stopping here, which 
 makes it cheerful. Altogether, I am much pleased -with every one and 
 everything I have come across out. here." 
 
 Dr. H., in a letter dated March 31st, 1881, says : 
 
 " I must beg you to accept my best thanks for your kindness gene- 
 rally to my sons, and I am sure they very, very much appreciate all 
 your attentions to their wants," etc. 
 
 H. G., aged 27, writes on April 10th, 1881 : 
 
 "I had no trouble whatever in getting to W ; every one yoa 
 
 referred me to was as obliging as possible. Mr. C I particularly
 
 27 
 
 like, and Mr. E is a very good fellow I will tell you 
 
 what I think of the people and the life. In the first place the house is 
 exceptionally good, and the people are very clean and homely, and 
 make me very comfortable." 
 
 G. C, an officer, writes, April 12, 1881 : 
 
 •* I am glad to let you know at an early date that I think every- 
 thing with my boy is progressing satisfactorily." 
 
 L. E. C, aged 17, writes on the 30tli April, 1881 : 
 
 ** In some respects the life is not so rough as I anticipated, because 
 I expected to be in a location where it would be much rougher and not 
 
 much civilisation. . . . Mr. G is very considerate and nice. 
 
 . . . . His wife is also very nice and kind. I think he thoroughly 
 understands farming and is quite competent in teaching it. ... I 
 am extremely happy and do not wish for a better place. . . . Both 
 
 Mr. R and Mr. C have been exceedingly kind, and did all in 
 
 their power to make us comfortable." 
 
 A lady, whose son, L. E. C, aged 17, sailed in March, 
 writes. May 2nd, 1881 : 
 
 " This morning I received a letter from my son, who, I am glad to 
 say, is thoroughly happy and satisfied with everything. He is with 
 Mr. G ; and my boy says I cannot think how nice he is." 
 
 A gentleman in Manchester writes on May 5 th, 1881, 
 giving extracts from the letter of a relative who went out, 
 and says : 
 
 '* I may add that Mr. G writes in the best of spirits, and is 
 
 perfectly satisfied in all respects, and his friends are the same. This is 
 
 a source of great gratification to me, as 1 was the means of Mr. G 
 
 going out, and of course felt some degree of anxiety as to the result. I 
 shall now have no hesitation whatever in strongly urging any young 
 men who apply to me to go out under your auspices. " 
 
 Mrs. S. A. writes, June 14th, 1881 : 
 
 " I have this morning received a very cheerful letter from my son. 
 , . . . He wishes me to tell you he thinks he has a very good 
 
 berth He quite thinks he shall get on well when more 
 
 accustomed to the work, and has no wish to return to England." 
 
 Again, October 7th, 1881 : 
 
 ** My son writes very cheerfully and is quite comfortable in his new 
 home." 
 
 The same, December 14th, 1881 : 
 
 " My son says he still likes the life very much, and is in good health.
 
 28 
 
 . . . . Altogether I am quite satisfied with his position . . . 
 I sliall feel a pleasure in answering any letters of inquiry at any time." 
 
 T. G. E. writes ou Juno 27th, 1881, respecting his 
 brother : 
 
 *' That he is happy, contented, and well, may be gathered from the 
 following extract : — . . . * I can tell you I am very much fatter 
 since I left England ; I don't think you would know me, being so fat 
 and brown. I like the place verj' much. I like my place awfully, and 
 
 should advise G to come out. I have seen a lot of our fellows since 
 
 I have been here, and they all seem to like it.' " 
 
 A gentleman, who sent out his son some time ago, says : 
 
 ** I fully agree with you that it would be very injudicious and a rash 
 proceeding on the part of any young man to go out on his * own hook,' 
 as it were, and take his chance at finding a domicile without the intro- 
 duction and guardianship of an agency. I did that myself to an English 
 colony some thirty years ago and failed." 
 
 E. E., July 2nd, 1881 : 
 
 " The soil here is certainly first-rate, but fanners do not seem to raise 
 half such good wheat crops as I should have expected they would. If 
 a man raises about sixteen bushels an acre he thinks he has done pretty 
 well. I shall take a farm of my own next year, and see if 1 cannot get 
 a little better acreage." 
 
 ^Irs. E. B writes on July lith, 1881, respecting her 
 
 son : 
 
 ** He is very happy, and takes to the life and work. . . . The 
 life just suits him, I think, and I am much obliged for all your trouble. " 
 
 The following is from a letter received in July, 1881, 
 
 from a Mr. 0. E , 25 years old, who has gone out as a 
 
 farm pupil : 
 
 ** Just a line to say I am getting on very well here. 1 should have 
 written before, but really I have had no time, and another thing, 1 
 wanted to give myself a fair trial before passing my opinion about this 
 
 country I like it very much indeed. The people are very 
 
 nice, but their manners and customs are somewhat difterent to ours in 
 
 England ; however, I am getting used to them now I have 
 
 got a very good place. I like these people very much, and they seem 
 
 very well pleased with me. Mr. R 1 think a very nice man 
 
 indeed ; he has taken a gi-eat deal of trouble with us, but he seems to 
 take a great interest in us, and does everything that he can for our 
 
 benefit I must say I am very well satisfied with my berth, 
 
 and have no desire to go home again. I consider you have done and
 
 29 
 
 caused to be done everything in your power to make me comfortable 
 and happy. I am as comfortable as though I were at home. I do 
 ahnost as I like, I get plenty of riding and shooting ; in fact, it 
 seems like a new life altogether to what I have been used to. You are 
 quite at liberty to make any use you like of my letter. I have 
 written home in the same manner as this, and you may refer any one 
 to my brother ; you have his address, and I am sure he will have very 
 great pleasure in recommending any one to come out here from what I 
 have said." 
 
 Mrs. E. S. B. writes on July 26th, 1881 : 
 
 •*I have just heard from my son, who says : — *I have been hero 
 now six weeks, and like my life very much. It is hard work, but the 
 people all round are very kind to me, and take as much thought for 
 
 me as if I belonged to them. P and I go to church every Sunday, 
 
 and dine in the town with one family or another, all of whom give us 
 a hearty welcome. I am allowed to take any horse I like out of the 
 
 stable to ride in my leisure time. The other day J P and I 
 
 went for three and a half hours fishing, and caught between 200 and 
 300 fish. ' 
 
 " You can make any use you like of this extract. I shall be most 
 happy to answer any questions that may be wished answered by any 
 one proposing to go out under your auspices." 
 
 ■ Again, !N"ovember l:th, 1881 : 
 
 " The account of my son is most pleasing, and must, I am sure, be 
 very satisfactory to you also. I am most thankful that he is giving 
 and receiving so much satisfaction. He always writes in the best of 
 spirits ; only in his last letter he says — * This is the jolliest life it is 
 ]_)0ssible for any fellow to lead.' " 
 
 Again, December 13th, 1881 : 
 
 " I must send you a few lines of hearty thanks for the information 
 
 so constantly sent from America Some day, when I am 
 
 able, I should like to call and thank you personally for all your kind- 
 ness." 
 
 J. E., August 6th, 1881 : 
 
 ** I have two letters now from my son, who has been placed with a 
 
 farmer named N of M , and he seems very well satisfied so 
 
 far. Will you kindly accept my thanks, and convey the same to Mr. 
 
 R when you write, for tlic interest you have both taken in the 
 
 matter ? " 
 
 Mrs. M. P. writes, August 30tli, 1881 : 
 
 ** I have just received a letter from my son I am 
 
 anxious that you should know at once how happy and comfortable he
 
 30 
 
 is settled, with a very kind farmer in D. C . He says .... 
 
 * I have been awfully lucky to get on such a nice farm The 
 
 farmer and his wife are extremely nice. They are awfully good and 
 
 kind, and very clean I shall write and thank Mr. S 
 
 for having arranged everything for me so satisfactorily, and tell him 
 how happy and comfortable I am. " 
 
 Again, on N'ovember 8tli, 1881, saying that lier son 
 
 '* Writes most cheerfully and is as happy as possible, and likes his 
 life veiy much. He speaks most highly of Mr. C , and their atten- 
 tion and kindness to him." 
 
 ]\iissE. B., October 28tli, 1881 : 
 
 " I beg to tender you my best thanks for the trouble you have taken 
 with my nephew." 
 
 One gentleman, whose son returned home without giving 
 farming a trial, writes : — 
 
 * ' I am glad to think that, after all, everything has been done by 
 
 your Company which could have been expected I was 
 
 very sorry to find he had given up so suddenly and returned home 
 quite mthout my knowledge or consent .... he ought to have 
 
 remained the year instead of returning so soon I mucli 
 
 regret all the trouble that has been caused." 
 
 W. R, mvember 7th, 1881: 
 
 "So far the arrangements made with you have been most satis- 
 factorily carried out, and no difficulty has arisen on any one point, and 
 I beg to express ray great satisfaction in having been able to place 
 E where he may acquire a thorough knowledge of American farm- 
 ing, and an introduction to a new mode of life, and to thank you for 
 the interest you have taken in the matter." 
 
 G. D. W., November 9th, 1881 : 
 
 *' I am very sorry my son did not do better I have 
 
 always considered your plans and transactions most straightforward." 
 
 Dr. T. H., K'ovember 8th, 1881 : 
 
 " Thanks for your letter, with such a very satisfactory account of 
 the progress of my son." 
 
 Again, March 8th, 1882 : 
 
 " I have WTitten to two fparties early in the year, just before I left 
 
 W , who you referred to me, and gave them what you know to 
 
 be my good opinion of your process."
 
 31 
 
 ]Mi's. J. H., :N"ovember 9tli, 1881 : 
 
 " I cannot express tlie gratitude I feel to your agents in America for 
 their trouble with my son, and I am exceedingly rejoiced to find he has 
 listened to them and been induced to go to work again, and I trust he 
 has made up his mind to be contented." 
 
 Again, December 12th, 1881, about her son : 
 
 " He is quite comfortable where he is, and likes his work, particu- 
 larly that which concerns the animals." 
 
 This lady is now sending out another son under our care. 
 
 Mrs. G. B., November 17th, states that her son 
 
 ** Is very happy and comfortable, and that he is very kindly treated 
 by Mr. G — - — , and he hopes, if he suits, that he will be kept on the 
 same farm. He appears to like the work, though he says it is hard. 
 He was in very good health when he wrote at the beginning of the 
 month." 
 
 Again, on the 4th January, 1882 : 
 
 ' ' I am glad to be able to tell you that I continue to receive very 
 
 satisfactory accounts from my son in Minnesota, He likes Mr. G 
 
 and his family more and more every day. I must thank you for having 
 placed him in such a comfortable home." 
 
 And on March 22nd, 1882 : 
 
 * * I enclose a letter for your perusal which I have received from Mr. 
 
 B. G , in which he writes so nicely and kindly of my son. I have 
 
 also received another very nice, kind letter from Mrs. G . I am 
 
 much indebted to you for having interested yourselves so much in my 
 son's behalf. He is so happy, and all the family are very fond of him. 
 My son writes me that he would do anything for them. " 
 
 T. G. E., December 1st, 1881 : 
 
 ""We continue to receive letters from my brother almost weekly, 
 and he is very happy and contented. In one of his last letters he states 
 
 that he has gained 20 lb. in weight since he left England 
 
 I think we shall make a man of him now if he only keeps steady and 
 looks to the main chance. " 
 
 ^Y. E. L., December 13th, 1881 : 
 
 '* Your communication respecting my nephew gave great satisfac- 
 tion to all his family, and was, I can truly affirm, a source of great 
 comfort to his mother. I may also mention that the various letters 
 
 received by Mrs. C from her son all bore the same happy tone of 
 
 satisfaction and contentment with his new mode of life, and during my 
 recent visit to Norfolk his fiiends have repeatedly expressed the pleasure' 
 experienced by them that the engagements into which you entered for 
 placing out my nephew should have been so faithfully fulfilled."
 
 32 
 
 Again, March 30l1i, 1882: 
 
 " My nephew in his last letter gave me a sketch of the way in which 
 liis time is occupied day by day, and of the various amusements which 
 vary the ordinary routine of farm life. I gather from all he has \n'itten 
 that he is spending his time both usefully and pleasantly." 
 
 The Eev. G. F. writes, August 18th, 1881 : 
 
 ** I have received a short letter from my son telling me of his safe 
 
 aiTival at the farm. He speaks very highly of ;Mr. C and his 
 
 family, and expresses a hope that as soon as he is settled he shall be 
 very happy indeed." 
 
 Again, January 12th, 1882 : 
 
 ' * I had a very nice cheery letter from my boy yesterday. He seems 
 
 now very happy, and much enjoyed his visit to Mr. T . I quite 
 
 agree with what Mr. T says about what young men who go out to 
 
 America must do and be in order to succeed. 
 
 *' I have received a letter concerning your system from Messrs. 
 
 M and W . You may depend upon my speaking (as I am glad 
 
 to be able to do) in the highest terms of gratitude for what you have 
 done for nie." 
 
 Again, on April 17th, 1882 : 
 
 "lam glad to say that I had a happy, cheerful letter from my 
 boy a week ago. He speaks very highly of the kind treatment^he 
 receives." 
 
 H. D. Y., January 25th, 1882 : 
 
 "I have to thank you for your letter of 24tli insh, forwarding me 
 cheque for £9<3 Ids., being the sum in full which I paid to you as 
 premium and pissage money for my nephew, who at the last moment 
 declined to go to Kentucky, as I had wished him to do. I consider it 
 most handsome of you to have returned this sum to me, as you were 
 put to much trouble and some expense in the matter, for which you 
 might justly have charged me. I would add that after the fullest 
 inquiry I convinced myself that the employment oticred to young 
 gentlemen through your agency is of the most promising kind for their 
 future advancement in life, and I shall take every opi>ortunity to recom- 
 mend my friends to apply to you. " 
 
 Mrs. J. J. :Nr., January 26th, 1882 : 
 
 '* I have to thank you for your kind and considerate letter, and 
 
 for the enclosed letter from Colonel H , which I return. How very 
 
 kindly the Colonel writes of my son ; it is indeed well for him to have 
 fallen into such gooii hands. "
 
 33 
 
 Messrs. R. and D., Solicitors, Edinburgh, -svritc January 
 2oth, 1882: 
 
 " You are quite welcome to use our name in any of your Scotch 
 cases in which you think we may be of assistance to you." 
 
 The Eev. W. V., January 28th, 1882 : 
 
 "From the very first I have been veiy pleased and satisfied with 
 all my correspondence and interviews with you, and shall ever be 
 ready to testify the same whenever appealed to on the subject." 
 
 The Eev. M. M. H. writes, March 4th, 1882 : 
 
 "I have all along trusted to the arrangements and intentions on 
 the part of your Company as being bond fide, and have spoken of its 
 fairness and straightfoi^wardness to others." 
 
 And again, on April 1 3th : 
 
 " I quite appreciate your considerate attention on the part of the 
 -Company throughout the whole of this matter between us." 
 
 Again, June 24th, 1882 : 
 
 '• I shall always have pleasure in reporting well and something 
 more of your attention. ... I have had more than one letter of 
 inquiry respecting the Company, and have always very much recom- 
 mended it in reply." 
 
 Mrs. A. D., March 26th, 1882 : 
 
 * ' I have received another letter from my son quite as satisfactory as 
 the one written after he had been out a fortnight. He says he is very 
 happy . . . and feels six years younger in health, and tells me to 
 recommend your agency to all young men leading an idle London life, 
 and to every one anxious to get on. " 
 
 Mrs. S. C, March 28th, 1882 ; 
 
 ' * I have just heard from my son ... he asked me to let you 
 
 know that he is very comfortable ; likes Mr. B and his wife very 
 
 much ; they are both kind to him, and though the work is hard and 
 plenty of it, he likes it." 
 
 Again, April 14th, 1882: 
 
 " I am very glad my son is going to stay at the same farm ; he likes 
 Mr. B— so much, and is getting into the work. "Will you kindly 
 send one of your pamphlets and particulars to the enclosed address ? " 
 
 Again, June 21st, 1882 : 
 
 " I often hear of my son, and he seems well content with his life 
 and speaks highly of the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. B ."
 
 34 
 
 Mrs. S. W. K., March 28th, 1882 : 
 
 "We received a letter from our son this morning, written in high 
 spirits as regards what he has at present seen of his new life." 
 
 Again, May 4th, 1882 : 
 
 "I do not doubt H will be happy and comfortable where he 
 
 now is, or at Mr. S 's, as in his letter he seemed quite satisfied with 
 
 his surroundings, and Mrs. D , he said, was very kind to him, " 
 
 Again, May 8th, 1882 : 
 
 '* "We had a very happy letter from H on Saturday. . . . 
 
 He seems to like his new quarters so much. Perhaps it would be best 
 to let him decide for himself about joining S ." 
 
 Mrs. M. S., March 31st, 1882 : 
 
 " My son tells me he likes the life very much indeed, that it agrees 
 wonderfully well with him. He names several friends he intends trj-- 
 ing to persuade to go out. Should you like to refer auy one to me, I 
 shall be very happy to answer any questions, as I can now recommend 
 your system of sending young men out most cordially, " 
 
 The Rev. G. H. B,, AprU 5th, 1882 : 
 
 *' My son gives a good account of himself, and of all the provisions 
 you had made for his being met and forwarded on with his luggage. He 
 seems to like his new life veiy much, and finds his quarters comforta- 
 able. . . He has met several of yom* young men, who give a pleasant 
 and favourable account of the life, which they seem to enjoy." 
 
 Lt.-CoL J. E. K, April 29th, 1882 : 
 
 * ' Each successive step has given us more and more cause for satis- 
 action with the completeness of your arrangements," 
 
 Again, May 22, 1882 : 
 
 ' ' I am happy to say that from no one have I heard a word against 
 your institution, except from those who are engaged in a similar occu- 
 pation. The experience of every one I have seen or heard of seems to 
 be most favourable ; I have, therefore, an easy as well as pleasant task 
 in giving the results of my inquiries to those who ask for them." 
 
 Again, June 9th, 1882 : 
 
 " There could be no better recommendation of your scheme than is 
 afforded by the tone and contents of your correspondence."
 
 35 
 
 Again, June 14th, 1882 
 
 • I have had a very nice letter from my son ; the farmer and his wife 
 are most kind to him, and the boy is thoroughly happy and very well." 
 
 Again, July 10th, 1882 : 
 
 ** I have had a most delightful letter from my son this, morning . . 
 he says he is very busy, very happy, and very comfortable." 
 
 0. L., May 3rd, 1882 : 
 
 *' I have a letter from my son at'"\Visconsin,*in which he states he 
 likes his quarters. . . . So far I am perfectly satisfied with your 
 arrangements." 
 
 Again, June 22nd, 1882 : 
 
 " I thank you very much for your attention The whole 
 
 thing confirms my opinion in the advantages of your agency, so much 
 
 so that I prefer leaving the case in the hands of Major M to use 
 
 his discretion." 
 
 Messrs. M. W. and IST., Solicitors, 4th INIay, 1882 : 
 
 *' "We have received one letter from Mr. S since he left, in 
 
 which he spoke most favourably of your arrangements on his behalf, 
 and we are very glad, as also are his friends, that the matter has so 
 fully fulfilled every expectation to the present time." 
 
 The Eev. G. E. D., May 8th, 1882 : 
 
 " I have now heard from my son The letter was written 
 
 in the highest spirits, and shows that so far the wTiter's experience had 
 
 been of a very satisfactory nature I think the farming life 
 
 will quite suit his tastes." 
 
 The Eev. Canon W., May 9th, 1882 : 
 
 " In a letter about a fortnight ago my son expressed himself as well 
 
 satisfied with his quarters He has made no complaints, seems 
 
 to like his work, and to be in good health and spirits. He says the 
 country is perfectly lovely where he is. " 
 
 Colonel AY. C. D., May 12th, 1882 : 
 
 '* I have heard from Mr. C several times ; he seems quite happy 
 
 and contented with Mr. P ." 
 
 The Rev. J. W. L., May 15th, 1882 : 
 
 " I have just returned from Liverpool on Saturday, after seeing my 
 son start on his outward voyage, and I wish my first act to be a letter 
 to you of thanks for the good selection both of ship and berth
 
 36 
 
 If only the end of our negotiations is as satisfactory as tlie beginning, I 
 shall have reason to congratulate myself." 
 
 Again, June 23rd, 1882: 
 
 '* I have heard twice from my son, and he seems to be comfortably 
 placed as far as he can at present judge, and thinks he will like Mr. 
 C , and be able to get on well with him and his companion." 
 
 The Eev. S. A., May 24th, 1882 : 
 
 " Your letters are so kind and considerate that I shall treat you as 
 a friend, and without troubling j'^ou unnecessarily, I shall certainly 
 communicate to you freely on any matter of moment which may require 
 explanation." 
 
 The Eev. A. M. G., Edinburgh, June 5th, 1882 : 
 
 "I had a letter from a young gentleman in England inquiring, 
 very properly, what report my son gives of his treatment by your 
 house and its agents in America. I was very glad that I could truth- 
 fully report that you had acted towards my son honestly, honourably, 
 and kindly." 
 
 General M. B., June 12th, 1882 : 
 
 **My son says that he received every attention from your agents, 
 
 who gave him every assistance He seems happy, and Mr. 
 
 W is very kind to him." 
 
 H. J. C, July 8th, 1882 : 
 
 ' ' B says they are all very kind to him at Mr. Ames's, and he 
 
 likes the life very much. He speaks of the people he meets as being 
 much better educated than he expected to find them." 
 
 A. M. H., July 9th, 1882 
 
 "I have great pleasure in enclosing you an extract from a most 
 
 cheerful letter I have just received from my son His letter 
 
 to-day has been a great satisfaction to me, and I believe he is now in 
 the right place," 
 
 The following extracts are from a few of the letters ^vritten 
 by pupils to our local agents after their probationary term of 
 about a month on their farms ; they are inserted to illus- 
 trate the care taken to ensure the selection of a satisfactory 
 farm and comfortable home, a transfer being readily made by 
 our local agents for any just reason before the contract by 
 the farmer is finally closed, or even after the contract, though
 
 37 
 
 iexperience shows that the need for any such change is ex- 
 ceptional. 
 
 K. C, June 5th, 1881 : 
 
 " Mr. and Mrs. A are verj' nice people, and everybody speaks 
 
 so well of them, and I like them very much indeed, and am very com- 
 fortable indeed." 
 
 E. A. K. and J. F. K, August Gth, 1881 : 
 
 " I am satisfied with my place and home, and have agreed to receive 
 five doUars for the first three months, and ten dollars for the other nine 
 months." 
 
 A. M., August 6th, 1881 : 
 
 " I am glad to say I am quite happy and contented. Whenever 
 
 Mr. N is ready, would you and he settle ? Thanking you for your 
 
 kindness and trouble." 
 
 S. J. P., August 7th, 1881 : 
 
 " I wrote to remind you that I shall have been here with l^Ir. 
 
 S a month next Saturday, and to inform you that I have decided 
 
 to stop, and Mr. S agrees to keep me here for the next twelve 
 
 months." 
 
 W. K. August 20th, 1881 : 
 
 " I hereby authorise you to settle contract with Mr. G. H , 
 
 being satisfied with the farm I have been placed upon." 
 
 H. M., 30th , 1881 : 
 
 " Just a line to let you know that I am now willing to abide by the 
 contract you usually make with the farmer by whom we are employed. 
 With kind regards." 
 
 W. T. S. H., August 11th, 1881 : 
 
 * ' I have settled to remain with Mr. F , after having spent a 
 
 verj' ha^jpy month." 
 
 Again (undated) : 
 
 *' I am now settled in my new home, which is a very jolly one, and 
 I hope that all the others have as good a one." 
 
 E. P., August 14th, 1881 : 
 
 ' ' We are as happy here and as well cared for as we can possibly 
 wish, and never did we expect to be so happy when we left dear old 
 England ; but we are as happy as if we were at home."
 
 38 
 
 E. P. a, August 16th, 1881 : 
 
 '* I am quite satisfied with Mr. C , and you may with safety 
 
 send him the premium. I have told him I am satisfied, and that I 
 have written to you to say so." 
 
 C. W. R, September 14th, 1881 : 
 
 " I have been at the above address nearly six weeks. I like the 
 folks very much, and intend to stay. " 
 
 W. F. (undated) : 
 
 " I am very much contented with the very nice place you have got 
 
 me I am quite contented with Mr. C and his family, and 
 
 Tam quite happy here." 
 
 W. A., September 16th, 1881 : 
 
 " I shall have been here four weeks to-morrow, and as I am very 
 comfortable, I shall be glad if you will make the agreement for me to 
 stay twelve months." 
 
 C. W. E. and C. W., September 24th, 1881 : 
 
 " "We are perfectly satisfied to settle with Messrs. D and C , 
 
 as'agreed with you to-day on the terms we have stipulated." 
 
 B. T. S., October 19tb, 1881 : 
 
 " 1 am perfectly satisfied with the place you chose for me, and I 
 consider all the arrangements made in England have been fully com- 
 plied with." 
 
 G. W. L. B., November 16th, 1881 : 
 
 " I am perfectly satisfied with the farm I am on. Mr. G is a 
 
 verv nice farmer, and 1 like him very much indeed." 
 
 G. H. E., November 2.5th, 1881 : 
 
 " First of all I cannot speak too highly of the farmer it has been 
 my fortune to be placed with ; he is an honest, straightforward, hard- 
 working man, and treats me in eveiy respect quite as a companion ; 
 he is, besides, very much better educated than the majority of the men 
 
 one meets about here I feel convinced that the time I put 
 
 in here will be profitably spent I intend to stick to the work 
 
 through thick and thin The great thing is to feel contented, 
 
 and to make up your mind to work hard and learn everj'tliing ; and 
 unless a man makes up his mind to do this, he might just as well 
 stop at home, as he only makes himself miserable and every one else 
 around him I am in excellent health, and in every way satis- 
 fied ^^ith my place."
 
 39 
 
 C. S. I., January 9tli, 1882: 
 
 ** I like the country veiy much, and have, tlirougli ^Mr, S , 
 
 'been introduced to some exceedingly nice people. Mr. S and his 
 
 family are most kind, and I am very comfortable. If he will have me, 
 I shall stay with him, for I know when I am in good quarters." 
 
 T. Q. Q., aged 30, writes January lltli, 1882 : 
 
 ' ' If the interests of the farm pupils you may send out here in future 
 are as well looked after as mine have been, it will be their own fault if 
 they fail to succeed in Canada." 
 
 C. G. S., aged 30, writes January 16tli, 1882 : 
 
 "Your agent here has shown me every attention, and has spared 
 neither time nor trouble in endeavouring to secure for me some agree- 
 able and suitable employment, which has now been obtained on Mr. 
 W 's farm." 
 
 F. C, February 16th, 1882: 
 
 ' ' I am at Mr. S 's farm, and I think, if nothing happens, I will 
 
 .stay here after the month The work is not very hard ; of 
 
 course it seems hard to me at present because I never did a day's work 
 in my life, but if one takes it easy at first one soon gets used to it. The 
 life is one of the healthiest in the world, and would inend any one's 
 constitution. All the arrangements you have made are good. Mr. 
 S is a nice old gentleman, and one is sure to get on with him." 
 
 Again, May 3rd, 1882 : 
 
 " D has come out, and is staying on the same farm as myself. 
 
 He is a very nice fellow, and we get on very well. S 's farm is 
 
 about the best round here, and, as far as I can see, we both have had 
 -good luck to come here." 
 
 E. S., March 5th, 1882 : 
 
 ** I like the place very much indeed. The farmer and liis wife are 
 very kind to me. I have decided to stay here for twelve months. I 
 like the work, Avhat little I have done. I am very much obliged to 
 you for choosing me such a comfortable home," 
 
 C. S. B., March 5th, 1882 : 
 
 ' ' I have now been on Major J 's farm for live weeks, and from 
 
 a conversation I have had with the major 1 think I may safely say that 
 we are satisfied with one another, and 1 hope you will make the neces- 
 sary arrangements with him at your convenience. "
 
 40 
 
 H. M., March 9tli, 1882 : 
 
 " I am very well at present, and like the place very much, especially 
 
 some of the neighbours. ^Mrs. P is very kind, and does all she 
 
 can to make me feel at home and comfortable." 
 
 B. M. H., March 31st, 1882 : 
 
 " I am quite contented to remain on this farm. I am getting on 
 well, and think I shaU like the Hfe." 
 
 T. C, March 31st, 1882: 
 
 * ' I am quite satisfied with the way I have been treated since 
 1 have been on Mr. C.'s farm, and shall be very willing to stay 
 
 during the rest of the year upon the arranged I have aheady 
 
 been here nine weeks." 
 
 H. S. B., April 10th, 1882: 
 
 , " I am quite satisfied with my farm at Mr. C 's. Please settle 
 
 the agreement for a year from March 17th, the day I went there." 
 
 H. M. X S., April 14th, 1882 : 
 
 " Mr. A has kindly agreed for me to stay with him for the term 
 
 of twelve months, dating from the 13th February, 1882. I would there- 
 fore be glad if you would have the agreements signed. I have now been 
 with Mr. Anderson two months, and am sure I shall have every chance 
 for being happy and learning farming well here." 
 
 D. F. C. D., April 16th, 1882 : 
 
 " Many thanks to you for all the trouble you have taken on my 
 behalf." ^ 
 
 E. C, AprH 22iid, 1882 : 
 
 * * I am quite satisfied with the situation in which I am placed, and 
 will stay with Messrs. P for a year from this date. " 
 
 A. L. W., AprH, 1882 : 
 
 '* I Avrite to ask you to close the conti'act between Mr. C and 
 
 myself for one year, as we are mutually satisfied." 
 
 H. K, April 23rd, 1882 : 
 
 " I am very pleased with this place indeed, and both Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 D are very kind to me, and I like them exceedingly. I have a 
 
 nice comfortable room, and I am perfectly satisfied in every respect, so 
 if Mr. D is willing for me to stay, I hope you will make the agree- 
 ment ^nth him. '
 
 41 
 
 R X. H., May 4tli, 1882 : 
 
 " I am very comfortable here, and like the farmer very much. I da 
 not think I could be better off or more contented than I am here." 
 
 G. E. H. D., May 9th, 1882 : 
 
 *' I feel greatly pleased with the farm and everything concerning it. 
 The people are nice, the food extremely good and well cooked, and every 
 comfort one could wish for. " 
 
 H. a B., April lOth, 1882 : 
 
 " I am quite satisfied with my farm at Mr. C 's. Please settle 
 
 the agreement for a year from March 17th, the day I went there." 
 
 E. C, April 22nd, 1882 : 
 
 ** I am quite satisfied with the situation in which I am placed, and 
 mil stay with Messrs. P for a year from this date." 
 
 R K H., May 25tli, 1882 : 
 
 ** I have the pleasure of informing you that I am thoroughly satisfied 
 with the farm I am on, and shall stay on the same for a year." 
 
 H. T., May, 1882 : 
 
 " There is nothing I would like better than to have another English- 
 man on the same farm as I am, and I am perfectly satisfied with Mr. 
 
 M 's farm, and I do not think you could have placed me with more 
 
 gentlemanly people than Mr. M and all his family are." 
 
 j^E. G. H. B., June 12th, 1882 : 
 
 " I have now completed my month's trial with Mr. A , and write 
 
 to say I am more than satisfied with the gentleman we selected 
 
 He seems as well satisfied with me as I with him and his family, who 
 are all exceedingly kind, and willing to afi'ord me every help and 
 advice. I like the country, and shall no doubt like it better as I go 
 
 on. Mr. M and Major M afforded us every assistance in their 
 
 power, and we managed very well. If I may make one suggestion with- 
 out interfering with your plan, I should like to ; that is, that the cha- 
 racter of the pupils should, as far as possible, be inquired into before 
 sending them out. ... I know a man close to here who would 
 like to have one if he could get a nice fellow, but he is afraid he might 
 be unlucky and get one like one his neighbour has. I do not mean to 
 say that it is the rule with the men who come out here under your 
 system, but quite the exception. You asked . me to express my ideaf< 
 freely, and I hope I shall not offend by so doing."
 
 42 
 
 E. H. K, June Uth, 1882: 
 
 " I am happy to say that I am in every way satisfied with the farm 
 
 on^which you have placed me. I like Mr. S very much, and shall 
 
 be glad to stay with him for the remainder of the year." 
 
 E. H. A., June Uth, 1882 : 
 
 " I beg to state that I am vei-v conveniently situated with Mr, 
 A , and like the place very much." 
 
 E. a, June 18th, 1882: 
 
 • "At your request I write to you to teU you my experience in M 
 
 I found Major M a most agreeable man, and 1 met with every kind- 
 ness at his hands. I dare say you know by now that I am placed on 
 
 Mr. S 's farm, near . I am very comfortable here, and they 
 
 all treat me very kindly, " 
 
 A. B. A., June 22nd, 1882: 
 
 " I am perfectly well satisfied with all that has been done for me, 
 and seem to get on all right with the farmer I am with, and shall be 
 very glad to remain with him." 
 
 W. L., June 22nd, 1882 : 
 
 " I like the farmer I am with very much, and have a very comfort- 
 able home. I shall be ver}' glad to remain here a year. " 
 
 H. E. H., June 22nd, 1882 : 
 
 *' I am now with a very nice man, who is very kind in showing me 
 everything that ought to be learnt on a farm, and who is especially 
 X^articular about what would appear to most people small matters, but 
 which are in the end just as necessary as an\-thing else." 
 
 The followincr are the most recent comments on the 
 subject : — 
 
 J. G., July 18th, 1882, writes :— 
 
 " I have to-day received a note from my nephew. He is much 
 pleased with his farm, and also with the family you sent him to. . . . 
 He is very happy in his new home." 
 
 J. C. L. writes, in a letter dated August 27th, 1882 : 
 
 "Dear Sir, — 1 had a very pleasant trip across to Kew York, and 
 
 found Mr. M at the Custom House when I came ofi" the steamer. 
 
 He was verj' kind and obliging. 
 
 * ' I stayed at the Astor House, as there were a lot of fellows 1 
 knew going there. 
 
 "I left Kew York on the Monday, as 1 only stayed there two 
 days, and came right through to Madison — which, by the way, is the 
 prettiest place I have seen.
 
 43 
 
 " Major M met me at the station and told me where to go for 
 
 the night, etc. I like him very well indeed, and I believe he is the 
 right man in the right place, as he does everything in his power for the 
 new arrivals. " 
 
 L, C. E. F., writes September 6tli, 1882 : 
 
 ' I have much pleasure in saying that I am perfectly happy and 
 comfortable, and in every way satisfied. I have a very nice room 
 and comfortable bed, etc. "With regard to instruction, 1 am able to 
 say it has been given to me in a polite and painstaking way. The 
 usual time of getting up in the morning is five o'clock. One gene- 
 rally gets about one hour and a half rest at noon, going out to work 
 again about one till five, when you have supper, from which you go 
 straight to work again till about sundown, when the horses and other 
 animals have to be fed, etc. 
 
 "This is a first-rate life for a young fellow to lead if he is strong 
 and throws himself right into the work." 
 
 H. T. M. K., August 30tli, 1882 : 
 
 ' ' I have heard frequently from my sou in Ontario. He writes in 
 good spirits, and enjoys the life he is leading. He says : ' The work 
 
 at this time of the year is hard ;' but then he does more than Mr. P 
 
 expects from him, and is deterriiined that he will make himself 
 thoroughly useful, and not be outdone by any one on the farm. He 
 
 also says, ' Mr. P is now giving me twenty dollars a month, which 
 
 is to continue through the summer, and has promised me ten dollar.^ 
 a month through the winter.' In another letter, received about a fort- 
 night ago, he says : ' I wish I had brou^^h^ -^"^ i ■"^^" -^'^ r]f\c and some 
 
 fishing-tackle, as P always goes out for a hunting excursion in the 
 
 fall for a fortnight or three weeks, and he is going to take me with him 
 
 to shoot deer and to fish, so 1 must get a rifle somehow. P also 
 
 hopes to give me a chance of meeting with bears and a few wolves 
 after the harvest.' My son likes the coimtry very much, and, being near 
 a lake, he enjoys the opportunity, which he occasionally has, of boating 
 and swimming, in both of which exercises he is an expert. He further 
 says : ' 1 have been here just two months, and I do not think that any 
 other life would really have suited me so well, except the army.' " 
 
 We have permission to insert the following, which was 
 written by the parent of a pupil in Ontario, to anotlie*i' seek- 
 ing information : 
 
 " 28th Oct., 1882. 
 
 " Dear Sir, — I have received a gi*eat number of letters from parents 
 anxious to settle their sons, since my second son went to Canada in 
 July last, and the same answer may be given in everj' case. You can- 
 not do better than follow the advice given in the little pamphlet pub- 
 lished by the American Colonisation Company, and take your son Nnth 
 you to the office in Finsbury Pavement and talk the matter over witli-
 
 44 
 
 the people there. My son is with a farmer in Ontario, a Scotchmar, 
 and thorough gentleman. He and my son get on capitally. My son 
 likes the lile, and is already laying by money ; not much, 'tis true, but 
 enough to show that the lite pays, besides being veiy enjoyable. Now 
 this fanner's name was given to me by Mr. Shearman, the first that 
 came to hand on his list, with the information that another pupil had 
 declined to go there, because the boy thought the place was too far 
 from a town. My son went there, and, as he says in his letters, ' has 
 fallen on his legs, and no mistake. ' Another pupil went to the same 
 part with his father, and when the time came for the father to return, 
 the young gentleman prevailed on his father to bring him back to Eng- 
 land. I give you these two instances to show that my son seems to 
 have succeeded where two others failed, and my own experience of 
 more than thirty years oat of England, in India and the colonies, goes 
 to prove the same, that it depends entirely on the young men them- 
 selves whether they get on or not in the colonies. "We hear every 
 fortnight from my son, who ploughs, drives home cattle, milks cows, 
 and looks after horses and pigs, and works with the farmer like our 
 farm labourers in England, and probably much harder, end yet finds 
 time to write long and amusing letters to us, and he and the farmer 
 turn out like gentlemen on Sunda}', and go to their respective churches. 
 If young men are steady and not afraid of work, they Avill succeed, but 
 if they loaf about and take a lot of money out with them, they get into 
 a bad way very soon. " Yours faithfully, 
 
 "G. H. G., Esq. (Signed) " AV. H. S., Major-GeneraL 
 
 " P.S. — AVe send our son the county paper every week, and he is- 
 only four miles from a town, so I think his two predecessors were 
 rather easily daunted." 
 
 The following is from the Episcopal clergyman in one of 
 the districts in ^Minnesota, where pupils have been placed. 
 This gentleman, who is highly respected in the State, has 
 shown much interest in their welfare, and his letter is in re- 
 sponse to a request from us for criticisms or suggestions on 
 the system ; the concluding paragraph refers to one or two 
 isolated cases in which much trouble and annoyance has 
 been caused to the agency by the young men Ixaving been 
 addicted to habits of intemperance, which they could not be 
 induced to abandon : 
 
 " I quite agree with your letter of December 10th. Since my writing 
 I have given thought to particular cases, and I do not see how any better 
 arrangement can be made. As I see more of the young men, I fully 
 agi-ee with what you say on page 7. There are some fine fellows ; others 
 of a different character. The friends of some of them, ought not to send 
 them money to use at their discretion, for they thereby defeat the very 
 end of their coming here. As you say, they can become self-supporting , 
 from the first.
 
 45 
 
 " Every young man who comes to America, and will be iudustrious, 
 economical, and sober, can succeed, but their friends must not interfere 
 with their habits of self-reliance. I have given the young men good 
 counsel as to our customs, and can be of great service to them if they will 
 allow me to be by being worthy of it. 
 
 " Many of the young men in this county are well spoken of. As 
 County Superintendent, I have the best of opportunities to see them, 
 and many of them come in often to church. We had a good num- 
 ber at Christmas at Holy Communion. 
 
 " I feel quite sure your agent has done his duty faithfully in locating 
 these lads. Some of them will date their manhood from this point of life. 
 
 " As to those who come to America because their friends desire to be 
 rid of them, I fear little can be done for them, but no one is to blame 
 for this but themselves." 
 
 The same gentleman, in a letter of the 16th February, 
 
 1882, writes : 
 
 " Your pamphlet was duly received some weeks since. I do not 
 see how it could be changed for the better, I would think you had 
 taken every precaution possible to protect the young men sent out 
 under your auspices, and those who will succeed elsewhere are doing 
 well. I mean those who are persevering. An industrious young man 
 of energy and a fair education can do well in America." 
 
 In a further letter, dated September 4th, 1882, he says : 
 
 •' So far as I have been able to observe, your agents have selected 
 
 good places for the young men. In the long sickness of B no one 
 
 could have taken better care of him than Mrs. H and her family. 
 
 I might also mention other instances. The influences surrounding the 
 young men have been good, and every effort has 1 "cen used to direct 
 and assist them," 
 
 The following is from a letter received from our represen- 
 tative in Kentucky : 
 
 " Most of the farmers who wish to take pupils hope to obtain one 
 whose superior intelligence and trustworthiness will enable the farmer 
 to some extent to leave the conduct of the farm in his absence to the 
 pupil, when he has learned the mode of farming. If the young men are 
 only to be valued by their physical labour, and their intelligence and 
 integrity are not to be considered, then it would be an exceptional case 
 where their services would be worth as much as an ordinary man accus- 
 tomed from childhood to farm labour. 
 
 "The farmers here, as a class, are intelligent, educated, well- 
 informed men, both as to farming and the general business of the coun- 
 tr}-, as it has been my fortune to find in m^ travels over a large part of 
 the better farming portion of tlie world, 
 
 "Summing the whole thing up, the futureWthe pupils sent to Ken« 
 tucky, in the majority of cases, will be as tliey themselves make it. I 
 -will try and be careful to place tliem with honourable men and good
 
 4C 
 
 farmers, hoping; that they will so conduct themselves the first year that 
 the future will be comparatively easy to them. 
 
 *' With regard to the size of the farms, if I had a son^I wished taught 
 farming, I would infinitely prefer putting him with some intelligent, 
 honest, good farmer, owning from 100 to 200 acres of land, who worked 
 himself a portion of the time, and did not depend on managers ; there 
 the pupil would be intelJigently educated, and would not see the ex- 
 travagant high living that he would see on those large farms of 500 to 
 1,000 acres." 
 
 In regard to the advantages offered by some of the 
 Southern States, the following are quoted from Official com- 
 munications : 
 
 The Commissioner of Agriculture of the State of !N'orth 
 Carolina writes, 17th August, 1881 : 
 
 '* I am instructed by His Excellency, Governor Jarvis, to express^ 
 his cordial approbation of the scheme unfolded in your letter ; he 
 regards it as one at once practical in its nature, and in its design 
 calculated to accomplish great good. The Governor thinks that a 
 young Englishman can nowhere in the continent find a better theatre 
 
 for a useful career With reference to the tone and popular 
 
 feeling here with regard to labour and the estimate in which it is held, 
 I beg "to direct your attention to an address of our Governor, delivered 
 at Randolph ^^lacon College in June last past. As the utterance of 
 one of the great practical intellects of our State, and one who by 
 position and talent is its proper exponent, it will have for you a just 
 significance." 
 
 The Director of the Geological Survey of Kentucky 
 
 ■^vrites as follows, regarding this system, 3rd September, 
 
 1881: 
 
 " I believe you have the right plan, and that much loss and disap- 
 pointment will be avoided by young Englishmen who will come to this 
 countrj'' and remain at work on a farm before investing. I beHeve that 
 Kentucky offers peculiar advantages for putting in practice such a 
 work. In Central Kentucky the farm-houses are larger and better than 
 I have seen elsewhere in Anu-rica ; the farmers are very intelligent, 
 and are celebrated for their good living. Agriculture is also more 
 diversified, and the farm student can here learn all kinds of farming, 
 and also stock-breeding, from the most intelligent breeders in America. 
 .... One of our United States Senators came to Kentucky a poor 
 Scotch lad, and went on a farm at ten dollars per month. I %vill take 
 pleasure in co-o]ierating with you in your good work."
 
 47 
 
 The Hon. John S. Williams, United States Senator for 
 Kentucky, writes as follows : 
 
 "United States Senate Chamber, 
 
 "Washington, October 13th, 1881. 
 "Dear Sirs, 
 
 ' ' I think well of your plan of introducing into Kentucky 
 young Englishmen who wish to learn American modes of business. I 
 think Kentucky the most desirable of all the States of the Union for 
 the better class of English emigi-ants. The Kentuckians are nearly all 
 descended from English ancestors, and have still sti'ongly-marked 
 traits of English character. There is a striking resemblance between 
 the blue-grass region of Kentucky and some of the best portions of 
 England. 
 
 ' ' As an agricultural and stock-raising country, Kentucky has no 
 equal on the American continent. The other States all come to 
 Kentucky for their fine horses and cattle. Not an American horse has 
 won a race in England that did not come from Kentucky. The soil is 
 of surprising fertility, and the climate so mild that men may work on 
 our farms every day in the j-ear. Geological survey shows that Keu- 
 tucky has more coal and iron than the whole of Great Britain. The 
 farmers of Kentucky, as you must have observed, are superior to those 
 of any other State of our Union . Kentucky is the only State where 
 the rich and educated people reside upon and cultivate their own fanus. 
 I am a farmer myself, and produce tobacco, wheat, Indian corn, sheep, 
 and short-horn cattle ; and within the last year have sold from off a 
 farm of 1,200 acres 32,000 dollars' worth of products, without touching 
 a short horn, and this without any artificial manure. I usually get 
 100 bushels of Indian com, 35 bushels of wheat, 75 bushels of oats, 
 and 1,500 pounds of "Wliite Burley tobacoo to the acre. 
 
 *' I sold a few weeks since my last year's crop of tobacco at a price 
 which averaged me 300 dollars to the acre. I gave the tenants one- 
 half for their work, which left me 150 dollars clear rent to the acre. 
 Our climate is healthy, and nowhere in the world is animal life, both 
 in man and the lower animals, to be found in a more vigorous and 
 perfect existence than in Kentucky. 
 
 " Very Iruly yours, 
 
 "JOHN S. WILLIAMS." 
 
 "Kentucky Geological Survey and Bureau of Immigration, 
 "John R. Procter, Director. 
 
 "Frankfort, Kentucky, 
 
 " October 10th, 1881. 
 " Dear Sirs, 
 
 "I am instructed by His Excellency, The Governor of 
 Kentucky, to inform you that the plans of the American ColonisoMoii 
 Company, of London, England, proposed and submitted by you, meet
 
 48 
 
 with his warm approval, and that he will co-operate with you in your 
 endeavours to send young men to this State. He believes that the 
 geographical position of Kentucky, its salubrity of climate, fertility of 
 soil, and great undeveloped wealth in coal, iron, and timber, make it 
 a most desirable field for the introduction of foreign labour and capital. 
 To persons seeking pleasant homes or remunerative investments in this 
 State he extends a cordial invitation, with the assurance of a warm 
 welcome. As Director of the Geological Survey and Bureau of Immi- 
 gration, I beg to assure you of my heai-ty co-operation, and will spare 
 no efforts necessary to aid in furtherance of your plans. 
 
 " Eespectfully yours, 
 
 "JOHX K. PEOCTEE, State Geologist. 
 
 "Approved,— LUKE V. BLACKBUEN, Governor of Kentucky." 
 
 Visitors may see at an interriew any of the letters quoted 
 in tills pamphlet, as well as numerous others on the same 
 subject ; the fullest inquiry is invited into the working of 
 the system and the nature of the organisation. 
 
 The American Colonisation Company is a private under- 
 taking, having a complete organisation on both sides of the 
 Atlantic, enabling it to offer a thorough fulfilment abroad of 
 every contract entered into here. 
 
 Solicitors may refer in the first instance to Messrs. "Wm. 
 and A. Eanken Ford, JS'o. 4, South Square, Gray's Inn, 
 London; and Bankers to Messrs. Hoare and Co., 37, Fleet 
 Street, London, E.C., and to Messrs. Melville, Evans, and 
 Co., 75, Lombard Street, E.C. 
 
 Eiglith Edition, Bevised.—Novemher, 1882. 
 
 FOED, EATHBONE, & WALTEE, 
 
 THE 
 
 AMERICAN COLONISATION COMPANY^ 
 
 21, FINSBUEY PAVEMENT, 
 LOXDOX, E.C. 
 
 {Close to the Moorgate Street Station of the Metropolitan Railway.)
 
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