CHAPTER III.

DAZZLING PROSPECTS.

Ir is not my province to endeavour to divert emigration from its present channels, in favour of the newly-discovered gold regions of British Columbia. But it behoves me as a writer, to describe accurately and impartially the country with which I have to deal, as well as to express my own candid and unbiassed belief in the desirability of that country as a place of settlement for those who, emulous of gain, and intent upon doing something for themselves, which in England may be of doubtful promise, are willing go forth and brave the world amongst a class

to

of society, which, although crude and unsettled, in its unsophisticated roughness may be found. all the more hospitable, and encouraging than in England, where starched and hollow conventionalism curbs, and fetters, and repels, and narrows the souls of men to a methodical routine and a humiliating code, which destroys selfdependence and magnanimity, and, like the desert traveller, lost amid the dust of the sirocco, makes the spirit of enterprize pant for the fresher air of unshackled freedom. In giving this opinion I cannot do otherwise than pronounce Vancouver's Island, and the territory of the neighbouring mainland, as the most desirable fields for the exercise of that talent, and that industry, which the still over-burdened population of this country may send forth.

Although the climate and other natural advantages of British Columbia are not everywhere so great as those which favour the island, still the proximity of both is so close, that each can be made to conduce to the general comfort of man. The climate of Vancouver's Island, although in many respects closely resembling that of England, much to be preferred to it. The face of

is

very

the country is more radiant-the vegetation is by far more luxuriant, and during the summer months, that is from April to September, the vivifying rays of an unclouded sun, shining through a tinted but half shadowy sky, gladdens the earth, and while decking all nature in a festive array, makes joyful the hearts of men, and merry indeed the carol of feathered throngs. Rich and bounteous in its superficial treasures, it offers to man the solid wealth of gold; here can be achieved the sudden gain of what elsewhere millions strive for in vain.

Commerce always follows in the footsteps of emigration and colonization, and rare will be the advantages reaped from an influx of people so great as the countries referred to are now experiencing, and which tide of immigration will continue to flow on in augmented greatness and impetuosity, till the favoured territories blaze out upon the world in dazzling attractiveness and importance, and British American gold circulates in uncounted millions through the coffers of civilization. And while I so speak of these lands, I cannot but extol the spirit which has actuated that grand mouth-piece of the British

nation, the Times newspaper, in its endeavours to induce emigration generally, as well as the publicity which it has given to the new gold regions of our observation. The ample resources which it commands, as well as the magnanimous feeling of impartiality and philanthropy which guides its conduct, and which has long placed it on the highest pinnacle of journalistic fame, have conduced to the dissemination of more good throughout Great Britain and her dependencies, and to an establishment of more thorough and correct information, than all the other newspapers of the United Kingdom joined together, and perhaps than all the emanations of the press for the last fifty years throughout the world.

To some this possibly may seem an exaggerated statement, but can they refute it? It is beyond individual power to measure the extent of good which has resulted from its able advocacy. Reforms may not have sprung up on the instant of its bidding, neither have abuses been always as quickly corrected, but still the effect, however latent has been nevertheless as assuredly potent has worked a marvellous change in our government, our institutions, and our social

life during the nineteenth century; and by virtue of the permanence of such effect in shaping and influencing the destiny of future ages, and not only of its own nation, but of the world. It has gained the ear of humanity, which is power; while by the laudable and judicious use of that power it has contributed to the advancement of civilization, the ends of justice, and the inculcation of everything calculated to exalt and fortify; a power whose sceptre no other journal was able to wield. This is public approbation, and it is that public approbation and confidence which still keeps it, and promises ever to keep it, on a pillar of its own, the shining sun of enlightenment and intelligence, the monitor as well as the trumpet voice of Britannia, which is felt and echoed throughout the length and breadth of civilisation.

Well, indeed, may emigration from the mother country be advocated, while millions of able and intelligent men and women drag out a feeble existence, vegetating on the merest pittance necessary for actual subsistence, and when to attain that is too frequently a difficult struggle. Well may emigration be encouraged when thou