THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 553 



thought he saw what was needed in the vacant lands. He would let down a 

 helping hand to the people, and place them in a position where with a little 

 exertion they could prosper. 



The special magistrates under the apprenticeship system had, as an im- 

 portant duty, to take account of any vacant lands in the Colony that were 

 favorable for settlement.'^* They reported several places that seemed suitable 

 for this purpose.'"'^ But it was not intended to throw these lands open 

 suddenly for settlement at the pleasure of the negroes, for whose benefit 

 they were to be granted. Precautions were necessary to prevent danger to 

 the value of property, and the more permanent interests of society. The 

 progress of the occupation of the lands was to be held in check, the 

 negroes to be guided into the production of staple crops, and not allowed to 

 go where there was promise of immediate but merely temporary gains. The 

 facility of obtaining lands was diminished and only cautious distribution on 

 proper terms was to be allowed. The squatter was to be fought at every turn. 

 The price of land was put so high that it was out of reacli of the poorest 

 class, and indeed of all who had not saved some capital.'^ Thus it was hoped 

 to keep all the lands under the control of the government and promote a 

 sound moral and economic state. The disposal of any lands otherwise than 

 by public sale was forbidden."" Thorough cultivation was to be promoted 

 and the possession of land made an object of reasonable desire to all. The 

 granting of land to families and gratuitous grants were no longer permitted."' 



Quit Eents. 



Most of the Bahama lands that had been cultivated had been held under 

 the quit rent tenure. The regulations governing these holdings had not been 

 strictly applied. Yery loose methods had prevailed in the management of 

 them. Quit rents had fallen into arrears and the holders were careless in 

 paying what was due.^"* Many holders were unable to pay. Even at the rate 

 of a penny or a half-penny per acre rents were left unpaid, the lands on 



""^ Sess. P., 1836, 49, p. 512. 



'■'■'^ Loc. cit., pp. 543-0. 



'"*' Ds., S. St., 1836, circ. of Jan. 20. This was the general outline of the land 

 policy that was to be followed. The details were worked out afterwards. 



°''' Loc. cit. This forbade the granting of lands under the quit rent tenure. 

 See this circular In Sess. P., 1836, 48, p. 49 (10-11). 



'-'' Ds., S. St., 1833, No. 106. 



""'' Smyth's Ds., No. 178. 



