434 PLAN OF TOWNS 



and to eftablifh in thofe parts a populous colony of 

 induttrious fubjccts. In a country where foil and 

 climate have been fo niggardly of tin ir favours, 

 fome further expenditures are pofuively requifite. 

 The people fhould be comfortably lodged, and ac- 

 commodated with provifions, firing, Itores of fait, 

 materials and utenfils for the herring and white fifh- 

 cries, independent of lairds, ftewards, or interme- 

 diate jobbers. They fhould enjoy, in the mod ample 

 manner, and in all poffcblc cafes, the freedom and 

 fpirit of the Britilh conftitution. The idea of feu- 

 dal ariflocracy, and of feudal fubordination fhould 

 be utterly extinguifhed ; and every man, of what- 

 ever degree or profefTion, fhould be matter of his 

 own time in all fcafons, whether at the height of the 

 harvefl, or the fifheries, without the interference 

 of any fuperior whatever. This implies the erection 

 of towns at convenient diftances, and in the moft 

 eligible fituations, on thofe extenfivc fhores; which 

 towns fhould be endued with all the privileges of 

 royal boroughs, for the diftribution of juftice, as 

 well as the conveniency of the inhabitants in what- 

 ever relates to trade, navigation, and fifheries. 



After having fele&ed the particular lakes deftined 

 to become the fcenes of population and bufinefs, it 

 would be necefiary to examine into the depth of wa- 

 ter, the prevailing directions of the winds, and their 

 effects 3 alfo the rivulets, woods, metals, foil, and 

 whatever may be ufeful or requifite in the founda- 

 tion, advancement, and fuccefs of the town. This 

 previous enquiry into the beft fituations on each 

 refpective lake or bay, being a matter of confider- 

 able confequence to the prefent age, as well as pof- 

 tcrity; and alfo to prevent bribery, jobbing, influ- 

 ence, connivance, partiality, or breach of truft ; a 

 committee of difmterefled perfons, having no con- 

 2 nections 



