356 THE FOREST AND THE FIELD. 



expense to the Colonial Office, and as trade has 

 almost left the place, our mamtenance of the pro- 

 tectorate is of no earthly use. Lagos would 

 produce as much oil and cotton, if our garrison and 

 officials were withdrawn, as at the present time, 

 and very likely more ; as our possession of the town 

 is the bugbear of the neighbouring districts, who, 

 with some justice, fear our grasping propensities, 

 lest their own country should be also annexed. 



Keeping only Sierra Leone as a fortified depot, 

 and the Camaroons as a convict station (as pro- 

 posed by Captain Burton), and leaving the rest of 

 the West Coast to the negroes and Exeter Hall 

 philanthropy, I am convinced, that, we should gain 

 in trade, and save lives and treasure. 



Had we expended upon Canada one half of the 

 capital we have wasted upon this malarious coast, 

 she would now be as flourishing as the United 

 States, and we should have no cause to consider 

 how we can best abandon a land which, if properly 

 governed, -would be the brightest jewel in the 

 British Crown. Britain has produced naval and 

 military commanders such as the world has never 



