CHARACTER OF INTENDING SETTLERS. 139 



the vast markets of Europe and America have to offer the pioneer and 

 the planter." 



I have no hesitation whatever in stating, from my knowledge 

 of the East Indies, that British Honduras, in the surpassing 

 richness of its soil, in its wonderful facilities for the growth of 

 numerous tropical plants, and in its proximity to, and close 

 connection with, the large and increasing markets of the United 

 States and Canada, possesses advantages unequalled in any 

 country in the East Indies ; and, especially in those, such as 

 Perak, Johore, and Borneo, where all the difficulties and draw- 

 backs of native rule are increased by remoteness from suitable 

 markets. 



Men who have served a cadetship on a good estate in Ceylon 

 or Southern India, and who are unable to invest in these countries, 

 would do well to .consider the prospects offered them in the 

 West Indies. With a capital of from 1,500 to 2,000, a good 

 banana plantation might be established in British Honduras, 

 which should bring in a return within some eighteen months of 

 planting. Concurrently with bananas, coco-nuts, cacao, Liberian 

 coffee and spices might be planted, and eventually a good 

 property established of a permanent and remunerative character. 

 With a large capital, say of 5,000 to 8,000 (and land at a 

 dollar per acre), a sugar estate might be started ; and the 

 numerous other products gradually grouped around it for the 

 more complete utilisation of the land, as well as for supplement- 

 ing the resources of the planter. 



For young men who have had no previous experience of a 

 tropical country, it would be very undesirable for them to go 

 out to British Honduras, unless they have made previous 

 arrangements to place themselves for a year or two under the 

 control of an experienced planter. Such men require to become 

 acquainted with the ways of the country, and with the manage- 



