160 THE FAMILY AND THE NATION 



supported from the military point of view ; Quebec 

 surrendered to the English, and was only returned to 

 France at the peace of 1632. 



At this period, the missionary aspect of the enter- 

 prise probably offered the greatest attraction to the 

 French people ; but before long Talon and Colbert 

 resumed the policy of deliberate colonization, and 

 between 1664 and 1674 the population of French 

 Canada trebled under their careful guidance. Men of 

 bad character were not allowed to stay in the settle- 

 ments ; early marriage and large families were en- 

 couraged by every device and decree, such as bonuses 

 on marriage and on large families, fines on celibacy, 

 etc., while shiploads of young women as wives for the 

 settlers were sent to stimulate the increase of popula- 

 tion. The home government desired to establish joint 

 schools for natives and settlers alike, hoping to create 

 thereby a half-caste race, devoted to their interests. 

 But the French Jesuits, with considerable scientific 

 insight and wisdom, probably gained in practical ex- 

 perience, successfully opposed the carrying out of 

 this scheme. They prevented or discouraged inter- 

 marriage with Indians, arguing that the Indian mind 

 was incapable of a high development, and favoured 

 for them a system of perpetual parental tutelage. 



Here we have the nucleus of a steady, hardworking, 

 sober, Roman Catholic nation, deliberately created and 

 planted in suitable surroundings. The experiment in 

 inheritance has answered admirably. We see the 

 results after two hundred and fifty years in the 

 loyal, industrious, prolific population of French 

 Canada. 



