THE QUACK AND THE LAND. 29 



sheet to a sad muddle, in a democratic com- 

 munity, within a very short period of time ; to 

 note the mischief done by quackery, and the 

 unwise way in which quackery was met ; and 

 perhaps to learn the first principle which it seems 

 to me is necessary in dealing with the English 

 land question, the lesson of patience — to meet 

 with sympathy and comprehension demands 

 which may seem causelessly foolish and wild, 

 but which have a basis in ineradicable sentiments 

 and instincts. Since the purpose of this book is 

 to deal with the English and not the Australian 

 land question, and what is here cited of Aus- 

 tralian conditions is only by way of illustration, 

 I shall set down only the main facts regarding 

 the land legislation of the principal State, New 

 South Wales. 



In the early days of Australia land was 

 alienated by grants and orders from the Governor, 

 under instructions issued by the British Secretary 

 of State. The first instructions (1787) authorized 

 the Governor to make grants only to liberated 

 prisoners. Under further instructions issued by 

 the Secretary of State in 1789, the privilege of 

 obtaining grants was extended to free immigrants 



