reverse the trend, even though there was some opposi- 

 tion from British factions who considered tobacco to be 

 a "social evil." 



Learning from the experiences of neighboring Vir- 

 ginia Colony, the new Maryland settlers transformed 

 the area from wilderness to a thriving tobacco economy. 

 In less than 50 years, the population increased a thou- 

 sandfold. 



Land allotments were a very enticing factor to the 

 original settlers. Land was alloted on the basis of 2,000 

 acres for every five able-bodied men brought into the 

 county, and 50 acres for each child of a family. By 1641, 

 conditions allowed for only 50 acres to each new settler 

 and 25 acres for each child. Although there were still 

 many 2,000-acre manors, an average family homestead 

 took up about 200 acres. 



u 



nder consignment 



Colonial farmers sent their tobacco to England under 

 the consignment system. They were forbidden, by law, 

 to sell directly to the buyer. The grower would ship his 

 hogsheads to a merchant in Britain who would pick up 

 the tobacco, pay the duty and sell it, receiving a com- 

 mission for his services. Meanwhile, under the planter's 

 instructions, the merchant would purchase nails, cloth, 

 tools and other goods which the farmer could not obtain 

 in the colonies. The merchant usually extended credit 

 to the growers who more often than not found them- 

 selves in perpetual debt. 



More intermittent trouble plagued the settlers. Be- 

 fore mid-17th century, colonial farmers were warned 



17 



