io8 A COLONY IN THE MAKING chap. 



and as these lines go forward the large blocks will be 

 voluntarily or even compulsorily cut up into small 

 and agricultural holdings. I do not think that the 

 alienation of large tracts in the out-districts need raise 

 too much apprehension in the minds of the more 

 radically inclined, or too high hopes in the minds of 

 the more conservative or acquisitive ; provided always 

 that proper precautions for adequate development be 

 taken. 



Such considerations for another generation need not 

 affect the settler of the present day. At the present 

 time, he has his choice. He can acquire a small 

 agricultural holding near Nairobi, and besides making 

 a nice and comfortable living without any very great 

 exertion, can enjoy all the comforts of civilisation. 

 Such small holdings in favoured places are perhaps the 

 most certain of any to show an increased value. Four 

 years ago the average price of land within ten miles of 

 Nairobi was not more than ten shillings an acre ; now 

 it is certainly not less than three pounds. Perhaps, 

 however, the intending settler has no use for civilisa- 

 tion, and has developed in him that desire for the 

 possession of mud in large quantities which is so 

 marked a characteristic of Englishmen, not only as a 

 race, but as individuals. If so, he can still buy or take 

 up a large block where his nearest neighbour will be 

 ten miles off and the nearest apology for a town fifty. 

 His profits will take longer to acquire, and his setbacks 

 will be frequent ; in the end, however, success is 

 certain and assuredly he will have earned it. If, again, 

 he has capital, a thirst for wealth, and a talent for 

 organisation, he will be well advised to embark in the 

 growing of some such permanent crop as sisal or 

 wattle. These crops take both time and money to 



