164 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 



neither their repeated orders, nor arguments, nor successful ex- 

 amples, will rouse this class of landholders to exertion, it is indeed 

 highly probable they will order them a fate similar to some of 

 those ' drones' who are noticed in the 13th page of the ' Laws 

 and Ordinances ;'* not by a removal from the island, but from 

 the lease lands, in order that these may be placed in the hands of 

 persons who are willing to contribute to the general welfare of 

 the community. 



" By Order of the Governor and Council, 



T. H. BROOKE, 



Secretary. 



* Extract of a Letter from the Court of Directors to the Governor and Coimcil , 



dated 8th March, 1675. 



" We are pleased to hear from you that tlie island is in such a flourishing condition, 

 and that all things thrive well with you. But yet we find there is wanting industry and 

 pains taking in many of the inhabitants, which we will not permit to continue to be 

 amongst you ; for they that will not plant and take care for provisions of their own, we 

 will not supply them ; rather send them home under the title of drones." On the 1 1th 

 of January, 1709, the Court again ordered " the drones to be sent away" — and in this 

 letter it is added, " We are pleased with the account Governor Roberts gives us, that he 

 effectually checked that lazy disposition of too many of the planters, to let all run to ruin ; 

 and by removing some of the drones, and speaking well of the industrious, has mended 

 the temper of the rest, that they are as busy as bees," &c. &c. 



