110 A CONTBIBTTTION TO, ETC. 



with the idea, that the system of alienating the public lands in 

 small allotments suitable for farms, is calculated to call forth a 

 great deal of physical energy, and to make a hard-working and 

 industrious population. To ascertain the true character of a 

 people, however, it is necessary to reside amongst them for a time, 

 and to watch their habits closely not merely when they are en- 

 gaged in their ordinary occupations, but also when they relax 

 their exertions for a season, and devote themselves to amusement 

 or recreation. It is under circumstances of the latter kind, that 

 a man's true character becomes developed. Whilst engaged in 

 labour which is almost habitual to him, the man of moral and 

 religious feeling, can scarcely be distinguished from one of a very 

 opposite character. The physical powers of both may be the 

 same, and both, as far as external appearances are concerned, 

 seem to have the same object in view. It is only when the pres- 

 sure is removed, and a man is as it were off his guard, that we 

 see the startling difference ; for whilst the really good man, in his 

 seasons of leisure, is anxious to promote the moral welfare of his 

 family, and to redeem the time by the study of the Holy Scrip- 

 tures, and by those pursuits which are calculated to elevate his 

 nature, ever regarding himself as one that hereafter must give an 

 account of his stewardship the opposite character devotes him- 

 self to pleasures of an unprofitable kind, wasting his time and 

 earnings in gambling and dissipation, and laying the foundation 

 for inevitable misery, both for himself and family. Not, there- 

 fore, having had an opportunity of following the free selector, 

 through seasons of relaxation, as well as of active employment, I 

 can speak merely of my impressions from a rapid visit ; and such 

 impressions, I must in candour say, are favourable to the indi- 

 dual himself engaged in the clearing and cultivating of the soil, 

 as well as to any system which is designed to open the resources 

 of the country, and to place small farms in the hands of well dis- 

 posed persons. It was a pleasing feature in the character of 

 many individuals, to hear them speak so anxiously respecting the 

 education of their children, and their earnest desire to have 

 periodical visits from some minister of religion. Where such a 

 desire exists, it is not difficult to foresee that means will be 

 adopted to secure the erection and establishment of schools, and 

 the occasional, if not regular, ministration of religious ordinances. 



