162 



Winter and cooler in summer than those of wood; of 

 heinof cheaper in their first construction, where lime is 

 convenient, and infinitely more durable. The latter 

 conj-i(h'ration renders it of great importance to eradi- 

 cate this |)rejndice from the rninds of our countrymen. 

 A country whose buildinps are of wood, can never in- 

 crease in its improvements to any considerable degree. 

 Their duration is highly estimated at 50 years. Every 

 half century then our country becomes a tabula rasa, 

 whereon we have to set out anew, as in the first mo- 

 ment of seating it. Whereas when buildings are of 

 durable materials, every now edifice is an actual and 

 pertnanent acquisition to the state, adding to its value 

 as well as to its ornament. 



QUERY XVI. 



The measures taken with regard to the estates and 

 possessions of the rebels, commoidy called tories? 



A tory has been properly defined to be a traitor in 

 , thought but not in deed. The only description, by 

 which the laws have endeavoured to come at them, was 

 that of nonjurors, or persons refusing to take the oath 

 of fidelity to the state. Persons of this description 

 were at one time subjected to double taxation, at an- 

 other to treble, and lastly were allowed retribution, and 

 placed on a level with good citizens. It may be men- 

 tioned as a proof both of the lenity of our government, 

 and unanimity of its iidiabitants. that though this war 

 has now raged near seven years, not a single execution 

 for treason has taken place. 



Under this query 1 will state the measures which 

 have been adopted as to British property, the owners of 

 which stand on a much fairer footing than the tories. 

 By our laws, the same as the English in this respect, 

 no alien can hold lands, nor alien enemy maintain an 

 action for money, or other moveable thing. Lands ac- 

 quired or held by aliens become forfeited to the state j 



