Ch. iv. Of Emigration. 55 



the want of proper habits in the colonies esta- 

 bhshed by Russia, as one of the causes why they 

 did not increase so fast as might have been ex- 

 pected. 



In addition to this it may be observed, that the 

 first establishment of a new colony generally pre- 

 sents an instance of a country peopled considerably 

 beyond its actual produce; and the natural con- 

 sequence seems to be, that this population, if not 

 amply supplied by the mother-country, should at 

 the commencement be diminished to the level of 

 the first scanty productions, and not begin per- 

 manently to increase, till the remaining numbers 

 had so far cultivated the soil, as to make it yield 

 a quantity of food more than sufficient for their 

 own support; and which consequently they could 

 divide with a family. The frequent failures in the 

 establishment of new colonies tend strongly to 

 shew the order of precedence between food and 

 population. 



It must be acknowledged then, that the class of 

 people, on whom the distress arising from a too 

 rapidly increasing population would principally 

 fall, could not possibly begin a new colony in a 

 distant country. From the nature of their situa- 

 tion, they must necessarily be deficient in those 

 resources, which alone could ensure success; and 

 unless they could find leaders among the higher 

 classes urged by the spirit of avarice or enterprise, 

 or of religious or political discontent; or were 

 furnished with means and support by government; 

 whatever degree of misery they might suffer in 



