595 
above stated, let us at once proceed to consider what are the means 
which may be adopted to cure the evil and its consequences, which 
are so many and so grievous. I would consider the question from 
two points of view : — 
“ 1. With reference to the existing excess of female life. 
“ 2. With reference to the loss of male life. 
“ We have also to keep in view the question of local customs, and 
the habits of the people generally, as bearing on morals. The 
question of race, I am afraid, I must leave for further inquiry and 
discussion ; but I anticipate we must give the moral crown to the 
Celt — our Celtic race showing certainly, if we may judge from 
figures, a higher code of morals than the Northman and Saxon. 
“ The first and most obvious call, not upon Scotland, but upon the 
Government of the country, is to promote respectable female emi- 
gration. I am aware that endeavours have been made to do this, 
not only by the Emigration Commissioners, but by the colonies 
themselves, but it has never been attended to on a sufficiently 
extended scale. Both at home and abroad, comfortable ‘ homes,’ 
with adequate superintendence, should be provided by the Govern- 
ment, and that superintendence should be by means of local com- 
mittees partly composed of ladies, in correspondence with similar 
committees throughout the whole country. Proper matrons should 
accompany each ship, and pains should be taken to preserve the 
highest moral tone, from the time of leaving home till the final des- 
tination of the emigrants is reached. I am aware that great diffi- 
culties have arisen in carrying out such arrangements already, when 
tried ; but I am convinced, that under a proper system, and with 
the assistance of the colonies themselves, the scheme could be more 
effectually carried out. All ladies should take an interest in such 
a scheme for the sake of their sex ; and the money of the nation 
and its colonies should be freely expended to bring about a result, 
beneficial alike to the mother country and to the colonies themselves. 
“ In illustration of the urgent demand for females in Otago, New 
Zealand, I beg attention to the following memorandum, which I 
have received from the agent in Edinburgh for emigration to that 
colony, while writing this paper : — ■ 
“ I think you expressed a wish, when I saw you the other day 
in your office, to have a statement of the population of Otago. I 
4 L 
VOL. IV. 
