I 
INTRODUCTORY 
5 
have in most portions two seasons, a fact never to 
be lost sight of in estimating our prospects. Com¬ 
munication in the country is good, and is increasing 
in facility every year. Last, but to the Englishman 
by no means least, the sport of all kinds is not to be 
surpassed. Drawbacks of course there are, and it 
is by no means the aim of this book anywhere to 
conceal the same. Apart from the disadvantages 
just mentioned, there is the distance of the high¬ 
land to the coast, and the even more important 
distance from England. Three weeks from door 
to door compares badly with the week or so to 
Canada or British Columbia. Still this distance 
is one that affects the visitor and tourist more 
than the settler, though naturally the distance to 
his principal markets, with the corresponding en¬ 
hanced freights, is to the latter a serious considera¬ 
tion. The absence of minerals in any quantity 
is held by many as another drawback, while all 
admit the seriousness of insect and other plagues. 
It should be borne in mind, however, that these 
plagues and pests are not especially numerous. 
In severity they have been surpassed in many of 
the most prosperous parts of the globe. What 
really troubles us is the fact that they are new, and that 
fresh means of dealing with them must gradually be 
adopted. Every year sees two or three insect or 
other pests got in hand, and if another one or two 
newcomers make their appearance the balance has 
never yet failed to be on the right side. Another 
distinct drawback, but one shared by all new colonies, 
lies in the lack of educational facilities. This is 
more especially so in secondary or higher education. 
It is a drawback which was at first inevitable, and 
