io8 
A COLONY IN THE MAKING 
CHAP. 
and as these lines go forward the large blocks will be 
voluntarily or even compulsorily cut up into small 
and agricultural holdings. I do not think that the 
alienation of large tracts in the out-districts need raise 
too much apprehension in the minds of the more 
radically inclined, or too high hopes in the minds of 
the more conservative or acquisitive ; provided always 
that proper precautions for adequate development be 
taken. 
Such considerations for another generation need not 
affect the settler of the present day. At the present 
time, he has his choice. He can acquire a small 
agricultural holding near Nairobi, and besides making 
a nice and comfortable living without any very great 
exertion, can enjoy all the comforts of civilisation. 
Such small holdings in favoured places are perhaps the 
most certain of any to show an increased value. Four 
years ago the average price of land within ten miles of 
Nairobi was not more than ten shillings an acre ; now 
it is certainly not less than three pounds. Perhaps, 
however, the intending settler has no use for civilisa¬ 
tion, and has developed in him that desire for the 
possession of mud in large quantities which is so 
marked a characteristic of Englishmen, not only as a 
race, but as individuals. If so, he can still buy or take 
up a large block where his nearest neighbour will be 
ten miles off and the nearest apology for a town fifty. 
H is profits will take longer to acquire, and his setbacks 
will be frequent; in the end, however, success is 
certain and assuredly he will have earned it. If, again, 
he has capital, a thirst for wealth, and a talent for 
organisation, he will be well advised to embark in the 
growing of some such permanent crop as sisal or 
wattle. These crops take both time and money to 
