XIX 
TYPE OF SETTLER REQUIRED 
187 
carried on, for though two lines may be equally 
profitable, a man’s bent may lie in one rather than in 
another. These twelve months should teach much ; 
in addition to actual farming and agricultural know¬ 
ledge, there is the learning of Swahili, the universal 
medium of conversation with the natives, there is the 
management and breaking of oxen, the right method 
of handling native labour; and, finally, our friend 
will learn, if ever he is to do so, his own strength as 
opposed to that of the tropical sun. 
At the end of twelve months the pupil should be in 
a position to start work on his own ; and here I would 
point out that it is both more economical and more 
pleasant for two friends to join partnership and work 
together. Let us imagine two such friends starting 
together, and see if we cannot give a word or two 
of advice. First as to capital: I look on ,£1,200 as an 
irreducible minimum. If the settler or settlers arrive 
with less let them work or trade until this sum is 
acquired, but to start farming on any smaller sum 
means one continual and wearing uphill struggle, with 
the certainty that a single bad season spells ruin. 
Next as to land : most Englishmen know what land- 
hunger is, and the pride of possession is no doubt a 
very fine feeling ; but I would warn anyone against 
acquiring a large tract of country far from the line. 
For such a one pride of possession and hopes for the 
future will be the sole sustenance ; the very heavy cost 
of transport both in and out will devour all other 
profit. Better it is to buy a small area in an easily 
accessible district ; best of all, perhaps, to obtain an 
area from some large estate on easy terms. Rent could 
be payable on a percentage of the crop and an option 
to purchase at any time obtained. We will imagine 
