of the troops. Each or both of them visit every
day their young family, as they themselves call it. They neglect nothing
to ensure the maintenance of good conduct, the soundness of the education
and the quality of the provisions. I have several times accompanied these
admirable ladies to the establishment, and have on every occasion been
moved by their anxious solicitude and their touching care.

When these young girls arrive at marriageable age they are not abandoned
by the Government. The following is the sagacious and commendable manner
in which their establishment in life is provided for. Among the free
persons who come to Port Jackson are many men who are not yet married.
The same is the case with some of those who by good conduct have earned
their freedom. When one of those young men wishes to take a worthy wife,
he presents himself to the Governor's wife, who, after having obtained
information concerning his character, permits him to visit her young
flock. If he fixes his choice upon someone, he informs the Governor's
wife, who, after consulting the tastes and inclinations of the young
person, accords or refuses her consent. When a marriage is arranged, the
Government endows the young girl by means of concessions, assigned
servants, etc.; and these unions have already become the nursery of a
considerable number of good and happy homes. It is undoubtedly an
admirable policy, and one which has amply rewarded the English Government
for the sacrifices made to support it.

The defence of the country has not up to the present been very
formidable, and has not needed to be, on account of the ignorance which
prevails in Europe respecting the nature of this colony. The English
Government is at the present moment directing men's minds towards
agriculture. It has not, however, neglected to provide what the physical
condition of the land and the nature of its establishment demand. Two
classes of men are much to be feared at present: first, the criminals,
condemned for the most part to a long servitude, harshly treated,
compelled to the roughest and most fatiguing labour. That infamous class,
the vile refuse of civilised society, always ready to commit new crimes,
needs to be ceaselessly restrained by force and violence. The English
Government therefore maintains a strong police. It is so efficient that
in the midst of that infamous canaille the most perfect security reigns
everywhere, and--what may appear paradoxical to thos