Page:Economic History of Virginia Vol 1.djvu/365

 seventeenth century, for the equipment of a person who had decided to remove to Virginia, or the country adjacent to that Colony, with the intention of becoming a planter. According to Robert Evelyn, he should carry over a considerable amount of merchandise to be invested on his arrival in cattle. With six pounds sterling worth of goods he would be able to purchase a cow, an ox, two goats, and two sows. He should be careful to take with him provisions to supply the needs of himself and the persons who accompanied him, until he was in a position to obtain from the ground the food which he and his companions would require; these provisions should consist of biscuit, peas, oatmeal, acquavitæ, malt, pork, beef and fish, two bushels of roots, and five pounds of butter. He should carry over a hogshead of wheat, and also vegetables, hemp, and flaxseed. The tools which he would want were art axe, spade, and shovel, together with a considerable quantity of steel and iron to be used in repairing. Nails should also be taken along. The emigrant should not forget to carry with him weapons of defence and attack, and a supply of ammunition. Evelyn computed that the whole cost of the equipment described would not exceed ten pounds and five shillings.

Williams, the author of Virginia Richly Valued, recommended