Page:Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore.djvu/158

 132 considerable sum to bring out and to support the emigrant until he can support himself. Land must be purchased—if from government at 5s. an acre; and if servants be brought out, the expense of maintaining them is considerable; and what can a solitary individual do if he do not bring them? Two or three stout hard-working brothers, or a father with a family able and willing to assist, with some money, are sure of establishing themselves in rough comfort and plenty in a very few years; but there must be no squeamishness as to fare. In short, it is a plodding, matter-of-fact, and hard-working sort of life, until you become settled; with very little of the romance and adventure about it which is so tempting and alluring to your minds. Yet it has its pleasures too; but people should prepare themselves for what it really is, and therefore I show more of the unfavourable side, and expose the truth in its most undisguised and unflattering state, leaving people to draw their own inferences. There is one point which I recommend to every one coming out; namely, the purchase of cattle from the Cape. Good ponies are very reasonable there also.

McDermott's stock has long since arrived. His wooden houses were rather late, but some have been sold for 100l.. He lives about three miles from this, and breakfasted with me this morning.

The excellent crops that have been harvested this year (equalling if not exceeding the best in