Page:Narrativeavoyag01wilsgoog.djvu/257

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DISSAPPOINTED EMIGRANTS,
225

land, expected to be immediately inducted into a land, if not "flowing—easily capable of being made to flow—with milk and honey."

On their arrival, they find all the land, of which they had heard so much, already disposed of, and that they must discover good land for themselves, if they can.

Much obloquy has been thrown on Mr. Fraser, in consequence of his (as it is called) exaggerated description. Now, the truth is, that he has given a very fair account, but it extends no farther than the immediate vicinity of the river; and the land there (as already mentioned) has been all granted away,—each of the Officers of H.M.S. Sulphur having a fair proportion.

Nearly the whole of the land on the banks of the Canning was also pre-engaged,—the Officers of the Challenger having, as they had a right to expect, received a similar indulgence; but the justice of this proceeding was called in question, by many emigrants who were on the spot, in just expectation of obtaining the object for which they had left their native home.

The civil officers also considered themselves labouring under grievances, particularly by not receiving either candles or oil; it being imagined that they would not want any, from the abundance of whales on the coast; but whales are not taken without considerable exertion and outlay.

Several of my acquaintances proposed to the Governor to commence a fishery on a great scale, if they