The scheme for the establishment of our island home comprehended several minor industries.  This isle of dreams, of quietude and happiness; this fretless scene; this plot of the Garden of Eden, was not to be left entirely in its primitive state.  It was firmly resolved that our interference should be considerate and slight; that there should be no rude and violent upsetting of the old order of things; but just a gentle restraint upon an extravagant expression here and there, a little orderliness, and ever so light a touch of practicability.  A certain acreage of land was to be cleared for the cultivation of tropical fruits; of vegetables for everyday use, and of maize and millet for poultry, which we proposed to breed for home consumption.  Bees were to be an ultimate source of profit.  There are millions of living proofs of direct but vagrant descent from the Italian stock, with which we started, humming all over this and the adjacent islands to-day.

How we went about the practical accomplishment of our plans; in what particulars they failed; what proportion of success was achieved, and the process of education in rural enterprises generally, it were idle to account.  Rather, an attempt must be made to give particulars of the project as a whole as it stands after a period of nine years.  Be it understood that we depended almost solely on the aid of the blacks.  Means at command did not permit the employment of even a single white workman, save for a brief experimental period.  Indeed, there is yet to be found in Australia the phase of tropical agriculture which affords payment of the ruling rate of wages.  The proximity of countries in which cheap labour predominates counterbalances the minimum demand of white men in these parts.  Those who have had experience of aboriginals as labourers, understand their erratic disposition; yet with considerate treatment, the exact and prompt fulfilment of obligations and promises, the display of some little sympathy with their foibles, interest in their doings, and ready response to any desire expressed to “walk about,” they are not wholly to be set at naught as labourers.  Some are intelligent and honest to a degree, and when in the humour will work steadily and consistently.  When not in humour, it is well to accept the fact cheerfully.

Here I must have leave to be candid, so that the reader may be under no misapprehension as to the exact circumstances under which the undertaking progressed.  Income from the land as the result of agricultural operations was not absolutely necessary.  This acknowledgment does not imply the possession of, or any disrespect for, “the cumbersome luggage of riches,” nor any affectation; but rather an accommodating and frugal disposition—­the capacity to turn to account the excellent moral that poor Mr Micawber lamented his inability to obey.  Profit from the sale of produce and poultry would have supplied additional comforts which would have been cordially appreciated;