doth naturally yield, that they may some way help to defray the charge of the plantation, (so it be not, as was said, to the untimely prejudice of the main business,) as it hath fared with tobacco in Virginia. Wood commonly aboundeth but too much; and therefore timber is fit to be one. If there be iron ore, and streams whereupon to set the mills, iron is a brave[1] commodity where wood aboundeth. Making of bay-salt,[2] if the climate be proper for it, would be put in experience.[3] Growing silk likewise, if any be, is a likely commodity. Pitch and tar, where store of firs and pines are, will not fail. So drugs and sweet woods, where they are, cannot but yield great profit. Soap-ashes likewise, and other things that may be thought of. But moil[4] not too much under ground; for the hope of mines is very uncertain, and useth to make the planters lazy in other things. For government, let it be in the hands of one, assisted with some counsel; and let them have commission to exercise martial laws, with some limitation. And above all, let men make that profit of being in the wilderness, as they have God always, and his service, before their eyes. Let not the government of the plantation depend upon too many counsellors and undertakers[5] in the country that planteth, but upon a temperate number; and
- ↑ Brave. Excellent, fine. "Think not on him till to-morrow: I'll devise thee brave punishments for him,—Strike up, pipers!" Shakspere. Much Ado About Nothing. v. 4.
- ↑ Bay-salt. Salt obtained in large crystals by slow evaporation; originally, from sea-water by the sun's heat.
- ↑ To put in experience. To prove by actual trial, or by practical demonstration.
- ↑ Moil. To drudge, toil, labor.
- ↑ Undertaker. One who 'undertakes' or engages to perform any business; a projector.
