Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/389

OR, VULCAN S PEAK. 149 From R-ancocus Island the Martha sailed for the group, which was visited and inspected in all its settlements by the governor and council. The policy adopted by the govern ment of the colony was very much unlike that resorted to in America, in connection with the extension of the settle ments. Here a vast extent of surface is loosely overrun, rendering the progress of civilization rapid, but very im perfect. Were the people of the United States confined to one-half the territory they now occupy, there can be little question that they would be happier, more powerful, more civilized, and less rude in manners and feelings; although it may be high treason to insinuate that they are not all, men, women and children, already at the ne plus ultra of each of those attainments. But there is a just medium in the density of human population, as well as in other things; and that has not yet been reached, perhaps, even in the most thickly peopled of any one of the Old Thirteen. Now, Mark Woolston had seen enough of the fruits of a concentrated physical force, in Europe, to comprehend their value; and he early set his face against the purely skim ming process. He was resolved that the settlements should not extend faster than was necessary, and that as much of civilization should go with them as was attainable. In consequence of this policy, the country soon obtained a polished aspect, as far as the settlements reached. There were four or five distinct points that formed exceptions to this rule, it having been considered convenient to make establishments there, principally on account of the whalers. One, and the largest of these isolated settlements, was in the Whaling Bight, quite near to Blubber Islana, where a village had sprung up, containing the houses and shops of coopers, rope-makers, boat-builders, carpenters, black smiths, &c. ; men employed in making casks, whaling gear, and boats. There also were the dwellings of three or four masters and mates of vessels, as well as of sundry boat-steerers. In the whole, there might have been fifty habitations at this particular point; of which about two- thirds were in a straggling village, while the remainder composed so many farm-houses. Everything at this place denoted activity and a prosperous business ; the merchants taking the oil as fast as it was ready, and returning for it, 13*