You may ask,What is the opening here for young men of good birth and breeding,who have nothing but health and strength and energy for their capital?I would answer,Nothing very brilliant,still,they may be pretty sure of getting a shepherd's billet somewhere up-country,if they are known to be trustworthy.If they sustain this character,they will soon make friends,and find no great difficulty,after the lapse of a year or two,in getting an overseer's place,with from 100to 200pounds a year,and their board and lodging.They will find plenty of good investments for the small sums which they may be able to lay by,and if they are bona-fide smart men,some situation is quite sure to turn up by and by in which they may better themselves.In fact,they are quite sure to do well in time;but time is necessary here,as well as in other places.True,less time may do here,and true also that there are more openings;but it may be questioned whether good,safe,ready-witted men will not fetch nearly as high a price in England as in any part of the world.So that if a young and friendless lad lands here and makes his way and does well,the chances are that he would have done well also had he remained at home.If he has money the case is entirely changed;he can invest it far more profitably here than in England.Any merchant will give him 10per cent.for it.Money is not to be had for less,go where you will for it;and if obtained from a merchant,his 2.5per cent.commission,repeated at intervals of six months,makes a nominal 10per cent.into 15.I mention this to show you that,if it pays people to give this exorbitant rate of interest (and the current rate MUST be one that will pay the borrower),the means of increasing capital in this settlement are great.For young men,however,sons of gentlemen and gentlemen themselves,sheep or cattle are the most obvious and best investment.They can buy and put out upon terms,as I have already described.They can also buy land,and let it with a purchasing clause,by which they can make first-rate interest.Thus,twenty acres cost 40pounds;this they can let for five years,at 5s.an acre,the lessee being allowed to purchase the land at 5pounds an acre in five years'time,which,the chances are,he will be both able and willing to do.
第24章 CHAPTER VI(2)（1 / 3）