I shall next recite what have been the consequences of these large Grants, It is evident that thereby the King has been deprived of almost all his Quitrents, which it appears by the powers

given to the Gov* 3 to grant Lands, the King design'd to reserve.

But the consequence I think, has been much worse as to the improvement of the country for tho this Country was settled many years before Pennsylvania, and some of the Neighboring Collonies, as to the situation and conveniencies of Trade,

it is not

and has many advantages over them,

near so well cultivated, nor are there near

colden's report on the lands in the province OF NEW-YORK.

such a number of Inhabitants, as in the others, in proportion to the quantity of Land chiefly if not only where these large Grants are made where the Country remains uncultivated contain some of the best of the Lands, and the most conveniently situated.

;

and it is

--tho they

And every year the

Young people go from this Province, and Purchase Land in the Neighbouring Colonies, while much The reason of better and every way more convenient Lands lie useless to the King and Country this is that the

Grantees themselves are not, nor ever were in a Capacity to improve such large

Tracts and other People will not become their Vassals or Tenants for one great reason as peoples (the better sort especially) leaving their native Country, was to avoid the dependence on landlords,