118
4. Another important fact is that the laborers are accustomed to be paid in kind, and to carry on a system of exchange of goods which will further minimise the cost of the undertaking.
5, A still more encouraging element in the solving of our Indian problem is the fact that nearly every native is a skilled artisan and you can hardly meet with one who has not from childhood been taught some handicrafts. Indeed the majority both of men and women are acquainted with two or three different trades, besides being accustomed from childhood to draw their own water, wash their clothes and do their cooking. Hence it is impossible, to find a more self-, .helpful race in the world,
6. Again this, very thing has been already done in India itself, especially by its great Mahommedan rulers, hun-. dreds of years ago, and that under circumstances, which made the undertaking infinitely more difficult than would now be the case. What was possible to them, then, is equally-possible to us now.
7, 'Finally in the midst of some of the very waste tracts of which we have spoken may be found cities which were once the flourishing centres of as large and enterprising a population as can anywhere be seen. Why should not such places be restored to their former prosperity instead of be* ing handed over to become " the habitation of owls and dragons."
The selection of the site of the future city would of course be made with due reference to advantages of climate, water and communication and it would be planned out previous ta occupation with every consideration of convenience, health and economy. Gangs of workmen would precede the arrival of the regular inhabitants, though we should largely rely