“ LABOR COLONIES. Agricultural communities maintained for the purpose of giving employment and training to individuals who, on account of inefficiency or misfortune, find it impossible to make an independent living. Such colonies are carried on by the State in France, Germany, Belgium, and New Zealand, and by private effort in Holland, Switzerland, and the United States. ”

“ A colonist remains a laborer on probation for two years, at the end of which time, if he has proved himself industrious, he becomes a free farmer (vrij boer) , receiving 7.7 acres of land, for which a yearly rental averaging $20 is paid. The colonies are governed by a director and several assistants, who must be residents. They are practically self-supporting, and the total value of their property is estimated at half a million dollars. ”

“ All able-bodied men who are willing to work are admitted. The colonists are chiefly employed in reclaiming land. The rate of wages paid is a trifle less than that prevailing locally, it being deemed desirable to discourage prolonged residence. It is believed that the establishment of these colonies has materially lessened vagrancy and begging. ”