Among the primary erections, which would thus occupy the forests and prairies along the line, we propose, that, in addition to the prison buildings, permanently constructed within the four "Log Forts" of each division, and to which allusion has already been made, slabtimber barracks, strongly stockaded, should be erected, at every principal and secondary station, for the occasional quarters of convicts in case of need. Or should this not be required in the works proceeding in the vicinity of such stations, or after the services of the "Force Labourers" should be definitively dismissed, then we suggest that such buildings be arranged for the reception of "Free Labourers," at their first arrival at these stations along the line, or converted into store-houses or premises for general in-door labour during winter; and that their sites, being judiciously selected in point of natural strength, should be slightly fortified, so as to constitute a chain of external defence and internal security along the whole extent of the line.

With reference to such buildings, as should be especially appropriated to convicts, particularly when collected into barracks during the winter months, we think they should be constructed with parallel galleries and covered avenues, or yards, convenient for the prosecution of the lightest or heaviest labour. They might be secured by a rampart, parapet, and external ditch; whilst within the external defences around these should be constituted the soldiers' barracks. These being composed of guarded wards, running in parallel lines with the prison building they should enclose, would allow no means of escape to the convicts detained within their compass; and even if the latter did succeed in passing, they would have, moreover, to scale the

ramparts, and evade the sentries posted upon them. We refer to the rough plan of these proposed erections appended to our work, in the hope that their simple form of structure will obviate all the objections which have been so constantly taken to the inconvenient and expensive buildings the Government originally erected for the same purpose at Sidney and other penal colonies, which have been proved not only insecure, but subjects of enormous scandal.

As the agricultural labourers, and others employed in the formation of the railroad and the line of cultivation along its borders, would necessarily be subject to frequent divisions east and west of the station constituting the head-quarters of each particular section, and there would consequently be a liability to removal, and necessity of temporary sojourn in spots unfavourable and inconvenient for female residence, the dwelling of the women might provisionally be fixed, during these working excursions of their husbands, at the station governing the district to which such workmen should be appointed. But as their number and unprotected state during such absence of their husbands might be productive of irregularity and discomfort in their conduct and arrangements, it may be suggested that among the very first labours instituted at each station, a plot of ground should be selected and marked off, upon which should be erected close rows of double cottages, to serve as habitations for the women during such periods as their husbands might thus be engaged at too great a distance to partake of their society. These buildings, constructed apart, should be surrounded by a separate enclosure, and between each row of small tenements within that boundary the intervening space, or alley, should, after

the plan already submitted for the general construction of primary dwellings at each settlement, be covered by a common roof from the weather, so that the female inmates might be enabled at all times to pursue such various domestic avocations as commonly require air and space, such as washing, drying, and so forth. Such a gallery as this would likewise serve for exercise during winter and as a play-ground for their children.

These separate habitations, so walled off from the rest of the community, should be under the superintendence of select matrons, under whose direction the women should be employed in works useful and necessary to the corps of which their husbands should be members, such as knitting, mending, shirtmaking, stuffing mattrasses, and the fabrication of winter clothing. These buildings

might aptly be denominated "Retreats."

Of course the inmates of such retired dwellings should not be subject to any irksome and undue restraint; but allowed to circulate abroad and engage in the service of others; if, with their husbands' sanction, they should feel inclined to accept offers to that effect: the above arrangement being only intended to place them under such proper supervision as would compel them to conform to such wholesome regulations and orderly habits, as would be most conducive to the preservation of propriety and decorum.

As soon, however, and as often as their husbands should be appointed to some permanent place of labour, with time allowed for the preparation of adequate accommodation, the women might be instantly conveyed from the "Retreats" to the society of their husbands: all due care being taken for their proper provision and

PLATE IV.

General Plan and Elevation of a Block-building, showing twelve houses, with the inner working galleries (page 280).