The word colony was not in favour when William the Fourth came to the throne.

It was associated with memories of defeat and humiliation in America, and with discontent and mutterings of rebellion in Canada.

Australia was scarcely more than an expensive convict station.

Against the West Indian planters the crusade of Wilberforce was in full progress, and the very name of "plantation" had an evil savour.

South Africa promised little but the plentiful race troubles, which indeed came.