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the sole authority of Maine, at an average price of about thirty six cents per acre, amounting to nearly sixty-three thousand dollars, has been placed in the control of the government. About forty thousand dollars remain in the Treasury, in the form of notes and contracts, secured by a lien on the grants. Fifty-seven thousand six hundred acres have also been granted to Academies. This, in connection with the sales made by Massachusetts, under the terms of Separation, subject to but small deductions of expenses, must satisfy all of the importance of our Public Lands. It is gratifying to be able to add that the habit of trespassing, which was a stain on the character of our State, and vexatious and pernicious to all concerned, appears to have been exterminated. The suits instituted by the government have been favourably decided, justice has received no new provocations, and that harmony prevails which usually cements the common regard of the members of a virtuous society. The actual settlers, who, when pioneers of improvement, may always claim our sympathy and support, and much indulgence, have never been concerned in the violation of the rights to the common property nor in the consequent prosecutions; and if a few persons have disgraced the class of men to whom they belong, let me pledge myself for the others that they are too honorable and too proud not to repress every thing which can demand the resistance of law. I know them, and that they are men who, in certain emergencies, are highly capable to sustain the rights and honor of the State. Many propositions and statements have been made to me in favor of a change in our system of sales and settlement of the public lands, and it has been expected that some executive representation should be made to you. I can only say that the system is simple and plain, that it is easy of execution, and