Emigration provided a number of benefits for the mother country. England was limited in the amount of food it could provide for itself - so by establishing colonies in primarily agricultural regions like Canada, it ensured a flow of necessary goods back into the heart of the empire. Conversely, England had a surplus of labor, and emigration provided a means for at least some of that extra labor force to find work (and continue to support England). From the laborer's standpoint, emigration offered opportunities that often could not be found at home. And as at least one article notes, if emigration appeals to the less hard-working elements of society, removing them from the home country is itself a benefit! (At least, to the country they were leaving behind...)

On Board an Emigrant Ship (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

The Emigrant Ship's Matron (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

Acclimatisation Societies (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1876)

Apparently the purpose of these societies is to virtually "terraform" a colony such as Australia with wild game and "eatable" animals preferred by Europeans!

How to Enter the Indian Civil Service (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1877)

Other Hands and Other Lands, by Gage Freeman (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1879)

Arguments for emigration as a means of advancement.

Shall We Emigrate to New Zealand? by E. Charlton Fox (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1879)

Her Majesty's India Office (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1881)

Is It Wise to Promote Emigration? (Reader debate) (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1883)

How England Strikes a Colonist, by the Hon. P. Carteret Hill, late Premier of Nova Scotia (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

Interesting contrasts between England, Canada, and America.

On Emigrating as Domestic Servants to New Zealand (Girl's Own Paper, 1885)

Emigration Made Easy, by F.M. Holmes (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1887)

A Lady's Experiences in the "Intermediate" (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1889)

On voyaging to Canada in "intermediate" class - and how to prepare for the experience.

The Prospects of Middle-Class Emigrants, by Howard Hodgkin (English Illustrated Magazine, 1890A)

The middle class emigrant, says this member of the Emigrant's Information Office, is caught between two extremes. He doesn't have the capital to provide for himself, but he doesn't have the skills to make his own way. The recommended solution is to "desert his class" and either gain the capital to live independently, or "join the ranks of the labouring classes."

Life in the Colonies, by Adelaide Ross (Girl's Own Paper, 1891)

Colonists in Embryo, by Cuthbert Withers (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1892)

On preparing youth for colonial life.

Shall Our Sons Emigrate? Yes, They Shall, by Arnold White (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1894)

Home Seekers in Western Lands, by F. Balgarnie (English Illustrated Magazine, 1895B)

A British look at the mass of immigrants at Ellis Island, New York, and their hopes and prospects.

Gentlemen's Sons as Western Hired Men, by Elizabeth Banks (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1896)

Colonial Prospects: Chats with Agents-General, by Campbell Terriss (Windsor, 1897A)

Canadian Empire-Builders of Today, by James Ramsay (Windsor Magazine, 1898B)

Governors and administrators of the various Canadian provinces.

The Imperial Heritage 1: Introduction & Australia, by Ernest Williams (Windsor, 1898A)

The first article in a six-part series, providing an overview of Britain's colonies and beginning an examination of Australia. Read the entire series.

Masters of Empire: A Chat About Colonial Premiers, by Fred A. McKenzie (Windsor, 1898A)

The India Office, by Robert Machray (Windsor Magazine, 1900B)

Greater Britain: A Birds-Eye View, by the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, MP, Secretary of State for the Colonies (Good Words, 1902)

This 45-page overview of the status of Britain's colonies looks at the past history of colonial administration, the present, and plans for the future. It then takes the reader on a tour of the colonies of India, Ceylon, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Lots of photos!

The Viceregal Rule of India, by Sir Edwin Arnold (Windsor Magazine, 1903A)

"I am here to speak of the high office, and splendid but onerous duties, of Indian Viceroy."

• See also Colonial Governors & Administrators for information on individual colonial administrators.