This book "deals primarily with the institutional framework of colonial government. The first part of the book is devoted to a brief survey of the motives and methods of colonial expansion, and is intended to furnish the historical point of view. The secord part deals with the general forms of colonial government, while the third presents an outline of administrative organization and legislative methods. No attempt is made directly to apply the information to American problems, as the purpose of the book is merely to set forth in brief and simple form the main outline of the colonial policy of European powers."--Preface.