Page:Diary of ten years.djvu/134

116 solely on our own efforts; and yet under the most discouraging circumstances are prospering.

26th.—The ground crisped with frost in the morning; but the temperature of the air in the succeeding part of the day delightful, like a day in September or October with you, when the sun shines clearly. It is, indeed a lovely climate; and if we can struggle on through our first difficulties (and friends and foes sometimes bear hard against us), we shall be happy.

By the delay of the Sulphur during four months, our pockets have been prettily picked in purchasing wheat at 35s. (nay, even 40s.) a bushel, when we ought to have it had for 10s.; and every other article dear in proportion. She was ordered to be here on the 1st of February, but has not arrived yet. Fresh meat brings 1s. 10d. per pound; and yet in Ireland you often want a market for your pork. If you had taken my advice about shipping off a lot of it Irish produce—pork, butter, cheese, and oatmeal—is always sure of a market here.

I have to tell you that my house in Perth is finished: it cost me, including the grant, above £100; and would bring £20 a year.

28th.—While sitting after tea with Mr. Tanner, last night, we heard firing from guns loaded with ball for we have learned to distinguish very accurately.—An officer was with us; and as we set out to learn the cause, a soldier came up to inform him that the barrack was attacked by fifty natives: we hurried onwards and heard much noise, but saw no natives. They had retreated; and it is doubtful whether their advance had been with any hostile intention.

June 5th.—Worked in the garden transplanting turnips and sowing seeds. I have lost two young pigs, and have now