Page:Diary of ten years.djvu/194

 176 proportion to the quantity of ground in cultivation, and which were to be paid in colonial wheat, at 15s. per bushel: it costs nearly 10s. to grow it here, at the present price of labour.

20th.—A fire appeared in progress towards Hermitage to-day; and while I was busy watching it, three natives came to me: however, they did no harm, but went quietly away after I had given them some bread. All my men were absent kangaroo hunting, but without success. I have, however, myself caught a little turtle (about half the size of my hand) in the net—this is the extent of my success in fishing.

I got a bill to-day from our blacksmith for odds and ends, which I hardly knew of, amounting to nearly £3. Oh, for our ould Irish blacksmith! what would he say to 6s. for sharpening the plough-share, and 5s. for pointing a crowbar? I sent my praam to a carpenter for repairs, and when it came back it was all split and rent with nails, and it sunk in consequence the same day: for this job the said carpenter had the modesty to ask 30s. He is the same man who wanted from me £7 for mending the wheels of my cart, and putting a bullock-pole to it, without the iron work, which would, perhaps, cost me £3 more.

I have now two carpenters (including Robert) making gates, which will cost me £3 10s.; twenty-four hurdles have just cost me £7 4s.; think of these prices!

25th.—My people begin to grumble at not getting meat more than once, and only two glasses of rum in the day; but I find it quite enough to give them that allowance, and tell them that I shall not alter my system at present, and that in October, when their time of service with me will have concluded, they may better their condition if they can.

If hops were to be had here, I should try to brew some beer, which would be wholesomer than rum.

I had flattered myself, that, with the help of time and philosophy, the headlong current of my feelings would have