Page:Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore.djvu/150

 124 fellows receive little more than rice—their simple diet.

This is an excellent settlement for labourers, if they would honestly preserve their engagements. Government seem desirous to establish a colony on the most thrifty scale, and every part of it should be uniform and consistent with the general plan. If an officer holding a high office under Government receives but 300l. a-year, it is out of all proportion to give from 24l. to 36l. a year, and diet, to a menial. We are in great want of stock; and have been wofully disappointed at not having an expected supply from Van Diemen's Land. The plan of purchasing (at a dear rate too) from each other is doing nothing.

30th.—I took Mackie down the river in my boat this morning at day-light, and returned before my people were stirring, and then commenced hoeing my Indian corn with a three-pronged hoe.

Dec. 1st.—For the first time during a long period my people are employed in labour at the house, and thatching a shed for the cow. Discovered numberless grubs at the root of the Indian corn, to which they do infinite mischief, concealing themselves by day in the ground, and marauding at night. Thermometer 72° at two

2nd.—One of our agricultural meetings was held this day, only fourteen members, out of forty-five, were present; our discussions were