Page:Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore.djvu/187

 Rh accommodations which it affords, as to bed and board, are good, and moderate in charge.

If there were adequate capital to stock and till the soil around it, the capabilities of improvement are considerable; and if we had the means of developing our own resources, we should undoubtedly be a flourishing colony in a few years. Even as it is, we have advanced exceedingly. Did ever a colony make such a struggle as ours has done, without extraneous assistance? Sidney and Van Diemen's Land were aided by forced labour, and stimulated by Government expenditure; but we have had no such support; we have relied 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