Page:Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore.djvu/244

 218 Somebody in Sydney threatens to send a cargo of sheep and cows here—I hope he will—but when?

My men requested a bottle of rum for new year's night. I sent it; and they are now enjoying themselves over it. Some questions have already arisen here about executions. No person can be got to act as sheriff. You could scarce believe what legal intricacies are familiar here, in this early stage of the settlement. Though it is a new country, settlers retain all their old manners, habits, prejudices, and notions of a sturdy, free, commercial, litigious people.

2nd.—Another cool cloudy day: we had no such weather last summer. I walked this evening back to the Darling ranges, looking for a kangaroo: found only one; but the dog did not get a fair start. I had, however, the satisfaction of viewing an extensive prospect of interminable woods. Mount Eliza, which at Perth looks high, was scarcely observable from the spot where I stood. Saw a fire on the great plain of Quartania, to the south.

4th.—Killed a kangaroo, a crow, and two pigeons yesterday. I suppose you think a crow very despicable as food; but I think it excellent. This day, however, I feasted at Mr. Irwin's, with a pretty large party; at which we had geese, fowls, and various vegetables, with a variety of wine—claret included. This I mention merely to note the improvement in our colonial comforts.