Page:Papers of William Shakespeare Hall, 1861–1895.pdf/94

 docking 23 lambs, repairing gate, tool handles etc. - Keeping a sharp eye on the blacks, as many strangers keep appearing, some of them intend mischief, I think when they have their great gathering; as they do not seem well pleased & are frequently inquiring where all hands are; & reckoning us up among themselves. I think we shall be prepared for them, as the arms are at hand & in order, & we have a spy among them.

AUG. 30.

Docked 24 lambs, & branded 12 calves, in garden planting cabbages.

AUG. 31.

McC & Self looking up bull, & bullocks, & carting grass for thatch - several showers.

SEPT. 1.

Albert brought in bullocks with lame bull. McC & self preparing to kill bull, Jeannette shod, Tool handles made, Bull killed, very good meat.

SEPT. 2.

Salting meat, took much trouble to clear away appearances (of having killed) very early as any natives are about; & it might be the cause of them attacking the herd, which is now turned out. weight of bull 684 lbs (self in garden).

SEPT. 4.

Sunday.