Our Accounts From Thence
Are More Favourable Than Were Expected.
The soil proves admirably adapted
to produce all kinds of grain, and European vegetables.
But the discovery
which constitutes its value is the New Zealand flax, plants of which
are found growing in every part of the island in the utmost luxuriancy
and abundance. This will, beyond doubt, appear strange to the reader
after what has been related in the former part of my work: and in future,
let the credit of the testimony be as high as it may, I shall never
without diffidence and hesitation presume to contradict the narrations
of Mr. Cook. The truth is, that those sent to settle and explore the island
knew not the form in which the plant grows, and were unfurnished with
every particular which could lead to a knowledge of it. Unaccountable as this
may sound, it is, nevertheless, incontestably true. Captain Ball brought away
with him several specimens for inspection, and, on trial, by some flax-dressers
among us, the threads produced from them, though coarse, are pronounced to be
stronger, more likely to be durable, and fitter for every purpose
of manufacturing cordage, than any they ever before dressed.
Every research has been made by those on the island to find a landing-place,
whence it might be practicable to ship off the timber growing there,
but hitherto none has been discovered. A plan, however, for making one
has been laid before the Governor, and is at present under consideration,
though (in the opinion of many here) it is not such an one as will be found
to answer the end proposed.
Lieut. King and his little garrison were well when the 'Supply' left them:
but I am sorry to add, that, from casualties, their number is already five less
than it originally was. A ship from hence is ready to sail with an increase
of force, besides many convicts for the purpose of sawing up timber,
and turning the flax-plant to advantage.
So much for Norfolk. In Port Jackson all is quiet and stupid as could
be wished. We generally hear the lie of the day as soon as the beating
of the Reveille announces the return of it; find it contradicted by breakfast
time; and pursue a second through all its varieties, until night,
welcome as to a lover, gives us to sleep and dream ourselves transported
to happier climes.
Let me not, however, neglect telling you the little news which presents itself.
All descriptions of men enjoy the highest state of health; and the convicts
continue to behave extremely well. A gang of one hundred of them, guarded
by a captain, two subalterns and 20 marines, is about to be sent up to the head
of the harbour, at the distance of 3 leagues, in a westerly direction,
from Sydney Cove, for the purpose of establishing a settlement there.
The convicts are to be employed in putting the land around into cultivation,
as it appears to be of a more promising nature than that near the encampment.
Indeed this last hitherto succeeds but very indifferently, though I do not
yet despair, that when good seeds can be procured, our toil will be better
rewarded.
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