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pointed 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 P.M.
2nd.—One of our agricultural meetings was held this day, only fourteen members, out of forty-five, were present; our discussions were interesting, Another (special) meeting is to be held after the Governor's return from King George's Sound, to consider in what form our memorial, which has not been yet forwarded, should be put.
I exhibited a sample of turnips in a garden at the York settlement, was present at the admission of three new members, and dined with the society at our head inn on a good dinner with a pint of wine—bill five shillings.
4th.—On the morning of this day I came to Mr. B., a new settler, in time for family worship, and in the evening went to Mr. W.'s, where we had a clergyman for the evening service.
I have just heard of a tree which is at Fremantle, bearing fruit which answers for preserves and pies; it is said to resemble an apple, with a thick pulp and rough kernel. Hay-rick completely finished. Our wheat was cut during my absence; it was a small patch, but yielded well, and would have been admirable, but for the trespasses of cows and pigs; indeed, there was more on this patch in the garden than on the two acres, to which the pigs unfortunately found their
