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rode up with me this morning before breakfast, and he has returned again.
March 5th.—The first rain of the approaching winter fell to-day.
Tuesday.—The Governor and a party were to go yesterday to dine on board of the Pelorus, and to return to-day. So I also have played, and remained at home. Encouraged, however, by the slight rain and cloudy sky, I got a few potatoes planted. Thermometer is at 70°, at 9 p.m. Mr. Roe's house and mine are next each other at Perth. Two very large trees stood in the street just in front, in such a manner as to obstruct the view very much, but they leaned towards his house particularly in such a manner, that it was rather an anxious job to get them away. Many a time we have measured the distance and calculated the length of the trees, and were afraid to touch them; but at last, by the aid of a number of soldiers, who undermined the larger one, and, by means of block and chains, they were safely uprooted, to our great satisfaction and Mr. Roe's peace of mind.
Sunday.—A small vessel (colonial) has arrived from Java with sugar, tea, rice, flour, matting, &c. She touched at Shark's Bay for water, but saw nothing of Messrs. Grey and Lushington, nor of the Beagle. We may look for her in a month. The influenza has reached us here, and many are attacked by it; but it is slight. I have had something like it, but I believe it has gone, or is going very fast. Some of the natives have taken it also. I have been obliged to-day to pay some attention to myself—in other words, to take a little medicine and feel much better for it. I have a "hydrophobia" of physic.
March 12th.—Making some preparations for my trip, as I must leave this to-morrow to be present at a Council meeting. Then to Fremantle on Wednesday, and sail on Thursday morning.
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