Page:Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore.djvu/162

PERTH.

COMPLAINTS OF THE COLONISTS—SCARCITY OF PROVISIONS—SWAN RIVER—COMPARED WITH VAN DIEMEN'S LAND—THE AUTHOR'S APPOINTMENT—WEATHER—DIFFICULTIES OF THE COLONISTS—RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN COCKATOOS AND CROWS—LASCAR LAW-SUIT—HOME RECOLLECTIONS—A NEW SETTLER—MODE OF EMPLOYING TIME—THE KANGAROO RAT—A MANUSCRIPT NEWSPAPER—PROJECTED BANK—A SETTLER KILLED—KING GEORGE'S SOUND—SPECULATIONS ON THE COUNTRY—EMIGRATION—ATTEMPT ON THE AUTHOR'S LIFE—LAW AFFAIRS.

Jan. 12, 1832.

Our colonists are complaining that their friends and connexions at home have made so little exertion to assist them through the first difficulties. It might have been obvious that an infant settlement could not altogether support itself independently of extrinsic aid. Vessels have not been encouraged to come here, and those that have arrived have brought scarcely any provisions. We have at present no more than a few weeks' supply of flour, and are totally without rice, maize, peas, barley, or oats: we may have as much wheat as may serve for six weeks, with great economy; but it is already selling at 25s. per bushel. Vessels have been expected daily for the last three months, and we are now sick of hope. We have reason, however, to calculate on the arrival of the Sulphur, from Hobart Town,