oranges, lemons, figs, &c. Land can be bought in some of the towns for seven pounds per acre, in the second town in the colony for twenty pounds, and in some parts of the country for five shillings per acre. Mechanics can get forty and fifty shillings a week, and buy sugar for two shillings a pound; tea for two shillings; beef, twopence a pound; wine, sixpence per bottle; rent, four shillings per week, Sydney, the capital of the colony, contains 25,000 inhabitants. However, my hopes are not extravagant, though I make sure of getting rich and coming over soon to fetch all of you. I had forgotten to say the climate is the healthiest in the world.
I am very glad the dog gets on so well, and hope you will be able to keep him for a playfellow for little Tom. I am very sorry they are going to take my father's garden, but I wish he was going with me to Australia, and he could then buy a five shilling acre of land and make another. And if you can persuade my mother to live half a dozen years longer I would come and fetch her too, and she should have a dairy; for cows are only four pounds each, the very best.
Your affectionate brother,
HENRY PARKES.
