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if I should have made a false heraldry in blazoning his pedigree.
20th.—After dinner, I took a cruise of observation round the neighbouring farms. The crops look remarkably well this year; my wheat is the earliest here (nothing like early sowing, especially on the uplands). Took tea at Mr. Bull's, and afterwards called where a mill is at work. A messenger brought me a great letter with an awful looking seal: it contained a pamphlet from Colonel Hanson, which he published in India, about this country and Van Diemen's Land. He seems greatly delighted with the society of this place in comparison with that of the other colony, and recommends it to his Indian friends, as far superior in every respect: perhaps a copy may find its way to England. I know not what delay this vessel may make, and must get my journals ready.
27th.—I have got most of my potatoes dug and put into a pit, with a good covering of clay; sold some at 5d. a pound. Am at a stand with my hay for want of a cart. All my pigs have disappeared; spent this evening in an unsuccessful search after them—my mare also cannot be found.
28th.—This day is the commencement of my harvest; got some beautiful wheat cut down—it does one's heart good to see the great sheaves set up in shocks. Only a small patch has been cut (twenty-two yards by twelve) where it was most ripe, and upon this small space there are five large shocks, each containing twelve sheaves; the ears are large and full: it will probably yield at the rate of forty bushels an acre.
The Trimmers have laid the foundation of a fortune by having a flock of prime Merinos brought from England; they have now about five hundred over the hills. A prime Merino ram and half a dozen Merino ewes soon increase, and improve other breeds. McDermot procured, at great expense, a few prime Saxony sheep, which he says are far superior to any other kind.
Saturday, Dec. 1st.—Prepared a threshing floor; got some
