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in moist grounds every description of vegetables can be grown at any season, and our supply of them is certainly very superior with common culture to what can be obtained in England, without artificial heat and the greatest care. Of the various kinds of timber trees, and shrubs from Europe, Africa., &c., that have been tried here, all appear to grow remarkably well. Bees have been landed at King George's Sound since our last report.
"We are happy to state that four flour mills are now in operation, and two others are now in the course of erection; also, that brewing is becoming more general; and, notwithstanding the scarcity of money that continues to be felt, we have ascertained that upwards of two thousand pounds (£2000) are ready to be laid out in the purchase of sheep (including some already sent for), to be sent to the fine pastures on the Avon and the Hotham. It has been ascertained that on upland two, and on moist soils three, crops of potatoes can be produced in the year."
Perth, Dec. 12th.—I was obliged to close my last letter yesterday very hastily and abruptly, having been occupied by public business almost up to the moment of setting out for this. * * * Two things I was disappointed about; the first is that from your letters I expected a bale of some material for packing wool in, as I had omitted to buy some when it was to be had, in expectation of your bale. That which was here was very poor, and selling at 1s. 6d. a yard. I know that it can be had with you at 3d. or 4d. a yard. There is not a yard of any sort to be had now, and I have nothing to pack my wool in, so that it must lie for some other opportunity. Some sent their wool to Van Diemen's Land by this ship (the Adam) in casks, under a promise from the captain that it would be packed in cloth. I did not much like this plan. The next point in which I was disappointed is, that your last letters gave me to understand that you were sending out a crate of delf, and I was looking out for it
