313
None of the perpetrators could be found. Nothing but a severe example has been found effectual, and yet this is condemned and called out about by all those who are in no danger themselves nor their property.
Saturday.—This day will be memorable in the annals of this colony for the killing of the first whale. At Perth, great firing was heard in the direction of Fremantle, and it was supposed that a ship had arrived, but a messenger came in breathless haste to say the boats had struck a whale and were engaged with it. This was all that was known when I came away, but everybody was running about, elated with the news. I went to Fremantle on Thursday with the Governor and some others, to examine a jetty and proposed tunnel which has been projected to be cut through a hill there, giving an easy access from the sea beach to the main street. The plan is quite practicable, and not very expensive, for the distance is only 80 yards, and the rock is soft limestone. It is said that already a dispute has occurred between our two whaling companies as to the whale, one having first struck it, and the other killed it. I think the custom of the South Sea Fishery is at variance with that of the Greenland Fishery on this very point, there being some nice distinctions about "fast" and "loose" fish.
Monday.—The docility of some horses is remarkable. I have a young horse 2½ years old; he was alongside his brother of only 3½, and they both harrowed and ploughed as steadily as old trained horses. From the mare which I bought originally from Mr. Brown, I have now a mare, two horses, and a 1½ year-old filly. Got a small stock of wheat carried into the barn to-day. There was an immense number of mice in it. One of the natives was assisting, and he got as many as made a full meal for himself and his wife. Have been preparing this evening a sketch of a report of a committee of the Legislative Council to present to the Governor. There is just the same difference between him and us this year, as before,
