England), have inspired us all with confidence; but, from want of labourers and cattle, few have cultivated extensively. Mr. Brockman has had fifteen acres in culture—a great quantity, under existing circumstances—and he as well as others have happily experienced that the sandy soil, at first despised, produces as well as stiff clay soil, and with infinitely less trouble. The present prices of hay are 5l. here; 8l. at Perth; and 10l. per ton at Fremantle.
You will have had, before this reaches you, all the information you sought as to the Avon River. I fear that there is no large navigable river on this coast, as far as it extends. The Swan serves the purpose of a canal, but the frequent flats are obstacles; these, however, may be deepened or avoided at some future day.[1]
***
Jan. 6th, 1832.—This has been a busy day with me. I have put up the posts and wall-plates of a house, 23 feet by 10—6 feet in height, and shall fit up an additional apartment for servants. Nor is my domicile without ornament, as I have made a portico of black-boy sticks, in a very neat yet strong manner, arranged like wicker work, and then plaistered over with stiff well-tempered clay.
I have been calculating the expense of my little establishment since I occupied it. It is nearly as follows:
- ↑ I have here omitted a great part of the Journal as comparatively uninteresting,—Ed.
