Page:Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore.djvu/290

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NATIVE BEGGARS.

an instance of one of Lyon's "lost sounds;" and it would be a pity if ever it should be found again. Ngoonig, Nghnoonig—I cannot combine any form of letters which gives the sound correctly; it sounds as if you were going to blow your nose—rather nasal, "I guess."

Got some Swedish turnip seed sown, and transplanted almond trees, and one little apple tree, which I reared from a pippin. Mr. Shaw came here this evening, took tea with me, and stayed until nine o'clock—a dark and frosty-feeling evening.

15th.—There is very little specie here: and no private bill on England or elsewhere will be taken now, no matter how unexceptionable it may appear to be. Barter will do among ourselves, as we have plenty of property; but having no exports, we have but little specie to spare for the payment of any thing we procure from other countries. Emigrants should, therefore, bring out specie, which is now the best investment. Hitherto they have been laying out their capital in goods and merchandise.

Ten able-bodied natives were here to-day, none of whom I had ever seen before, with the exception of one.—Sturdy beggars—they will not easily be refused.

Walked to Mr. Bull's this evening, and engaged two bushels of seed barley, at 15s. per bushel, of 45 lbs. weight: this may make you