nd
explore the island knew not the form in which the plant grows, and were
unfurnished with every particular which could lead to a knowledge of
it. Unaccountable as this may sound, it is, nevertheless, incontestably
true. Captain Ball brought away with him several specimens for
inspection, and, on trial, by some flax-dressers among us, the threads
produced from them, though coarse, are pronounced to be stronger, more
likely to be durable, and fitter for every purpose of manufacturing
cordage, than any they ever before dressed.

Every research has been made by those on the island to find a
landing-place, whence it might be practicable to ship off the timber
growing there, but hitherto none has been discovered. A plan, however,
for making one has been laid before the Governor, and is at present
under consideration, though (in the opinion of many here) it is not such
an one as will be found to answer the end proposed.

Lieut. King and his little garrison were well when the 'Supply' left
them: but I am sorry to add, that, from casualties, their number is
already five less than it originally was. A ship from hence is ready to
sail with an increase of force, besides many convicts for the purpose of
sawing up timber, and turning the flax-plant to advantage.

So much for Norfolk. In Port Jackson all is quiet and stupid as could be
wished. We generally hear the lie of the day as soon as the beating
of the Reveille announces the return of it; find it contradicted by
breakfast time; and pursue a second through all its varieties, until
night, welcome as to a lover, gives us to sleep and dream ourselves
transported to happier climes.

Let me not, however, neglect telling you the little news which presents
itself. All descriptions of men enjoy the highest state of health; and
the convicts continue to behave extremely well. A gang of one hundred of
them, guarded by a captain, two subalterns and 20 marines, is about to
be sent up to the head of the harbour, at the distance of 3 leagues, in
a westerly direction, from Sydney Cove, for the purpose of establishing
a settlement there. The convicts are to be employed in putting the land
around into cultivation, as it appears to be of a more promising nature
than that near the encampment. Indeed this last hitherto succeeds but
very indifferently, though I do not yet despair, that when good seeds
can be procured, our toil will be better rewarded. But as this is an
event at a distance, and