any on the beach since the 14th of
March, although every precaution had been used to prevent their
being molested. This resource we could not help feeling the want
of, as its good effects had already been experienced by every
person on the island; indeed, there was not an individual who had
not the scurvy on landing, and some of the convicts had it very
bad; but they were now quite recovered.

Another unfortunate circumstance was, that as yet we had not
brought any vegetables to perfection; however, to make some
amends for this accident, we found a vast number of
cabbage-trees, the excellence of which are well known: they are a
very good substitute for other vegetables, but one tree produces
only a single cabbage.

The wheat, which was sown in the garden ground on the 2d, was
entirely eat up with rats by the 4th; they did not leave a single
grain in the ground. As I had no cats, and only one dog, these
vermin were likely to prove a serious nuisance; however, in order
to rid ourselves of them as much as possible, I caused all the
empty casks to be converted into traps.

Behind the hill where the settlement was fixed, there was a
very large swamp, occasioned by the overflowing of the rivulet:
at the head of this swamp there is a fine valley, in which a
number of plantain or banana trees were found on the 5th; and a
small spot being near them which would not cost so much pains or
trouble to clear as many other places, I judged this would be a
very good place for a garden; especially as the surrounding hills
entirely sheltered it from the sea winds, and, from the
appearance of the banana trees, I expected they would thrive very
well when cultivated; at present, they were in thick clusters,
choaking each other; and being covered with wild vines and
aquatic shrubs, their growth was considerably retarded. Some
fruit was found on them, but the birds had destroyed it before it
was ripe.

The sixth, being Sunday, I performed divine service; and as
some irregularities had taken place, that did not merit corporal
punishment, being anxious to prevent any ill behaviour, which
might render such a step necessary, I read the following orders
for the preservation of regularity and decorum.

ORDERS.

As it is highly necessary, for the preservation of good order,
regularity, and cleanliness, to establish certain rules and
regulations, the following are to be observed and performed with
the strictest attention.

I. No person is