THE LATE ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, ESQ. 271 
land of blue sky and sunshine, where I hope to employ a 
second series of years in the advance of botanical and other 
science, and from which you shall hear often from me. 
Should we touch at any port in our voyage, I will contrive to 
say something to you. It is, however, not at all likely that 
we shall visit any place so desirable and so devoutly wished 
for by the officers (Captain Bowler and Lieut. Raitt, 80th 
Reg. commanding the convict guard) and their ladies, but 
shall expedite our passage as quickly as possible, as we shall 
absolutely be in want of nothing; having on board an abun- 
dant stock of fowls, ducks, geese, sheep, pigs, an Alderney 
cow, that gives a good supply of milk daily, and the Tank- 
vessel is now alongside, ready to pump in as much fresh 
water as we can carry. I hope to be not above a month in 
Port Jackson ere I shall have the gratification of hearing 
from you. I am in real good health at this present writing, 
and do not calculate on any sea-sickness, whatever weather 
we may encounter, before we reach a warmer, more rational 
climate than the present. It is said here that a severe win- 
ter is to be apprehended, because of the presence of certain 
northern birds in this neighbourhood. If it should prove so, 
I shall escape its severe chills, for by Christmas day, I ex- 
pect to be to the eastward of the Cape of Good Hope; and 
although, perhaps, occasionally in a trough of the sea, with a 
stiff * Sou’-wester, to urge us through it, nevertheless not af- 
fected by any rigorously low temperature. My plants look ex- 
ceedingly well in the Wardian cabins, which appear as if they 
had been measured for the only snug spot I know of in the 
ship, out of harm’s way, namely on the poop, under the 
spanker-boom, and abaft the binnacle. Several daisies, 
primroses, &c. are now gaily in flower, and all are very ver- 
dant and vigorous. To yourself I say, with great truth, I 
earnestly wish every good fortune may attend you. Adieu, 
and may God Almighty prosper you, is the hope of your sin- 
cere friend, Allan Cunningham.” 
Notwithstanding the excellent spirits with which Mr. 
Cunningham embarked for a second time to Australia, 
