20 EEV. GEOEGE PATTERSON 



At first tame horses were imported for the work of the station, but for some time the 

 native horses have been used both for draught and riding round the island. To improve tlie 

 breed, imported stallions have been let loose among them, the master horse of a herd, when 

 possible, having been first secured and removed. 



Of the animals introduced, the sheep were found not to thrive. Writing a few j'ears 

 later, Mr. Morris reports that "the sheep are all dead, except the two pet lambs that were 

 brought uji in the house." Several attempts were afterward made to maintain them on tlie 

 island, but though made with care they all failed. The animals seemed to thrive, but one 

 after another would be found dead, though quite fat. The officers in charge of the admiralty 

 survey of the island reported that they had found a plant which was fatal to sheep.- 



The hogs generally stood the climate well. There was a difficulty in maintaining them 

 in a domestic state owing to the island not producing grain. Being allowed to run at large, 

 they soon became wild, and at length became quite fierce. They still, however, yielded a 

 supply of pork, which formed an important addition to the supply of provisions at the 

 establishment. But the climate, and perhaps scarcity of food, restricted their increase, and 

 at length, in an unusually severe winter, they all perished. For some years after it was not 

 considered advisable to renew the stock, as from their feeding among objects coming ashore 

 from wrecks they excited feelings of disgust. But they have been again introduced, and 

 are kept round the establishment, where they are fed, the large quantities of damaged meal 

 and other provisions from wrecks helping largely for that end, so that the pork tlius sup- 

 plied forms an item of some importance for the support of the residents. But owing to the 

 island not producing grain, it has again been proposed to discontinue the raising of them. 



The horned cattle were found to thrive, but a few years after they became afflicted with 

 the horn distemper. That, however,' has long since passed away, and now they do well, 

 growing large and keeiiing in good condition. A number of cows are kept, supplying milk 

 and butter to the inhabitants, and oxen for beef, though some additional has to be imported. 

 The coarse grass of the island, with the wild pease mixed with it, forms a rich pasturage. It 

 is also cut and dried for winter use, Init as hay it is inferior. For this English grasses are 

 cultivated. 



English rabbits were introduced and multiplied, and formed an agreeable change in the 

 food of the employees. But the rats landing from wrecked vessels multiplied to sui'li an 

 extent as to become a plague, consuming the stores, so as to threaten famine, and then by 

 killing the young rabbits nearly annihilated the stock altogether. Then the government 

 sent cats, who first killed the rats and then finished the rabbits. Next the cats became so 

 numerous and wild as to become a trouble, when dogs were imported, and by means of them 

 and shotguns the cats were exterminated. The island was then stocked witli rabbits, which 

 multijjlied freely, Avhen a snowy owl having visited the island, seemed delighted with the 

 prospects. But without sta3'ing to regale himself on the abundance before him, startetl off 

 seemingly to invite old friends to the feast. At all events a number of them immediately 

 joined him in an expedition to the island, where they extinguished the rabbits, so that only 

 a few tame ones are now to be seen. The rats still remain, and burrow as the rabbits. 

 Poultry of all kinds have been introduced and thrive well. 



During the next two or three years, Mr. Morris vigorously attempted the cultivation of 

 the soil, but not very successfully. All the bushes of every kind that he brought died, as 

 have all that have been introduced since. Trees have been planted, and grew for a year or 



