280 COPPER-ORE — TRADE OF THE SETTLEMENT. 



immense number of whales that frequented the 

 waters around them. 



Having now progressed up towards the settlement, 

 we found it neatly situated, although the buildings, 

 which number about sixty, were much scattered. 

 The herbage appears luxuriant, and the soil fertile. 

 Many of the settlers own immense flocks of sheep 

 and herds of bullocks; but they deprecate the system 

 of raising stock with a view to a pecuniary return : 

 for in the immediate vicinity of the settlement there 

 grew, I was assured, no less than sixteen varieties 

 of vegetable poisons, which the cattle browse, and 

 are soon afterwards affected by spasms that result 

 in death. 



A short distance from the settlement there is an 

 extensive copper-mine, which is the means of afford- 

 ing employment to most of the inhabitants. The ore 

 is said to be very rich, and is exported to England, 

 whence several vessels were daily expected for freights 

 of it. This article affords their only means of com- 

 merce with foreign countries : their supplies and wool 

 coming through, and being shipped from. Freeman- 

 tie, to and from which city cutters continually ply. 



The wind being unfavorable for us to return to 

 the ship, we made up our minds to enjoy life ashore, 

 for a day or two, as well as circumstances would 

 allow. So, in accordance with the decree of the 

 clerk of the weather, we took up our quarters at the 

 only public house in the place, and were soon deep 

 in the discussion of a dinner, consisting for the most 

 part of fresh mutton. We had brought with us 

 several hams, which the habitues of the house pre- 

 ferred to the fresh meat. We therefore had them 



