54 HISTORY OF 



Thus, effectual means were provided to punish 

 offenders, and as the various Courts could be 

 assembled when wanted, that loss of time and 

 labour was saved, which would otherwise have 

 taken place. 



The allowance of provisions was now the fol- 

 lowing weekly ration, to each male 7lbs. of 

 biscuit, lib.* of flour, 7lbs. of beef or 4lbs. of 

 pork, 3. pints of pease, and 6 ounces of butter ; 

 and two thirds of this quantity to the female 

 convicts, which ought certainly to have af- 

 forded of itself perfect security to the store : 

 but the Government had to deal with those who 

 no consequences, would deter from the commis- 

 sion of crimes, and who no reward could induce 

 to do right. 



As the safety of the stores, constituted the 

 preservation of the colony, ground was cleared 

 and houses began to hold them. This was done 

 by the convicts, and as a temptation to work 

 they had a quantity set them, which done, they 

 were allowed time to collect materials to build 

 huts for themselves, but this few profited by, 

 prefering idleness, and many thinking to escape 

 if they could get on board, daily visited the 

 ships of the French in Botany Bay; but M. de 

 la Perouse gave no countenance to their re- 

 quests, but threatened to drive them away by 

 force. 



In February the Supply sailed from Port 

 Jackson, as the Governor was instructed, for 

 the purpose of growing flax, to form a settle- 



