326 HISTORY OF 



in a fair way of becoming a man of considerable 

 property. 



I had myself at this period, a live stock con- 

 sisting of 13 sheep, 55 goats, and 2 mares, with 

 25 acres of ground in wheat ; but esteemed my- 

 self much richer, in possessing the good opinion 

 of every gentleman in the country which I 

 trust I shall retain for the very few years, I 

 may in all probability be in existence,forendea* 

 vouring to discharge the important office com- 

 mitted to my charge, has materially affected my 

 health, but while I am honoured with any office 

 under government, I shall, I hope, never be 

 found wanting in the execution of my duty, 

 even though I forfeit a life, which 1 lament has 

 not always been so worthily employed ! 



In the district of Paramatta, the, total of the 

 live stock were 532 sheep, 903 goats, and 428 

 hogs. 



The land in cultivation about Sydney> Mas 

 very inconsiderable, and the live stock, exclu- 

 sive of the officers and free settlers, was only 

 38 sheep, 292 goats, and 362 hogs, the convict 

 settlers amounted to 70 only. 



Thus the agricultural affairs of the country 

 were by no means in a contemptible state, and 

 how very far superior must they have been, had 

 the convicts and other labourers used any thing 

 like decent industry. All the females among 

 the wild herd of cattle in the woods, still re- 

 mained untouched by order of the Governor, and 

 it was determined they should remain so, till the 

 period arrived, when from its increased numbers 



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