TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 9 



hitherto been unproductive. Fruit trees of every sort, vines, 

 sugar canes, coffee, and cotton, would all thrive luxuriantly in 

 those warm and well sheltered situations. Fences would almost 

 be unnecessary, since the steep declivities on either side, would 

 sufficiently protect the plantations from the trespass of black 

 cattle. 



Although there were, according to the returns in December 

 1809, 1811 sheep and 2887 goats on the island, in all 4698, none 

 have, for many years past, been brought to market ; and the 

 export to shipping has very much diminished, owing to the prices 

 having risen about three-fold during the last twenty years. In 

 1789, 109 goats, and 201 sheep were sold to the ships : whereas, 

 in 1809, the total numbers were only 6 goats and 22 sheep ; and 

 these last were imported from the Cape. What then is the use 

 of maintaining such large flocks, since they neither contribute to 

 the refreshment of ships, nor to the comforts of the community? 

 A few individuals may indeed prefer them to hogs ; and derive 

 convenience from their mode of keeping them, because it is nei- 

 ther attended with labour nor expense. But whether this tri- 

 fling advantage to a few, attended with an intolerable nuisance 

 to the whole, should supersede the infinite and important benefits 

 which would result to the island, to the Company, and even to 

 the proprietors of goats and sheep, by their extermination, is a 

 question which the preceding inquiry may possibly determine. 



20th September, 1810. 



C 



