TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 41 



Notices re<rardin2; had Seasons and Losses in Cattle, extracted 

 from the Consultations, and from Letters from the Court of 

 Directors. 



In the year 1724, February 12. — Bad seasons for 4 or 5 years 

 past: in dread of a famine. 



1738, June 13.— Losses sustained in cattle, by tlie late dryness 



in the weather. 



Cattle. 



Loss to the inhabitants - - 555 



Ditto Company _ _ _ 132 



Total 687 



1739, May 4th. — Rainy seasons had failed for the last 4 or 5 

 years. 



1747, March 9th. — Rains failed last season. 



April 11. — Unusual drought for several months past. 



May 26. — On account of the grass lands being burnt up by the 

 continuation of dry weather, cattle were fed, during six weeks 

 with plantain trees. 



1748, May 10th. — Yams so scarce, that only 32 soldiers can be 

 supplied weekly. 



1752, August 3.— A failure of rain for some time past. 



February 22 — Heavy rains fell on the 20th instant 



1759, December 7th. — For want of rain, the island and cattle 

 in bad condition. The Court of Directors recommend promoting 

 the increase of stock of all kinds. 



1772, January 8. — Long continuance of dry weather occasioned 

 great diminution in the number of cattle. 



1774, December 23. — The island restored to a flourishing state. 



1779, May 17. — The island in a distressed situation from the 

 present drought — and from the loss and poverty of cattle. 



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