TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 161 



SECTION XXIV. 



Progress of Agricultural Improvement in 1810-12 — beneficial Effects of 

 extending Cultivation — the Government commend the Exertions of some, 

 and animadvert on the Obstinacy and Idleness of others— flourishing 

 State of St. Helena in the Year 1675. 



1 HE tracts contained in the preceding Sections are selected from 

 many others which were publislied in the St. Helena Register, 

 between November, 1810, and January, 1813 ; and as it was 

 observable tliat they had produced a considerable change in the 

 sentiments of the landholders — by tlie plough gradually coming- 

 into use, and by the cpiantity of land in cultivation having been 

 doubled during the above period, it was, therefore, deemed ex- 

 pedient officially to notify the progress of improvement — to com- 

 mend the industrious, and to animadvert on the conduct of those 

 who seemed obstinately determined to adhere to their old practice, 

 and to withhold their aid from the grand object of general im- 

 provement. This measure of the Government, it was hoped, 

 might operate as a further stimulus to exertion ; and with this 

 view the following Proclamation was issued : 



" Island of St, Helena, Wth January, 1813. 



" The Governor and Council liave derived much gratification in 

 observing the laudable spirit of industry which has for some time 

 past, been manifested amongst several respectable landholders ; 

 and in contemplating the progress in agricultural improvement; 

 by which a fair prospect is now held out of St. Helena becoming, 

 in a short time, far more abundant in its internal resources, and 



Y 



