162 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 



in the means of refreshing fleets, than it has ever yet been since 

 its first establishment. 



" Comparing tlie annual Reports of the farms for 1810 and 

 1812, there appear to have been added since November, 1810, 

 ninety-one acres to the cultivated lands : of which 49j acres have 

 been thus improved by the exertions of individuals.* The bene- 

 ficial effects resulting from this increase of cultivation, have been 

 felt by the garrison and the community at large ; by His Majesty's 

 and the Honourable Company's ships having been enabled to 

 provide potatoes at moderate prices, in quantities sufficient for 

 their crews during a long passage ; and by a part of those sums 

 formerly expended in the purchase of imported food, having 

 become a saving to the island — proportionate (at the least) to the 

 diminished expenditure of flour and rice. 



" Amongst those whose exertions have been conspicuous in 

 producing this beneficial change, and whose merits are deserving 

 particular notice on the present occasion, are Messrs. Brooke and 

 Defountain, Miss Mason, Captain Sampson, Mr. Samuel Knipe, 

 Mr. John Kay, Mr. Bagley, Mr. Hayward, Major Wright, Mr. 

 Legg, Mr. George Leech, Mrs. Alexander, and Mr, Alesworth. 



" It is to such examples (which evince a strong conviction in 

 those persons of the importance and advantage of agriculture) 

 that the Governor and Council look forward with confidence to 

 its more general introduction ; which is undoubtedly the best 

 possible means of promoting the prosperity of the island, the real 



* Although these beginnings may appear trifling to English farmers, there being only 

 " 91 acres added to the cultivated lands since 1810;" yet when it is considered that 

 prior to that period 88 acres were the total in cultivation ; and that this statement is taken 

 from the official return, dated in May last, which comprises but a small portion of the 

 year 1812 (since which time many more acres have been added,) the whole improvement, 

 under all the circumstances of this place, is as much as could have been expected. 



