ST. HELENA 57 



Ladder Hill Fort. These tanks were fed by channels cut 

 on High Knoll, and also on the adjoining hill, " Merriman," 

 a space of several acres. In the map (drawn for Admiral 

 Cockburn by Major Barnes) will be seen this reservoir or 

 tank near High Knoll. The S.E. wind coming down the 

 valley kept the water in agitation, and prevented its becom- 

 ing stagnant. It was originally intended only to supply 

 the soldiers of Ladder Hill, who before this time, 1809, had 

 been stinted in water, having to fetch it all in kegs from 

 Jamestown. One reservoir contained 4,000 tons, and 

 " Beatson," writing of it, says : 



It may be expected to be filled twice a year (during two rainy 

 seasons); the total annual supply will be 8,000 tons. Allowing ten 

 tons a day for Ladder Hill, there would remain 4,000 or 5,000 tons 

 for intermediate gardens. 



The descent from tank to fort is one foot in ten, and a cutstone 

 watercourse has been laid the whole distance of 2,800 yards. 



At Plantation, in 1810, from a few seeds sown in October, 

 there was raised from the first crop 3,583 lb. of pumpkins. 

 Several of them weighed seventy pounds each. 



As well as devoting a deal of time to agriculture, Beatson 

 also looked after the welfare of the soldiers and islanders. 

 He saw the terrible effect of the incessant spirit drinking, 

 and checked it by preventing any further importation of 

 rum, substituting for it beer, which was island-made. The 

 Brewery was at the head of Jamestown, and had the repu- 

 tation of supplying excellent beer. He also imported Cape 

 wine, but the dissatisfaction grew at his prohibiting rum, 

 and the peace of the little community was disturbed. 

 Governor Beatson showed great firmness ; when threaten- 

 ing letters came to him he took precautions, and his account 

 of the mutiny will be found interesting. It is a pity that 

 his most interesting book has been allowed to pass out of 

 print. Governor Beatson relates as follows : 



A most daring mutiny having broken out in the St. Helena 

 infantry on the night of the 23rd December, 181 1, for the avowed 

 purpose of seizing my person and subverting this Government, it 

 becomes my duty to lay before you a general view of the causes 

 which led to these licentious and highly criminal proceedings. . . . 

 Your Honourable Court is well aware of the state of St. Helena 

 at the time you did me the honour to appoint me to this Government. 

 On my arrival in July, 1808, I found a population of 3,600 living 



