HISTORICAL. 
19 
favourable circumstances, such as it is quite possible to secure when 
dealing with small quantities, the results have to be received with 
caution; nevertheless. Governor Beatson demonstrated clearly that, 
with sufficient care, both soil and climate are capable of producing 
most uncommon results. The native or indigenous plants also 
attracted his attention, and, in order to preserve them if possible 
from destruction, he caused all the goats then running wild or 
uncared for to be destroyed, compensation being allowed to the 
owners. There were so many of these creatures at that time and 
they were so destructive to young plants, that it was almost impos- 
si e o real any new forest-trees ; and when they were destroyed 
the extension of plantations became very general. 
hou & li so much of Governor Beatson’s attention was devoted 
o agricultural and horticultural pursuits, his efforts in other 
flannels for the good of the settlement were not the less successful. 
ie evil effects of an excessive use of spirituous liquors amongst the 
so ieis were very apparent, and he determined to check, if not 
no y correct this vice. Having been the means of preventing 
y urther importation of rum, he substituted for it, as rations to 
c ® 80 . lerS) beer « wll ich at that time was brewed in the Island, and 
, P, 1 ' Vlne ' Other measures also were taken to render this change 
anb y f i LaVe the desired effect > but, as mi g b t almost have been 
imputed, a spirit of dissatisfaction arose which threatened serious 
nes rrTT aUd afforded au opportunity for a display of that firm- 
Gptio, ccision of character, which, amongst other abilities, 
genual Beatson possessed. 
be for ^ 0tdea mg tetters having come into the hands of the Governor, 
the °-V bUC,i P recau ti°ns as seemed necessary for the occasion, and 
Beaffin Cains ^ ances which then occurred will be best told in General 
He w - V ™ 7° rds ; contained in his report to the Court of Directors. 
the a ft° 6 1 i r iss "' n ^ tliese orders 1 left the Castle, at four in 
bvwl e ™ 00n '> but > contrary to my usual custom of returning home 
such a 1S T ° d tUe Governor’s path, I thought it proper to show to 
w r 11 g |t be watchful, that the violent anonymous paper, the 
the C^lT ^ 6 cburcb ’ * a dinner and a bloody supper,' and that on 
allu T i-' i l0u8e i° i )e i e l on Christmas-day’ the one 
Casfl n f ? . 0 ^ es ttval dinner, and the other to my vacating the 
m ^ jcin g sen t oh the Island, had produced no apprehensions in 
I therefore desired my horses to be brought to the Castle 
c 2 
