398 PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS. 
rye, and oats, though sometimes good, are sub- 
ject to blight. 
Should they wish to avoid intercourse with 
any ships and whalers which occasionally pass, 
they can do so. The landing at the two best 
points, north and south of the island, is generally 
difficult, owing to the heavy swell, called " the 
Bar," which lashes Uie island on all sides. The 
principal harbourage is on the southern side, in 
front of the settlement ; but even this is paved 
with anchors ; and, at low water, their flukes are 
seen protruding from the beds of coral. Captains 
of vessels have seldom shown any desire to land, 
unless they are in need of water, or of fruits and 
vegetables. 
With the large stone houses, one of which 
contains about twelve rooms, and numerous out- 
offices, including coach-house, stable, &c., these 
unambitious colonists need have little to do. 
They will not require the solid and extensive 
blocks of building, forming the old and new 
military barracks, which alone afforded accom- 
modation for 280 men with their officers ; the 
commissariat, convicts', and engineers' store 
premises ; the range of buildings forming the 
gaol-establishment, and the gaolers' and turnkeys 7 
quarters, with the large dornitories, and mess- 
rooms, and dwellings for the overseers. But they 
will have found awaiting them- good stone cottages, 
some with six rooms, others with four, three, &c., 
and kitchens detached ; several weather-boarded 
cottages and huts, carpenters' and blacksmiths' 
shops ; a wind-mill, and a water-mill ; barns 
and stables; and two large boat-sheds j with 
