Chap. XV. HOPES AND FEARS, 431 
proved beyond a doubt, that the high estimates made 
by some persons of the expense of clearing heavily- 
timbered land in New Zealand was far beyond the 
actual cost. Some of these theorists had placed their 
estimate as high as 40/. per acre, and had assigned this 
calculation as a reason for their own unwillingness to 
" face the bush." Mr. Molesworth, however, had by a 
year's experience proved the cost of clearing, and the 
return from the first season's crop. Although he had 
at first, from inexperience, paid at a rather higher 
rate, he now cleared his land by contract at the rate 
of 121. per acre. This I take from his own care- 
ful estimates. The samples of wheat and bar- 
ley produced in some small patches promised an 
equally good return under a grain-crop. The rapid 
improvement of the condition of sheep and cattle, on 
the natural pasturage of th« hills south and south- 
east of the town, was no less remarkable. Visitors 
from New South Wales, with all their prejudice 
against a young rival colony, did not hesitate to ac- 
knowledge that the cattle showed better, that the 
cows gave more and richer milk, and that the meat 
was more delicate in flavour than in that country. 
The limited pasturage, instead of being consumed by 
the cattle, had advanced in quality and quantity. The 
fern, through which we used to ride up to the knees of 
the horses, had been trodden down in many places, 
and grasses had sprung up in its room. 
Greater confidence was also felt as to the quantity 
of available land easily accessible in all directions from 
the site of the town. The first explorers in all direc- 
tions had been followed by many others, and every one 
encouraged his neighbours by the accounts which he 
brought home. Port Nicholson was no longer looked 
