Chap. XVIII. CATTLE-DRIVING— MR. BELL. 461 
various parts of the Australian colonies, he had crossed 
over to this country, with Mr. James Watt, who had 
been the first to attempt agriculture at Port Nicholson. 
Long before the town was distributed, Mr. Bell had 
begun to farm a piece of land between the harbour and 
the sea for Mr. Watt ; and had been the first to use 
the plough in Cook's Strait. The land in question 
was of a poor clayey nature, and in a spot swept by 
both the prevailing winds ; so that the crop of wheat, 
though good in quality, was scanty. The industry of 
Bell and his family, while working for ah employer, 
had been most remarkable. He owned two or three 
sections in the second series, including the seventh 
choice; and having completed his engagement with 
Mr. Watt, he determined to start for TP^anganui with 
his family, a cow; and six fine oxen which he had 
bought. The bridle-road to Porirua was only partly 
finished ; and the crossing of the various rivers seemed 
to offer some difficulty ; but the old man had walked 
over the whole route to satisfy himself, and on his re- 
turn declared his determination to get the cattle there. 
His departure was a fine sight. The cow and the 
six bullocks yoked in a team, with packs on their backs, 
were attended by old Bell and his two sons. He was 
known by every one to possess an unlimited stock of 
perseverance, firmness, and energy. In coming from 
Watt's farm to the beginning of the Porirua road, he 
had to pass through the whole town ; and all the 
spectators flocked to shake his iron fist, and wish him 
every success. He answered in broad Scotch dialect, 
that " they should go — he would take care to succeed." 
And many an eye watched them file up the steep path 
from Kai TVara Wara, and disappear among the 
woods on the top. I had furnished him with letters 
to various chiefs along the road with whom I was 
VOL. I. 2 I 
