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[Page 7]
worthy of note. It is particularly well watered, having many good runs, of sufficient strength to turn Mills &c, and is of a very good quality. Yet it has its evils, 3 in number, Viz, Blights, Grubs, and Paroquets. The first is pernicious to a degree, as this Season of the Year, comes generally with a SE, and easterly Wind, which droops all Plants before it, which are past recovery, if the Winds are any time on those directions. To convince my speaking from experience, I need look no further back than the Day the relief arrived (Aug 7th) off this Island: in the Evening of which there was a shift of wind to the SE, which only lasted a few Hours, laid a great part of our Garden perfectly on the Ground, which it has not yet, or ever will, recover. Our Neighbours fared much worse, and most of their Plants have since perished. Secondly, the Grub, whose unlimitted Numbers and mischief are beyond account, and have kept one of us (in our little spot) continually employed, both forenoons and afternoons, clearing them away. They spare nothing but Sallads, which are rather too bitter for them; but young, sweet plants, stand not the least chance: therefore, if they're lucky enough to escape the Blight; they are devoured by these insatiable insects, before they come to the state of Maturity: and, when arrived to that State, they Paroquets make vast havock, devouring the Seeds of all Grain, as well as most of the Garden Seeds; and small Spots would be entirely consumed, were they not well watched. They fly in great flocks, and are so tame, that, with common caution, you may knock them down with a stick. Yet, in spite of these Evils, (thus far) there is no cause of complaint, but by Individuals; the public having such large Stocks, that unless they are considerable they