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[Page 2]
a Herd containing 506 ; and the other 450: the consequence is, that the Feed about them is not sufficient for so large a number and when the Rains set in, being pent so close together they poach the Gards all over and stand up to their Knees in Mud, there is not a spot for them to lie down on, and when a Calf drops in that state, it is very liable to be lost; the people about them having no interest in the concern, the same attention will not be shewn as if they were in the hands of the Settlers, and should a murrain break out amongst them, it must prove of the most fatal consequences.
The Country now exhibits one scene of distress - a large portion of the Farms deserted, the buildings down or tumbling down, the poor creatures almost naked and many of them nothing but maize to eat.
In the situation I am now placed I shall be little more than a Stock breeder for the Colony, and at the expiration of the four years, I shall have been at all the expence and labour of rearing the female Calves, and shall have only the Male Calves left for my reward. Allowing for accidents and what I gathered from Mr. Jamieson the principal Stock-keeper, I have no reason to expect more than 50 Calves the first twelve months, as some of the Cows he put out are old and had but just had their Calves taken from them. The next eighteen months I may expect 50, and the same number at the period of my agreement; supposing them to be half males and half females, after paying back 60. I shall have left only 15 Female Calves, which will not more than keep them at the original value of which I received them. But not being able to make a return untill after 4 Years and then restricting me to so many generations, instead of Mr. Windhams compliance being beneficial to my family, it will prove the greatest injury, according to the mode of payment required by the Governor, I must therefore solicit your