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[Page 15]
as a Prize.
Our two [Frenchman?] are going on very busily in making a vineyard, as nothing of that kind has ever been attempted before except for the purpose of eating as fruit, as but little can be expected from the old Stalks, it will be some time at least two years before any quantity can be procured from the new plantation, which I do not doubt will answer extremely well. It will require much time & patience to make Individuals enter into any other pursuit than raising what is purchased by Government to purchase Spirits &c however as the [artile?] of Spirits is nearly at its extreme I have no doubt of their beginning soon to turn their Industry into other Channells. Particularly from [Confusion?] that is generally [indecipherable] by all, (but the Traders), at the very [reasonable?] [rate?] with which they are now furnished the articles of use & comfort. This I hope will raise a new Industry indeed it appears already.
What a happy thing it could have been for this Colony if the Exertions made by you to give us the [Hop?] had not failed by the misfortunes & detention of the old Porpoise, I have just planted out all the remains, of the useful collection you caused to be made, & sorry you will be to hear that it consists of only two apples, five vines, two sweet Bays, two chestnuts, mint & the Chili Strawberry, this is the Sum total. Will you Sir be tempted to make another [trial?] to send the [Hop?],