Volume 62: Walter Stevenson Davidson papers, 1815-1846: No. 132

[Page 132]

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done, and servants assigned to me, which I can get on applying for them, every thing is ready for the reception of the Flocks, which should immediately be removed to Carleroy, under under a widely different management to what they have hitherto been.  It would also be necessary to purchase some bullocks for immediate use, (for provisions,) and also some breeding cattle to supply us for the future.  Some settlers contract with others who are proprietors of horned cattle, to supply us with beef at so much per pound; but those who pursue this plan are men who cannot command capital to buy breeding stock for themselves, and they find it a very expensive way of going to work.  There is a fine cattle run down the river from Carleroy.  Jones here kills cattle of his own to supply the men; and, as half the Flocks are yours, he charges (I have no doubt) you for half the beef used, which is a good thing for him, as it ensures sale for his cattle.  He also grows the wheat used here, and of course you are charged for the half consumed by the men.  In short, you pay half the expense incurred in this Establishment, as you own half the Flocks; and with the robbery and horrid system at present pursued, you are the loser. 
Now when you pay half the expense and own half the Flocks, would it not be better to have your own Sheep on your own land, and pay all the expense incurred by them, which would not be one fourth-part of what it is now, if it was once set a going? and it would be set a going, and all the expenses incurred paid, and a handsome return made to you, THE VERY FIRST CLIP (!!!)

"Now I have told you every thing I can think of, concerning your Flocks and Property here; if any other thing occurs to me before sending  this off shall be added.  I do hope you will, on the receipt of this, write me very fully every thing you think of on the subject, and as soon as possible, - and send a duplicate as I will do of this, in case of miscarriage, &c.

"I hope you will determine on the way your Flocks shall be conducted for the future, and write both to me and Mr. Jones on the subject; and in the event of your determining on a division of the concern, that will be very soon effected.  I will be very anxiously waiting an answer from you; indeed, many a time I think to myself, What will be the result?  During the ensuing ten or twelve months, I will be acquiring as correct a knowledge of sheep, &c., as diligence and perseverance, and good example, can possibly make me master of; and in the event of your concerns being in my hands, time will show whether it is a good or bad arrangement. 

"1st Dec. 1835.  Mr. Jones has not said any thing to me concerning my ever having to do with any of the Sheep here, but he has been extremely kind in every way, to me since I came to the Colony.  I am rather glad that he has not