An Account of the State of Agriculture and Grazing in New South Wales (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1826. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. STATE OF AGRICULTURE-SYSTEMS PURSUED BY THE DIFFERENT CLASSES OF SETTLERS--WORKING CATTLE AND IMPLEMENTS--CROPS CULTIVATED--REMARKS OX VARIOUS IMPEDIMENTS TO THE PROGRESS OF IMPROVEMENT, AND ON THE FREQUENT FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PRICES OF PRODUCE--HORTICULTURE. If a foreigner who had travelled through England, were afterwards to visit New South Wales, he would scarcely be able to persuade himself that the inhabitants where derived from the same stork: lie could hardly believe that the people, who, in the mother country, cultivate their lands with such persevering industry and intelligence, should here become so extremely slothful and negligent; yet such is the case--the state of agriculture being ruds and miserable in the extreme. The first Settlers in the Colony were obtained from among the military and convicts; very few of these men had any knowledge of agriculture, being mostly derived from inhabitants of great towns, or from the very lowest orders of the people; thoughtless and negligent, as might naturally be expected from their early habits and subsequent life, with very little regard for the comforts and conveniences of civilized society, their whole desires were confined to the obtaining sufficient food: clothing, except what decency absolutely required, they had little regard for; and to bring up their familie? with respectability, and make a comfortable appearance in the world, never once entered their minds. Their absolute wants being satisfied, the whole surplus produce of their labour was expended in intoxication and debauchery. Men of this description were but little calculated to improve and beautify the face of the country, and develope its agricultural capabilities; accordingly, their farms exhibit to this day nothing but a scene of ...