p. O. Kl 51 he eotild hardly expect to restrain their wildness or despaii What hope was there for the settlement unless the Siriu» should succeed in her voyage ? After reaching Norfolk Island she was to proceed to China for proYisions, and to return to Sydney. The harbourless Norfolk Island had seriously occupied Philhp's care. On the 6th March, 1788, his subaltern, King, had formally taken possession with like observances to those adopted in Sydney. But neither Phillip nor King could be slow to apprehend the dangers of the situation. '* lieur King'** (t)ie former wrote to the niao he so much trusted) . , , I hope you gel fiah, which wiU enable you to make the provisions you have last mueh loaiger than tlKi time for which they are aent, aa our only dependence is. on ships expected out, which may fail us. . , . You shall hear from me respecting the island and your wants by the Siriu* ; till when God bless you. ' When Kin<jj replied, the dreaded weevil had heen found in the seed i;vheat he was preparing to sow. But he kept up his couraf!:e and asked for more men for af^'iculture. He had searehed for the tlax plant vainly at first, for his people looked for a eon<{ener of the European plant ; but after some days they detected in abundance the Fhomiiffm tenax which Cook saw when he discovered Norfolk Island, In Oct., 1788, two flax-dressers were employed, and other work was so far advanced that Phillip's pleasant words, '* I am fully satisfied that everything which is possible will be done b}^ you/* could be received with satisfaction. But in I^eh., 1789, the situation became gloomier. More people were sent to Norfolk Island, but not sufficient food for them. King was implored to eke out subsistence with iish. smile,'* in 179t> the prologue (eironeously imputed to a eonvict, Barring- ton, but believed to have been written liy an officer) declared — "True patriots we, for be it uuderalood , We left our couutry for our country's good. No private views disgraced our generous zeal. What urged oui* travels was* our country's weal. , , , ^^oraetimes, iudeed, so variouB is our art, An actor may improve and mend his part.
- (tiv^e me a horse !' bawk Richard, like a drone ;
We'll find a man would help himself to one." Philip to King. 16th Jnly» 17HH, per armed tender Suppli^, ,, „ 28th September, 1788, per Golden Grotje.
