Necessary public buildings advance fast; an excellent storehouse of large dimensions, built of bricks and covered with tiles, is just completed; and another planned which will shortly be begun.

Other buildings, among which I heard the governor mention an hospital and permanent barracks for the troops, may also be expected to arise soon.

Works of this nature are more expeditiously performed than heretofore, owing, I apprehend, to the superintendants lately arrived, who are placed over the convicts and compel them to labour.
The first difficulties of a new country being subdued may also contribute to this comparative facility.
Vegetables are scarce, although the summer is so far advanced, owing to want of rain.

I do not think that all the showers of the last four months put together, would make twenty-four hours rain.

Our farms, what with this and a poor soil, are in wretched condition.