and seemed to be set in, and
the heat of the weather had made much of our Indian corn to shoot
out, I began gathering that which was sown in September.

Joseph Long, a convict, was punished with twelve lashes on the
28th, for quitting his work and absenting himself without
leave.

The month of February commenced with heavy gales of wind and
deluges of rain, which greatly damaged the Indian corn, and
different plants that were seeding. The small patch of barley
which was cut on the 20th of last month, was quite spoiled by the
constant rain, and the swamp was entirely overflowed. On the 6th,
we had a very heavy gale of wind from the northward, attended
with lightning, which was the first I had seen since my arrival
on the island.

Two convicts were punished on the 9th, for absenting
themselves after ten o'clock at night from their quarters, with a
bad intention.

The 15th, being Sunday, after performing divine service, and
reading the orders, I forgave the prisoners, Samuel Pickett and
William Francis, for their ill behaviour in the affair of the
plot; but it was my intention to send Francis to Port Jackson the
first opportunity, as he was a worthless, troublesome
villain.

The heavy rains had now in a great measure subsided, and the
weather on the 16th being fair, we embraced that opportunity of
examining the provisions which were stowed in the cellars. On
getting up the ground tier of flour casks from under the
surgeon's house, I found a quantity of water had lodged amongst
them; and although they were well dunnaged, yet we found many of
the casks much damaged, and the flour in them spoiled; but the
quantity lost could not immediately be ascertained: however, it
was of the utmost consequence to have the whole overlooked, and
every person was employed till the 21st in cleaning the flour and
separating the damaged part of it from that which was dry and in
good condition.

Chapter XIV

TRANSACTIONS AT NORFOLK ISLAND

February 1789 to March 1790

-A violent hurricane at Norfolk Island.--Arrival
of the Supply.--Convicts sent from Port Jackson.--Provisions and
stores.--Departure of the Supply.--Robberies
committed.--Employment of the convicts.--Wheat infested with
caterpillars.--A store-house erected.--Arrival of a party of
marines from Port Jackson.--Thefts committed.--Orders read for
preserving regularity.--A female convict punished.--Pernicious
effects of the grub-worm.--Gardens plundered.--A granary