Those who dwelt there were principally such mechanics as found it convenient to be at the centre of the settlement, some half a dozen persons employed about the warehouses of the merchants, a few officials of the government, and the families of those who depended mainly on the sea for their support.  Each and all of these heads of families had drawn their lots, both in the group and on the Peak, though some had sold their rights the better to get a good start in their particular occupations.  The merchants, however, established themselves on the Reef, as a matter of necessity, each causing a warehouse to be constructed near the water, with tackles and all the usual conveniences for taking in and delivering goods.  Each also had his dwelling near at hand.  As these persons had come well provided for the Indian trade in particular, having large stocks of such cheap and coarse articles as took with the natives, they were already driving a profitable business, receiving considerable quantities of sandal-wood in exchange for their goods.

It is worthy of being mentioned, that the governor and council early passed a sort of navigation act, the effect of which was to secure the carrying trade to the colony.  The motive, however, was more to keep the natives within safe limits, than to monopolize the profits of the seas.  By the provisions of this law, no canoe could pass from Betto’s group to either of the islands of the colony, without express permission from the governor.  In order to carry on the trade, the parties met on specified days at Ooroony’s village, and there made their exchanges; vessels being sent from the Reef to bring away the sandal-wood.  With a view to the final transportation of the last to a market, Saunders had been instructed to purchase a suitable vessel, which was to return with the Rancocus, freighted with such heavy and cheap implements as were most wanted in the colony, including cows and mares in particular.  Physical force, in the shape of domestic animals, was greatly wanted; and it was perhaps the most costly of all the supplies introduced into the settlements.  Of horned cattle there were already about five-and-twenty head in the colony—­enough to make sure of the breed; but they were either cows, steers too young to be yet of much use, and calves.  Nothing was killed, of course; but so much time must, pass before the increase would give the succour wanted, that the governor went to unusual expense and trouble to make additions to the herd from abroad.

As for the horses, but three had been brought over, two of which were mares.  The last had foaled twice; and there were four colts, all doing well, but wanting age to be useful.  All the stock of this character was kept on the Peak, in order to secure it from invaders; and the old animals, even to the cows, were lightly worked there, doing a vast deal that would otherwise remain undone.  It was so obviously advantageous to increase the amount of this sort of force, that Saunders had strict orders to purchase the vessel mentioned, and to bring over as many beasts as he could conveniently and safely stow.  With this object in view, he was directed to call in, on the western side of Cape Horn, and to make his purchases in South America.  The horned cattle might not be so good, coming from such a quarter, but the dangers of doubling the Cape would be avoided.