Page:The Cowlitz Farm Journal, 1847-51.djvu/53

have no room to litter. I am anxious to see this wheat in the fall ear. It surely cannot from present appearances turn out equal to ours. Our potatoes almost all over are thriving well but we [have] such a press of work on hand; they must be neglected for a time. Where we covered with the hoe there are but few missing but where the harrow teeth down was employed to effect this many must be partched and others torn out. When hands can be had covering with the hoe is the better plan and I would advise it.

Saturday 13th. Fair cool weather, northerly & westerly wind. Employed pretty much as usual. The potatoe house fell down to day, an extra job to clear away the ruins & gather up the potatoes from the piles of dirt & muck. Received a few lines from Mr Tolmie. Jackson arrived from the Falls.

Sunday 14th. Fair delightful weather—but rather too dry for the crops.

Monday 15th. Fair very sultry weather—an appearance of change. Very busy day occupied as per distribution book. Turned all possible hands to the making up of the back lane fence. The cattle cannot be kept off the crops unless we remake the whole & stake & rider it. Very great trouble with the Mission cattle also—told the Mission Gentlemen that in future I was determined to employ hands to shoot those trespassing. Our fences are good, & I wont scruple to put the threat in force for it seems the only method of rid[d]ing the Company of this expensive anoyance. The cattle have been so habituated to breaking that nothing but harsh measures will answer. These people show a willingness & regret at the fearful damage the cattle do—so at times apparently did M Langlois, but still he used but little effort to protect us. Rather than submit to the present abuse it would be far better the Company should employ 2 or 3 hands to herd the Mission cattle. Where [is] the use raising if we can't protect the crops.

Tuesday 16th. Fair sultry weather. All the cattle & horses in the wheat again this morning. Turned to with a will & made a very strong park & hope now to defy the brutes to get out.