211

197
1837 16.7 The weather for some time back has been dry. Every thing of a vegetable nature has become in a declining state. The grass that appearedd some time back very promising for a great crop has by the drought dried up very, so that a middling crop is not expected. The{???] has produced a very small crop probably occasioned by insects. In dry weather the insects devour vegetation; the [???] are mostly spoiled by worms.

17th Last night some rain fell, which was of material benefit to vegetation & served to lay the dust in the streets, which has been very troublesome especially to weak eyes like mine. But the ground was so dry and thirsty that the hot sun soon dried up every appearance of the rain.

22nd The weather continues dry, and of late quite warm. The ground has changed from a beautiful green aspect to a yellowish parched appearance.

22 An expedition authorized by Congress to survey George's Shoal, is now out on that service. The motive is to obtain an accurate survey of the Shoal and the adjacent ground and also, to determine the practicality of making an island on the Shoal and building a Lighthouse thereon, for the benefit of passing vessels.
9 mo The Commissioners to explore George's Shoal returned & anchored in our harbour & informed that they performed the service assigned them that they found the water to a much greater depth than they expected, and it was their opinion that our Government never would erect a light House there.