Philip Gidley King 1800-1806

Introduction – Philip Gidley King 1800-1806

Governor Philip Gidley King, like his predecessor John Hunter, was sent to ‘clean up’ the colony, but this time by reducing the demands on Colonial Office coffers, reduced the free convict labour, re-establishing public farms to reduce the cost of obligatory feeding of the convicts, managing the government store to offer non-inflated, prices, improved trade within the Pacific region, and to encourage the development of a wide range of local industries. In the early days convicts were regarded as a labor force to be eventually absorbed into the settlement with punishment a secondary consideration. King’s lenient behaviour to the convicts and their rapid economic elevation was reported back to Britain and this, combined with constant difficulty of controlling such an unruly community still strongly wedded to rum, resulted in his resignation in 1803.

In 1802 François Péron, a naturalist on the Géographe of the Baudin expedition, like Spaniard Malaspina before him in 1793, was staggered by the short time taken for such progress, noting the ample supply of vegetables but, in particular, the peach. He estimated about 160,000 trees so productive that the fruit was dried and turned into wine and spirits.(cited in Frost p. 64). He painted a word picture of the settlement with its substantial governement, private buildings, stone clocktower, hospital, prison, school, arsenal and storehouses full of all kinds of domestic utensils, agricultural equipment and the like, including the sail cloth and cordage no doubt soon to be used in the dockyard where shipbuilding was carried out using local timbers.

There were many ships in the harbour: from various parts of the world: Flinders preparing for his circumnavigation of the continen, locally built ships engaged in Bass Strait sealing and the Polynesian pork trade, southern whalers, merchantmen bound for China, freighters loading coal for India and the Cape as well as privateers preparing for the American west coast. Planning was already advanced for the settlement of Port Phillip Bay and Storm Bay. State ovens produced 1800 pounds of ships biscuit each day. The site was defended by an impressive battery. But of special note was the fine Government House garden with: ”the Norfolk Island Pine, th superb Columbia [Agathis] by the side of the bamboo of Asia: farther on is the Portugal orange, and Canary fig. ripening beneath the shade of the French apple-tree: the cherry, peach, pear and apricot, are interspersed amongst the Banksia, Metrosideros, Correa, Melaleuca, Casuarina, and Eucalyptus, and a great number of other indigenous trees’.(cited in Frost p. 71) Lieutenant Governor Paterson’s house was a ‘vast garden‘ containing useful vegetables from every part of the world. Cleared areas had pastures of introduced grasses for livestock. The colony could also now boast its own impressive estates in Parramatta like those of John Macarthur, William Paterson, John Palmer, D’Arcy Wentworth, William Cox, and Samuel Marsden replete with farm buildings, orchards, pastures, horses, cattle and, in some cases, thousands of sheep.(Frost pp. 71-72)

By 1803 fishing grounds based on the Sperm Whale, Black Whale, seals and sea elephants were established in New Zealand and Hobart in Van Diemen’s Land and a base on the mainland at Port Jackson. Ships without return cargoes would often convert to whaling. Wit hcommerce becoming established the likelihood of the new colony being abandoned was now remote.

As a convenient short-cut between the Indian and Pacific Oceans Bass Strait had strategic significance and a British decision was made to circumvent any French ambitions and settle three strategic points around Bass Strait – the north shore of Port Phillp Bay, the south shore at the mouth of the Tamar River in Van Diemen’s Land and King Island in the western part of the strait. These settlements were short-lived, giving way to permanent settlement of Hobart in 1803 and Launceston in 1806 which immediately ht hard times.

By 1805 the Cumberland pain was providing animal foods, grains, all kinds of vegetables, berries melons and other fruits: there were 517 horses, 4,325 cattle, 20,617 sheep, 5,123 goats, 23,050 pigs which provided the colonists with a meat surplus.(cited in Frost p. 64).

Plant history

Philip Gidley King served as the third Governor of New South Wales, Australia from 1800 to 1806. During his administration, significant changes were observed in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, forestry, and the human relationship to plants in the region. King, an able administrator and a keen advocate for the development of the colony, implemented various policies and initiatives that greatly influenced the growth and expansion of the agricultural and horticultural sectors in Australia.

One of the key initiatives introduced by King was the promotion of sustainable farming practices and the cultivation of new crops. King recognized the importance of diversifying the agricultural sector to reduce reliance on traditional crops such as wheat and maize. He encouraged settlers to experiment with new crops such as cotton, sugar cane, and tobacco, which had the potential to thrive in the Australian climate. King’s efforts led to the successful cultivation of these crops in various parts of the colony, opening up new avenues for economic growth and development.

In addition to promoting new crops, King also focused on improving the productivity of existing agricultural practices. He introduced new farming techniques and technologies to increase crop yields and improve soil fertility. King advocated for the use of manure and crop rotation to maintain soil health and prevent depletion. His efforts in promoting sustainable farming practices helped to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the agricultural sector in Australia.

King also played a significant role in the development of horticulture and gardening in the colony. He encouraged settlers to establish gardens and orchards to supplement their food supply and improve their quality of life. King promoted the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, which not only provided settlers with fresh produce but also added beauty to the landscape. King’s emphasis on horticulture and gardening helped to create a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment in the colony.

Furthermore, King recognized the importance of forestry in the development of the colony. He implemented policies to protect and preserve the native forests, while also promoting the establishment of timber plantations to meet the growing demand for wood. King established regulations to ensure sustainable forestry practices and prevent overexploitation of natural resources. His efforts in promoting forestry helped to ensure a steady supply of timber for construction, fuel, and other purposes, while also preserving the natural biodiversity of the region.

During King’s administration, there was also a shift in the human relationship to plants in Australia. Settlers began to appreciate the importance of plants not only for their economic value but also for their environmental and aesthetic benefits. King’s promotion of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry helped to develop a stronger bond between humans and plants, as people recognized the vital role that plants played in their daily lives.

In conclusion, Philip Gidley King’s administration from 1800 to 1806 brought about significant changes in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, forestry, and the human relationship to plants in Australia. Through his promotion of sustainable farming practices, cultivation of new crops, development of horticulture and gardening, and emphasis on forestry, King laid the foundation for the growth and expansion of the agricultural sector in the region. His efforts not only improved the livelihoods of settlers but also helped to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly landscape in Australia. King’s legacy in agriculture and horticulture continues to be felt in Australia to this day, as the country remains a leading producer of crops and a vibrant hub of gardening and horticultural activities (AI-GPT-4o June 2024).

Plant exchange

Between 1800 and 1806, a significant botanical exchange took place between Britain and Australia, marking a foundational period for the study and propagation of Australian flora. This exchange was catalyzed by the early European exploration and subsequent colonization of Australia, primarily led by British botanists and naturalists who sought to understand and catalogue the continent’s unique plant life.

The dawn of the 19th century saw a growing interest in botany in Britain, spurred by the previous explorations of figures such as Captain James Cook. Cook’s voyages in the late 18th century had introduced a plethora of Australian species to Europe, prompting further inquiries into the characteristics, uses, and cultivation of these plants. The establishment of the New South Wales colony in 1788 provided British botanists with unprecedented access to the diverse ecosystems of Australia. During this time, several botanical expeditions were launched, enabling the collection of specimens intended for scientific study and horticultural use.

Among the most notable figures in this botanical exchange was Joseph Banks, who served as the president of the Royal Society and was an influential advocate for the study of Australian plants. His work laid the groundwork for understanding the ecological complexities of Australia. Banks’s expeditions included the collection of thousands of plant specimens, many of which were later sent back to Britain for analysis and cultivation. The specimens not only enriched British botanical knowledge but also ignited interest in the cultivation of ornamental and economically valuable species.

The significance of the plant exchange was further highlighted during the early 1800s with the voyages of botanist Robert Brown, who accompanied Matthew Flinders on his circumnavigation of Australia from 1801 to 1803. Brown’s extensive collection and description of over 4,000 plant species made substantial contributions to the understanding of Australia’s flora. His meticulous documentation and classifications facilitated the introduction of several Australian species into European gardens. Notable among these are the iconic Eucalyptus and Acacia species, which were adapted to Britain’s climate and aesthetics, thus enhancing the richness of British horticulture.

The practical implications of the exchange were also profound. Some Australian plants were recognized for their potential economic benefits, leading to initiatives aimed at establishing new agricultural practices in Britain. The adaptive qualities of plants such as the Macadamia nut and various species of wattles prompted interest in their cultivation, thus diversifying agricultural systems and contributing to the burgeoning agricultural economy.

By 1806, the exchange of botanical knowledge and specimens had fostered a growing appreciation for Australian flora in Britain, leading to its integration into both scientific research and ornamental horticulture. The 19th century would see an acceleration in such exchanges, but the foundational relationship established between 1800 and 1806 set a precedent for future explorations, collections, and the eventual establishment of botanical gardens dedicated to Australian plant species.

In conclusion, the plant exchange between Britain and Australia during the early 1800s was pivotal in shaping botanical science and horticulture. It marked the beginning of a sustained interest in Australia’s unique flora, illustrating the interplay between exploration, agriculture, and science that defined this era of botanical discovery. This period laid the groundwork for further studies and exchanges that would continue to evolve in the years to come (AI Sider August 2024).

Timeline – Governor Philip Gidley King

• Philip Gidley King serves as Governor of New South Wales, Australia.
• King promotes sustainable farming practices and encourages the cultivation of new crops such as cotton, sugar cane, and tobacco.
• Introduction of new farming techniques and technologies to increase crop yields and improve soil fertility.
• Emphasis on horticulture and gardening, encouraging settlers to establish gardens and orchards for food supply and aesthetic purposes.
• Policies implemented to protect native forests and promote sustainable forestry practices.
• Shift in human relationship to plants, as settlers begin to appreciate the economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits of plants.
• Development of a stronger bond between humans and plants through King’s promotion of agriculture, horticulture, gardening, and forestry.
• Legacy of King’s administration in agriculture and horticulture continues to influence Australia’s agricultural sector and landscape.