As Hunter had himself made the suggestion to the Government that such a step should be taken, the news was especially gratifying to him.

Amongst his instructions from the Secretary of State was a direction to procure from South Africa live cattle for stocking the infant colony.

He had brought out with him, at Sir Joseph Banks' suggestion, a supply of growing vegetables for transplantation and of seeds for sowing at appropriate seasons.

He now set about obtaining the live stock.
The Reliance and the Supply sailed by way of Cape Horn to South Africa, where they took on board a supply of domestic animals.

The former vessel carried 109 head of cattle, 107 sheep and three mares.