 The scanty population had been
nearly swept off by a measles epidemic a short time previously, and, although recruited by emigrants from England and by Chinese coolies, was in a wretched state.The acts of the home authorities in suppressing the spirit traffic and other matters gave rise to great discontent, resulting in a mutiny in 1811, which was put down by the
firmness of Beatson, who also introduced a better system of cultivation and many other
beneficial measures.After his return to England, he devoted much attention to experiments in agriculture at Knole farm and Henley in Frant, Sussex, near
Tunbridge Wells.