me of the best known woods. I will not refer
at length to the famous flax of New Zealand, which may become the subject
of a large trade when its preparation is made easier; nor to cotton,
which is being naturalised; nor to coffee, of which I myself have seen
the first plantations, etc., etc. All these commodities are secondary in
importance in comparison with others to which I have referred; yet,
considered together, they will add greatly to the importance of this new
colony. Similarly, I will pass over the diverse products which are sure
to be furnished by the prolific archipelagos, and of which several are
likely to become of great value and to fetch high prices for use in the
arts and in medicine. For example, the cargo of the last vessel that
arrived in Port Jackson from the Navigator Islands, during our stay,
consisted partly of cordage of different degrees of thickness, made from
a plant peculiar to those islands, the nature of which is such that, we
were assured, it is almost indestructible by water and the humidity of
the atmosphere; whilst its toughness makes it superior to ordinary
cordage.

(17) The English hope for much from mineral discoveries. Those parts of
the country lying nearest to the sea, which are of a sandstone or slaty
formation, appear to contain only deposits of excellent coal; but the
entire range of the Blue Mountains has not yet been explored for
minerals. The colony had not up to the time of our visit a mineralogist
in its service, but the Governor hoped soon to obtain the services of
one, to commence making investigations; and the nature of the country,
combined with its extent, affords ground for strong hope in that regard.

(18) There are, finally, other advantages, apparently less interesting,
but which do not fail to exert an influence upon the character and
prestige of a nation. I refer to the conspicuous glory which geographical
discoveries necessarily following upon such an establishment as this
bring upon a nation's name; to all that which accrues to a people from
the discovery and collection of so many new and valuable things; to the
distinguished services which new countries call forth and which confer so
much distinction upon those who watch over their birth.

Time does not permit me to pursue the enquiry. I wish only to add here
one fresh proof of the importance which England attaches to this new
colony. When we left Port Jackson, the authorities were awaiting the
arrival of