by the settler for his cattle; yet, notwithstanding this palpable omission, and the greater length and severity of the winters, all manner of stock attain here a larger size than at Port Jackson. Oxen from three to four years old average here about 700lbs. and wethers from two to three years old, from 60 to 80lb.; while oxen of the same age, at Port Jackson, do not average more than 600lbs. and wethers not more than 60lbs. At Port Dalrymple it is no uncommon occurrence for yearlings to weigh from 50 to 70lbs. and for three year old wethers to weigh 100lbs. and upwards; but this great disproportion of weight arises in some measure from the greater part of the sheep at this settlement, having become, from constant crossing, nearly of the pure Teeswater breed. Still the superior richness of the natural pastures in these southern settlements, is, without doubt, the main cause of the increased weight at which both sheep and cattle arrive; since there is both a kindlier and larger breed of cattle at Port Jackson, which nevertheless neither weigh as heavy, nor afford as much suet. This is an incontrovertible proof that the natural grasses possess much more nutritive and fattening qualities in this colony than in the other; and the superior clearness of the country is quite sufficient to account for this circumstance, without taking into the estimate the additional fact, that up to a certain parallel

of latitude, to which neither the one nor the other of these colonies extends, the superior adaptation of the colder climate for the rearing and fattening of stock is quite unquestionable.

DOMESTIC AND WILD ANIMALS.

All our domestic animals, such as horses, asses, horned cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, dogs, &c. &c., have been brought to Van Diemen's Land, and thrive there abundantly. The horses are a cross from the Arab stallion and English mare, (some English stallions have been lately sent out); their height is generally from thirteen to sixteen hands. They are in general clean made, beautiful animals, of great spirit, strength, and usefulness, both for saddle and draught: the number however is not by any means sufficient for the supply of the colony, being in 1821 no more than five-hundred and fifty. What with importation from Port Jackson and breeding, they are now, 1824, probably double that number. The price is considerably higher than at that settlement, ranging from 70l. to 1207.

The horned cattle are originally of the Bengal breed; their improvement was not much attended too until within the last few years; since then a very laudable spirit of agricultural im

magazines, as well as the general market. The following is a list of the exports from Van Diemen's Land to Sydney in six years, 1815 to 1820, (wheat valued at 10s. per bushel, and meat 6d. per lb.)

The quantities exported in the succeeding years have certainly not diminished, but rather increased.

The export of wheat has been very considerable. This article has lately found new and profitable markets at Rio de Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope, where any quantities that can be exported will always meet with a ready and sure demand at remunerating prices.

Wool, though as yet, from the circumstances before alluded to, of inferior quality, will become a staple article, and no doubt be brought to very considerable perfection as to quality and fineness. Indeed this is not mere matter

is

of opinion, for the wool produced from the flocks of one gentleman near Port Dalrymple, James Cox, Esq., has been found to be nearly, if not fully, equal to that produced at Port Jackson. The spirit of improvement in this article very considerable; a large number of Merino sheep have been imported, and there is no question but that in a few years the entire stock of sheep will be so very considerably improved in fineness of fleece, as to afford a most valuable and extensive export to the mother country and be a fountain of wealth to the colony.

The fur seal fishery is prosecuted with some success on the coasts. The fur of this animal is well known as a valuable article of commerce, and of much request in England, and is of no inconsiderable benefit at present to this colony.

All the bays and harbours of Van Diemen's Land, those in Bass's Straits, and the southern coast of Australasia, abound with the black or right whale. These leviathans of the deep quit the boisterous ocean and seek the more tranquil waters of these harbours, when they are on the point of calving. This happens in November, and they remain there with their young between two and three months. They frequently go up the river Derwent as far as Hobart Town, and it is no uncommon sight for

the inhabitants to behold the whole process of taking them, from the moment they are harpooned, until they are finally killed by the frequent application of the lance. This sight, indeed, has been occasionally witnessed by the inhabitants of Sydney; since it has sometimes occurred, that a stray fish has entered the harbour of Port Jackson, while some of the South Sea whalers have been lying there, and have lowered their boats and killed it.

In consequence of the excessive and impolitic duty upon oil procured in this colony, the colonists were absolutely prohibited from procuring it even in their own harbours, while they had the mortification of witnessing several cargoes procured in the very river before their eyes, by persons totally unconnected with the colony. Fortunately this system has been wisely abandoned, and the excessive duties repealed last year, so that there does not now exist any impediment to the colonists turning their industry and attention to this profitable branch of commerce. Indeed, at this time, the trade in this article is by no means inconsiderable, as not less than one thousand tons of oil have been exported from the colony to England last year. But it is to be observed, that the merchants at Sydney are those most engaged in this trade. There exists no reason, however,