44 



In order to determine its proper place in the classification of plants, it 

 is necessary to examine its flowers, leaves and fruits ; but here the 

 natural historian's work ends. To the technologist (who of necessity 

 in list be in this case a botanist, so that he may be able to determine 

 the species under investigation) on the other hand. " Cypress Pine" 

 is a vielder of timber, sandarach, oil from the wood, camphor from 

 the wood, oil from the leaves, and such other articles of commerce 

 which to determine lies within the sphere of his work. 



To state a point definitely, one may mention the investigations 

 dow being carried out on Eucalyptus Oils, derived from New South 

 Wales species. From knowledge of what was being accomplished else- 

 where, it was apparent that if something were not done to place the 

 industry, on a perfectly scientific basis, so as to meet satisfactorily the 

 requirements outside the colony, the foreign markets would be lost to 

 New South Wales. The results that have been obtained so far are of 

 the most satisfactory nature both from a commercial and scientific point 

 of view. The researches have brought to light constituents hitherto 

 unknown, which in themselves have commercial possibilities of great 

 importance. 



The same applies to mineralogy and zoology. 



During the last twelve years not less than 150 original pamphlets 

 have been issued from this museum, all bearing on the commercial 

 development of the raw products of the colony and its economic 

 zoology. 



Particular attention has been given to investigating our tans. 

 timbers, drugs, clays, cements, building stones, gems and precious 

 stones, wool, hides, economic zoology, &c. 



Researches, both scientific and technical, are conducted with 

 a view to the utilisation of new or little known products, chemical 

 investigations and analyses of all kinds are undertaken with a view to 

 facilitate their commercial utilisation or determine their practical 

 value. 



The record lor 1899 shows that report- and special replies were 

 mailed to all parts of Australia. This, of course, does not include 

 the vast amount of information given verbally by the scientific staff to 

 callers at the museum. 



In comparison with other countries, New South Wales can hardly 

 be considered a manufacturing one, and therefore only raw products 

 are investigated, although, of course, attention is given to any pro- 

 duct.'- thai will develop commercial enterprise. With increased popu- 

 lation our manufactures will no doubt be largely extended, and then 

 new branches will have to be added to the museum. 



In addition to the central museum, there are local museums at 

 Bathurst, Goulburn, Newcastle, Wes1 Maitland and Albury. 



The Curator invites country residents to forward, for identifica- 

 tion and investigation, specimens belonging to either the vegetable, 

 mineral, or animal kingdom existing in their neighbourhood thai may 

 be considered of interest or have a supposed commercial value. 

 Specimens may be forwarded O.H.M.S. free by posl or rail, if add ressed, 

 "The Curator, Technological Museum, Harris Street, Sydney. 



R. T. BAKER, F.L.S.. 



Curator. 



