Invitation to Dr. Ilochstcttcr to examine the Coal-heds. 171 



wlilcli it is used have been fairly set a-going. It might at 

 all events be worth the experiment to erect in the vicinity 

 of the coal mines some manufactories of porcelain, as the ut- 

 most variety of clay has been met with in the course of the 

 different borings, all admirably suitable for every branch of 

 that manufacture. 



In like manner the brown coal might be made available 

 for the supply of gas, besides being called into requisition 

 for fuel for numerous industrial pursuits. On the other hand, 

 it is not suitable for ocean steam navigation, as its volume 

 would prevent its being shipped in sufficient quantities, so 

 long as black coal could be procured, even at a somewhat 

 higher price. 



The proposals of the geologist of our Expedition as to the 

 best mode of exploring the wealth of the Drury coal district, 

 were so well received by the Government, and so eagerly 

 caught up by the proprietors of the various plots of land — • 

 'the benefits likely to result to the colony from such an under- 

 taking seemed so important, that there was not merely a rush 

 to oj3en up the coal district, but a formal request was made 

 to the Commander of our Expedition that he would permit 

 Dr. Hochstetter to remain behind to aid the work, and pro- 

 secute further researches in this little explored island. This 

 proposition, originated by a number of respectable and in- 

 fluential persons, at last found official expression in an official 

 letter despatched by the Governor of the colony to our Com- 

 modore, in which the further geological exploration of the 



