81 



Van Diemen's Land." It is beautifully portrayed in Plate 3, Vol. VII., of the 

 •' Birds of Australia." 



The Secretaky observed, although as a community we might perhaps eflfect 

 more than we do, it was well to be aware of what it would be useless to attempt 

 Knowing that the indigo plant was indigenous in the colony, and grew abun- 

 dantly in various localities, he had thought it possible a manufacture for the pro- 

 duction of the dye might be established, and had wiitten to a friend (Mr. 

 Cockburn) in Calcutta for information on the subject. Mr. Cockbum had 

 Bent him a pamphlet containing full information on every point, including 

 expenses, from the growth of the plant to the completion of the manufacture. 

 On making calculations, however, and allowingfor the enormous difference in 

 the value of labor between tliis colony and India, he (Dr. Agnew) found that 

 the dye could only be made at a price so very far beyond its market value, as 

 at once to set at rest the question of its production in Tasmania. 



Conversation on various subjects ensued, and the meetiog, after passing the 

 usual vote of thanks to the donors of presentations, broke up about 9 o'clock. 



