BY A. O. GREEX. 57 



s^reat possibilities in the systematic development, not only of 

 the timber trade, but also of the allied industries. The 

 seeds of Tasmanian trees have been planted all over the 

 world, and it would be safe to say that there is a larger 

 trade in utilising the timber grow^n from Tasmanian seed in 

 foreign countries than in utilising the timber of the Island 

 itself. 



There are also great possibilities in the distillation of the 

 essential oils contained by a large proportion of the leaves 

 and flowers of the Tasmanian flora. Of these the oil of the 

 Euc()lyptus (jlohulus is exported, and is known widely for 

 medicinal purposes, and for the making of varnish. Very 

 little is done in the small industries, such as brushware, 

 cooperage, hurdles, baskets, tool handles, w^alking sticks. 

 The drying and seasoning of timber for the better class of 

 work by artificial means, the making of potash, pyroligneous 

 acid, and wood pulps, are all untouched. And neither the 

 conservation of the forest nor the planting of native or 

 foreign trees for profit is practised. There are very large 

 possibilities in turning to account the great forest wealth 

 that exists in Tasmania, and w^hen it is thought that of the 

 £26,000,000 that is paid annually in England for imported 

 timber none is paid to Tasmania, it is evident that full 

 advantage has not been taken of this great nataral source 

 of wealth. 



In the foregoing especial stress has been laid on the 

 number of businesses that can be successful!}^ carried on in 

 Tasmania. In each and all of these businesses large capital 

 can be profitably invested ; but they have the further 

 advantage that it is equally possible for men of small means 

 to make a comfortable income, and special attention has 

 been called to them, as they may form the sources of wealth 

 for a large resident population. 



