24 MINUTES OF EVIDENCE, ETC. 



. attention should be given by agriculturists to the improve- 

 21, 1865. ment of the quality, rather than to the increase of the quantity, 

 of any one of our agricultural products. In illustration 

 of the importance of this, I would refer to the remarks 

 I have made in letters appended to my reports on wine- 

 making, and on the preparation of aloes. And as one 

 means towards the accomplishment of all that is desired, 1 

 consider it expedient that there should be some one official of 

 whom it might be required to report upon all communica- 

 tions made to the Government on subjects connected with 

 irrigation, forest economy, arboriculture, horticulture, agricul- 

 ture, and botany. Such an official does the Baron van Collet 

 D'Escury appear to have been, while having the designation 

 of Inspector-General of Lands and Forests ; and in other 

 lands similar duties have been discharged by officials under 

 other designations. The grounds upon which I consider it 

 expedient that some one should be charged with such duties 

 I shall hold myself prepared to state in detail if ever the 

 measure come under discussion, and a statement of those 

 grounds should be required. Beyond these, I have no further 

 observations to offer, but any information in my possession is 

 at the command of the committee, either now or afterwards. 



