36 Instructions for the Scientific Expedition 



imported from New Holland and the neighbouring parts, and which 

 are employed by the tanners of this country. 



4. Fibres adapted for cordage and weaving. Substitutes for Hemp 

 are very desirable. Great strength, flexibility and freedom from 

 injurious influence in working are three essential qualities of good 

 hemp. 



5. Information respecting the source of many of the ornamental 

 woods imported from the southern hemisphere is very imperfect. 

 It is desirable, therefore, that inquiries be made on this subject as 

 well as for new kinds of wood. 



6. Gums, resins, volatile oils, fecula. Especially the source of 

 some resins brought to this country from New Holland, and which 

 are analogous in some properties to the yellow resin of that country. 



In forming collections of such objects, especial care must be taken 

 when collected to number alike both the products and the plants 

 by which they are furnished, and to note whatever can be learned 

 concerning them, more particularly with regard to their abundance 

 and the facihty with which they can be procured. It is also ne- 

 cessary that the observations made by the Botanist himself should 

 be carefully distinguished from such information as he may receive 

 from other persons. 



No opportunity is to be lost of collecting information respecting 

 the source and mode of preparation of any vegetable substances 

 known in commerce ; for many exotic products, even those with 

 which we are most familiar, have many points connected with their 

 natural history deserving attention. 



The vegetation of South Shetland cannot be expected to furnish 

 much that can be made available for purposes of commerce, except 

 Lichens. With respect to these plants, however, it is possible that 

 species fit for the purposes of the dyer may be found in those 

 southern latitudes ; and if such should prove to be the case, an 

 additional source of profit may become available for the South- 

 sea traders. 



Where the native names of useful plants can be correctly ascer- 

 tained, they should be preserved ; but care must be taken to avoid 

 error in this respect. Implicit credit must not be given to the 

 statements of individual natives ; it is only by comparing the sepa- 

 rate evidence of different persons, that correctness can be expected. 



Collections should be formed of the seeds and bulbs of useful and 

 ornamental plants wherever opportunities occur, and they should be 

 forwarded to Europe from time to time. It is also recommended 

 that duplicate collections be transmitted to the Supreme Govern- 



