Statistics of Van Diemen’s Land. 15 
5 more vessels have been employed,* with an increase 
of 28°1 per cent., a decline in the value of the returns 
is shown of 55:6 per cent., having fallen from £104,000 in 
1848 to £46,117 in 1849. 
Table 24 states the number of vessels employed in the 
Coasting Trade between Hobart Town and Launceston in 
1849 to be 24 inwards, of 1747 tons, and 27 outwards, of 
2373 tons; being an increase upon the year of 4 vessels 
inwards and 10 outwards, and a decrease of 392 tons 
inwards, and of 23 tons outwards, respectively,—showing 
that a class of smaller vessels has been engaged coasting 
than formerly. 
Table 25 affords particulars from the Port Officer of the 
4 Colonial steam vessels employed on our coasts. Two of 
these, the Derwent (35 h.p.) and Kangaroo (82 h.p.), 
both of low pressure, are employed by Government,—the 
Native Youth (20 h.p.), having a high-pressure engine, 
is used as a passage-boat and tug»on the Derwent,— 
and the Gipsy (2 engines of 32h. p.) is similarly used on 
the River Tamar,—lIt is to be hoped that the endeavour to 
increase our steam-marine, by the employment of a boat 
between Hobart and Melbourne, will prove successful. In 
addition to extended intercourse between the people of both 
Colonies, great facilities would thus be afforded for the ex- 
portation of potatoes, apples and other fruit, the produce 
of the dairy, &c., which would greatly stimulate and encou- 
rage the occupiers of small farms, garden ground, &c. The 
abundant supply of good coal, at moderate cost, now obtain- 
* This decrease, in the opinion of some, was owing to the unusually stormy 
weather that prevailed this season: by others it has been attributed to the 
inefficient manning and equipment of some of the vessels; by others, again, 
it is said to be caused by the exhaustion of the whaling ground. But, be this 
as it may, it is truly gratifying to know that the returns of 1850 will exhibit 
a marked improvement, and show a prosperous season in this most important 
pursuit, 
