SJ20 On the Export and Consumption 



The value of sound bark in Van Diemen's Land at present 

 ranges from £2 to £3 IO5., according to dryness, or the year's 

 strip. Its last quoted price in England was from dSlO to 

 ^611 15s. The freight and charges maybe estimated at 

 about £4 10s., thus leaving £3 or so as the profit per ton 

 to the exporter. Bark is admitted into England duty 

 free. 



Sufficient care does not appear to be taken in drying it, 

 for it is frequently found to be damaged, and buyers are, 

 consequently, cautious in making their purchases. 



There is, however, another form in which the mimosa 

 bark may still yield remuneration to exporters, viz., as an 

 extract. This was tried several years ago ; but, like the 

 export in its natural state, it fell off, and to a much greater 

 extent. As much as £'80, it is said, has been given in New 

 South Wales for a ton made from nine tons of the bark ; but 

 imperfect preparation and, what is much worse, adulteration 

 have so lessened it in estimation, that its price has dwindled 

 to ;b'20 in New South Wales, and it is, consequently, seldom 

 if ever made now. But when we remember the enormous 

 outlay and venture attending the acquisition of whale oil, it 

 surely seems desirable to attempt the renewal of an export 

 nearly equal in value, attended with comparatively little 

 expenditure ; for the cost of boiling pots and a few casks 

 from one whale ship would furnish the greater part of the 

 material of an extract manufactory. 



The bark to form extract is ground, macerated for 48 

 hours, and the infusion evaporated by boiling to the required 

 strength. 



It may be mentioned that an objection has been taken 

 to our bark, which tells in price, though there is no real 

 deterioration in quality, — it is said to turn the leather red, 

 while the oak bark gives it a pale buff; but as colour is 

 of no great importance in leather, it is unfortunate that we 



