66 Report on the Exhibition of Gems. 



some degree ; and to furnish a starting point for more ex- 

 tended information ; which can alone be collected from local 

 sources. And it is to be hoped that, for some time to come, 

 lucky finders of gem stones will be so good as make their 

 discoveries known, and that the local newspapers will open 

 their columns to their communications, and circulate the 

 information whenever obtained from reliable quarters. 



Built as the hall is, with all its lights far over head, 

 it afforded both ample wall space for cases, and at the 

 same time every variety of light and shade that could 

 be desired for the most perfect display of the gorgeous 

 exhibits. Down the centre of the hall were the great cases, 

 holding works of most exquisite finish, and beautiful designs 

 in the precious metals — many the works of our own gold 

 and silver smiths — and some into which aH was introduced 

 from other countries, for sake of comparison with our own. 



Whatever may be the defects of the hall, certainly it is 

 the only one of any considerable size in Victoria entirely 

 suited for an exhibition such as this, or one of painting or 

 sculpture. Its proportions, its wall space, and above all, the 

 height of the windows, secure it this unique distinction. 



There was no complaint of the paucity or common place 

 nature of the exhibits ; on the contrary ; and, had it been 

 deemed desirable, vast quantities more could have been 

 introduced, and among them some magnificent things, e. g, 

 large Colonial works in church plate, racing cups, &c. ; but 

 they were either declined or not asked for, owing to the 

 difficulty of finding suitable and secure glass cases to protect 

 and display them. This will be, perhaps, the proper place to 

 thank many exhibitors, for their kindness in disturbing their 

 business arrangements in order to supply cases, and especially 

 the Board of Mines, from which, and from the Hon. 

 the Commissioner of Mines and R. Brough Smyth, Esq., I 

 have received the most cordial co-operation. 



With the exception of one firm, I never met with a 

 direct refusal to co-operate — but on the contrary, every 

 assistance— whilst some went to both trouble and expense in 

 preparing works specially for the occasion. 



Having premised thus much, on the general arrangements 

 and matters preliminary to the exhibition, I will now submit 

 to you the substance of the results attained, and such refer- 

 ence to the catalogue of exhibits, which I have appended to 

 this report, as may be useful or necessary for elucidation. 

 As my special object was from the beginning to gather 



