NEW SOUTH WALES. 287 



tonnage seventeen thousand one hundred and seventy-eight tons ; in 

 1S40 they had increased to seven hundred and nine, and the tonnage 

 to one hundred and seventy-eight thousand nine hundred and fifty- 

 eight tons. The value of imports in 1826 was sixty thousand pounds; 

 in 1840, it had increased to three millions fourteen thousand one 

 hundred and eighty-nine pounds. That of exports, in 1826, was 

 one hundred and six thousand six hundred pounds; in 1840, they 

 amounted to one million three hundred and ninety-nine thousand six 

 hundred and ninety two pounds. 



It will also be seen that in the return of vessels built and registered 

 in 1822, there were but three, of only one hundred and sixty-three 

 tons; in 1840, one hundred and eleven vessels, the amount of whose 

 tonnage was thirteen thousand three hundred and forty-nine tons. 



But the most remarkable increase is in the exportation of wool, 

 which in 1822 was only one hundred and seventy-two thousand eight 

 hundred and eighty pounds, while in 1840 it amounted to eight 

 millions six hundred and ten thousand seven hundred and seventy- 

 five pounds. This is not the only instance, for a greater or less 

 increase has occurred in all the productions of the colony. The quan- 

 tity of timber exported forms also no inconsiderable item. The 

 returns are referred to as showing it, in Appendix XXII. 



The fisheries begin to claim attention, and in particular the whale- 

 fishery, as it requires comparatively a small capital, and the returns 

 are quickly realized. The operations of this fishery are conducted 

 with great success, a ready market being found at Sydney, and the 

 great saving by arriving on and returning from their cruising-grounds 

 without loss of time, adds greatly to their gains. They are, however, 

 not as adroit in the pursuit of these treasures as our own countrymen ; 

 their vessels are sailed at greater expense, and the officers and crews 

 less enterprising. The value of this trade and its yearly increase is 

 exhibited in the official returns, by which it appears that in 1830, 

 fifty -nine thousand four hundred and seventy-one pounds were derived 

 from it, while in 1840 it amounted to two hundred and twenty-four 

 thousand one hundred and forty-four pounds. I heard many com- 

 plaints that our whalers were in the habit of taking whales and 

 obtained much of their oil in the bays on the western coast of New 

 Holland ; and the remark was made, that if the colonists were not 

 brought into collision with the Yankees, they would succeed well 

 enough. This, I suppose, may be considered as complimentary to 

 the energy and skill of this enterprising portion of our citizens. The 



