288 NEW SOUTH W A L E S. 



whales are reported to be fast leaving their old haunts, in consequence 

 of being disturbed in their calving season, and the places where they 

 used to abound are now only the resort of a few. It is, therefore, sup- 

 posed they are abandoning the waters of New Holland for other seas, 

 where they are less disturbed. 



There is now a large export of salted provisions from the colony, 

 which are well prepared, and there is a considerable trade with the 

 Mauritius and the Cape of Good Hope ; the former supplying sugar, 

 &c, in return for the cattle and produce of the dairy ; while from the 

 latter wine is imported in considerable quantities, and other spirits 

 to a large amount, as has been already noticed. 



The declared value of exports of British and Irish produce and 

 manufactures to New South Wales, for the year ending January 5th, 

 1840, was one million four hundred and forty thousand four hundred 

 and forty pounds : and of foreign and colonial produce, two hundred 

 and eighty-nine thousand and seventy-two pounds. In return for 

 which the colony sent back, in 1839, six millions eight hundred and 

 ninety-four thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight pounds of wool, 

 besides twenty-three thousand barrels of oil. 



The number of vessels employed with passengers was four hundred 

 and sixteen, measuring forty-eight thousand nine hundred and eleven 

 tons. 



The export of wool during 1840 was nearly one million pounds of 

 wool more ; the increase in the number of sheep in the colony during 

 late years has been very great. In 1796, eight years after the colony 

 was established, they numbered one thousand five hundred and 

 thirty -one; in 1805, six thousand seven hundred and fifty-seven; in 

 1821, one hundred and twenty thousand ; and in 1839, three millions. 



There will also be found in Appendix XIV., an official abstract, 

 showing the assets, liabilities, capital, and profits of the banks of the 

 colony, by which it appears that the rate of interest derived from 

 investment amounts to eleven and a half per cent, for the year 1841. 

 Business is almost done entirely on credit, and large discounts are 

 made by the banks for the accommodation of merchants. 



The seal-fishery on this coast was formerly very successful ; but in 

 consequence of the immense numbers that were destroyed without 

 regard to season, they have been almost exterminated, or driven to 

 new haunts. The seal-fishery, which has heretofore yielded so large 

 an amount of wealth, will soon be at an end in this quarter of the world. 



It frequently happens that owing to the failure of the harvests, the 



