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TEE AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 



than the natural. But nevertheless it 

 appears certain that if the chemistry of 

 the production of indigo from the indigo 

 plant was to receive a thorough investiga- 

 tion, extending over at least five years, 

 and the factories were to be worked in a 

 scientific manner, that the cost of produc- 

 tion would of necessity be materially 

 reduced, and that for many years to come 

 the natural would be able to compete 



with its artificial rival. But the danger 

 is, the indigo planter will neglect the 

 chemistry of his industry, so that when a 

 keen competition arises between the in- 

 digos, and he calls in the aid of science, 

 several years must be occupied in investi- 

 gation before any suggestion can be given 

 for the increase of the yield, and in the 

 meantime many may be ruined by the 

 bad years. 



The laie Anthony Witkinsonm 



IN No. 15, Vol. IV., appeared an 

 Ergates' interview with the late 

 Mr. Anthonj; Wilkinson. This will bo 

 found well worth reperusal, for Mr. Wil- 

 kinson's views and actions were all 

 characterised by shrewdness, common- 

 sense, and originality. In No. 17, Vol. 

 IV., appeared an article from his pen ad- 

 vocating experiments for the cheap ex- 

 traction of rubber from systematically 

 cultivated indiarubber producing plants. 

 In the near future it is not at all impro- 

 bable that the system he advocated may 

 be practically carried into effect. Sub- 

 joined is an obituary notice from the 

 Mercury; some other particulars of his 

 early life may be found in the interview 

 referred to above: — 



"By the death, on the 1st February, of 

 Mr. Anthony Wilkinson, Victoria 

 County has lost one its oldest and most 

 progressive residents, and Natal an es- 

 teemed colonist. Originally a naviga- 

 tor, being master of a sailing vessel, he 

 arrived in this Colony from Canada in 

 the 'fifties," and settled in Victoria 

 County, where he acquired land, and we 

 believe embarked in coffee-planting, ulti- 

 mately, like the majority of his contem- 

 poraries, when the coffee enterprise pro- 

 ved unsatisfactory, entering upon the 

 sugar industry. Keminiscent of his as- 

 sociation with Canada, he named his 

 sugar estate Ottawa, and has there suc- 

 cessfully prosecuted cane-growing, sugar 

 manufacture, and distilling. A man of 

 fine physique, and of much intelligence, 



he appeared much youiiger than he really 

 was, and those to whom he was not inti- 

 mately kfiown would not have credited 

 him with four-score years; yet such was 

 the ripe old age to which he attained. 

 Although for many years past living a 

 more retired life, he always took an ar- 

 dent interest in the affairs of the Colony, 

 and the columns of this journal have 

 borne testimony thereto by his numer- 

 ous short practical letters on various 

 topics. He was an active member of the 

 old Victoria County Planters' Associa- 

 tion, and in matters affecting the sugar 

 and kindred industries he proved that 

 he studied deeply, and was not content 

 with superficial knowledge. In afforesta- 

 tion he took great interest, was well in- 

 formed on the subject, used his influence 

 to promote it, and introduced many 

 species of trees new to the Colony, but 

 which he believed would prove of prac- 

 tical value. In the earlier years he iden- 

 tified himself with the volunteer move- 

 ment, and was captain of the Victoria 

 Mounted Eifles; A frequent visitor to 

 this town, he took much interest in it, 

 and often made sngestions for its benefit. 

 The past twelve months had been very 

 sad for him, having lost a daughter, a 

 brother, and about three months ago was 

 bereft of his wife. He leaves several 

 children, one of whom is the wife of the 

 Chief Commissioner of Police, Mr. G. 

 Mansel, C.M.G. Called hence in the ful- 

 ness of years, and after a busy life, the 

 Colony has to add to its obituary of pio- 



