DEPOSITS FOR COAL. 



305 



Perhaps^ however^ the most convenient and 

 economical mode of obtaining coal,, would be 

 from Australia^ many large ships proceed from 

 thence to the west coast in search of homeward 

 freight^ and coal might be substituted for 

 ballast at a very small freight^ and^ as the price 

 of coals in Australia is exceedingly moderate^ 

 some thousands of tons might be obtained ; 

 thus equally benefiting the commerce of Aus- 

 tralia^ and facilitating the views of the company. 



Deposits for Coal. 



One of the greatest difficulties in the esta- 

 blishment of steam navigation on the coasts of 

 the Pacific^ has been overcome by adopting 

 hulks for the deposit of coals: the immense 

 expense of landing, storings and re-shipping, 

 are thus obviated and custom-house impedi- 

 ments, which are known only to those who have 

 resided on this coast, are avoided ; for, whatever 

 facilities the governments might have proffered, 

 had this embarrassment continued, it would 

 have been an insuperable objection to prompt 

 action and despatch; moreover, this arrange- 

 ment gives a degree of independence to the ope- 

 rations of the company, as the principal element 

 is afloat. For the execution of the plan pro- 

 posed, deposit hulks will be necessary in Val- 



