XX 
STAPLE OF THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIES 
in some measure be attributed to the flourishing 
condition of the colony itself, to the industry of its 
farmers, to the successful enterprise of its mer- 
chants, and to particular local causes. It is 
foreign to my purpose, however, to enter largely 
into an investigation of these important points. 
To do so would require more space than I 
can afford for the purpose, and might justly be 
considered as irrelevant in a work of this kind. 
Without attempting any lengthened detail, it 
may be considered sufficient if I endeavour 
merely to point out the principal causes of the 
present prosperity (and, as they may very proba- 
bly prove) of the eventual progress of our great 
southern colony to power and independence. 
The staple of our Australian colonies, but more 
particularly of New South Wales, the climate 
and the soil of which are peculiarly suited to 
its production, — is fine wool. There can be no 
doubt that the growth of this article has mainly 
contributed to the prosperity both of the above 
mentioned colony and of Van Dieman’s Land. 
At the close of the last century, wool was im- 
ported into England from Spain and Germany 
only, and but a few years previously from Spain 
