Statistics of Tasmania . 
141 
The cider, or sap of the tree, has an agreeable sub¬ 
acid taste, and sometimes is of considerable consistency. 
It is said to have an aperient effect on those who drink 
much of it. 
Art. V. Statistics of Tasmania , 1838—1841 : Extracts 
from the Introductory Letter to His Excellency 
Sir John Franklin . By the Bey. T. J. Ewing, 
Corr. Mem. of the London Statistical Society. 
# # In accordance with the request of Your Ex¬ 
cellency, that I would undertake the compilation of 
certain Statistical Beturns connected with this Colony 
for the three years ending with 1841, I have prepared 
the following tables, which I think embrace all points 
of any moment. 
The revenue derived from the Customs, which had 
exhibited a falling off during the three years ending 
with 1838, increased during the following three years 
from £70,000 to £85,000, or 21 per cent.; and, if 
the over-importation of 1840 had not been so great, 
there is no doubt but that this rate would have been 
much higher. 
The revenue derived from the Post Office has increased 
at a still more rapid rate,—viz. from £4800 to £6500, or 
35 per cent.; a rate nearly treble that at which the popu¬ 
lation has increased during the same period. This is 
principally to be attributed to the increased facilities of 
communication. The revenue derived from the Post 
Office for 1842, when the uniform rate of 4 d* was charged 
on every letter, amounted to £7624. It must, however, 
be remembered, that the system of franking letters con¬ 
nected with convicts was abolished, and that the large 
