Colonial Exhibition, 1886. 33 
It is true that Messrs. RANSOME invited the Commis- 
sioners to send specimens of prescribed sizes, which were 
longer than British Guiana could supply, for the purpose 
of their being worked up by the machinery of these gentle- 
men. The invitation, I confess, appeared to be issued more 
in the interests of the manufa6lurers of wood-cutting tools 
than in those of timber exporters, and I do not think British 
Guiana lost much by not having put in an appearance. 
In conclusion, I trust that these extra6ls may prove 
interesting and of some value. All that I can claim to 
have done is to have picked out from the Reports, what I 
considered of value to the readers of Tirnehri. 
I think that from these reports one may learn much of 
what is wanted by consumers in England, and (which 
may be of equal value) — what is not wanted. It is better 
to discourage undertakings which, however promising 
and attractive to an enterprising colonist desirous of tap- 
ping new sources of profit, nevertheless belong "to the 
long list of the unprofitable. " It is well to know what is 
wanted, and then to see how this colony can supply that 
want easily, and cheaply. All this requires study, and 
knowledge of markets, and acquaintance with technical 
modes of analysis and valuation. These are not always 
possessed by the producer or collector : often are they 
ignored by the commercialist on the other side, who is 
only anxious to secure a new customer, and to speculate 
with some new produ6l. It is depressing, no doubt, to 
feel difficulty in developing the resources of one's land : 
it is, however, more discouraging to see time, energy 
and capital all thrown away upon some unsuitable, or 
comparatively useless product for want of previous en- 
quiry. 
E 
