Report of Society's Meetings. 187 
supplied, and collections of preparations similar to those of South 
Australia formed for exhibition in our Museum and for exchange with 
other Institutions. Walking sticks are largely imported into the 
United Kingdom from all parts and those shewn in the British Guiana 
Court met with a ready sale, especially those of Letter Wood. I had 
the pleasure of going over the warehouse and fa<5tory of Mr. Howell of 
Old Street, London, one of the largest importers and manufacturers. 
It is unnecessary for me now to describe the extraordinary varieties 
and number of sticks there collected, as the Royal Gazette, a few days 
ago, published a reprint of an article from the Gardener's Chronicle on 
the subject with hints for selecting raw sticks, There is a large supply 
of stick materials in this colony which might readily become an export 
of considerable value — and I recommend persons who see their way to 
collecting them, to send to Mr. Howell samples of what they can 
supply. 
The fibres which were arranged by Mr. Rodway, have been all care- 
fully examined— not only by Mr. Cross whose report, it is hoped, will 
soon be available, but by Dr. Watt whose works on the economic pro- 
ducts of the East Indies are well known. From what I could learn there 
were no fibres grown by this colony of greater value than those already 
known, and that in the whole Exhibition there were only two which 
could be considered as valuable novelties. This has been already 
mentioned in communications made by me to the Society, and although 
some of the British Guiana fibres are of recognised value, and samples 
have been priced at remunerative figures, success depends on a constant 
reliable supply —and before fibre culture or collection is undertaken a 
careful consideration of the opinions of experts like Mr. Cross is, I think f 
very advisable. Mr. Cross sent me an interesting specimen of paper 
stuff from the edible banana which was given to the Society. Further 
particulars, when forthcoming, will be laid before you. 
The gums were objects of much attention. Locust gum besides being 
very soluble in eucalyptus oil, and valuable as a varnish, was shewn to 
be capable of manufacture into an article closely resembling amber, and 
then mixed with that substance it formed a material available for mouth 
pieces of pipes &c. Hyawa appeared to be little known, indeed I was 
unable to sell the specimens which remained after the Exhibition on 
that account. 
Balata was shown in various forms, and many persons who enquired 
about it were referred to Mr. H. K. Davson who kindly contributed the 
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