295 
On the Conifera of Tasmania. 
which would answer many of the same purposes for which Lignum 
Vitae is now used. Iluon Pine, however, is the staple commo¬ 
dity of Macquarie Harbour, and no doubt, if thrown open to the 
public, would not only enrich speculators, but prove a general 
benefit to the colony : it is a wood much sought after for its 
quality, and is far superior to the pine imported from New Zea¬ 
land ; and for many purposes to the cedar of New South Wales. 
Although an immense draught on the stock of Huon Pine at 
Macquarie Harbour took place during the time that the settle¬ 
ment existed, there remains sufficient to supply the whole colony 
for years to come. I am informed by Mr. Hoy, late master- 
shipwright at Macquarie Harbour, and now filling the same im¬ 
portant situation at Port Arthur, and who was the last person to 
leave the place, that from ten to twelve thousand tons might be 
obtained within one mile of the waterside, and a considerable part 
of that within one-half the distance. As a proof of the capabi¬ 
lities of Macquarie Harbour, we would state, that during the 
period (about seven years) Mr. Hoy filled the situation of master- 
shipwright at the settlement, the following work was performed 
in the dockyard alone. 
“ The brig Cyprus was rebuilt. The brigs Tamar , Isabella, 
Frederick, Adelaide, averaging about one hundred and thirty 
tons each, were built; also the barque William the Fourth, 
of two hundred tons; the cutters Charlotte, Clyde, and Sham¬ 
rock, of about fifty tons each ; the schooners Penelope, Shannon, 
Badger, Kangaroo, Industry, of about twenty-five tons each ; 
twenty-two launches, of from five to ten tons each; forty-six 
small boats. Previous to Mr. Hoy’s arrival, the brig Derwent, 
schooners Sorell and Despatch, sloop Opossum, lighter James 
Lucas, and several launches and whaleboats had been built. This 
does not include the boats for the use of the settlement, repairs to 
sundry vessels, &c. 
“ I have no doubt that, could an individual, or a company, 
obtain from Government a lease of Macquarie Harbour, for a 
certain period, say seven years, to engage in procuring timber, and 
at the same time building a few vessels, such as are most required 
in the colony, it would be found a most lucrative undertaking. 
