pence per gallon! but though Buffalo is a place of twenty thousand inhabitants, rents were moderate, many houses to be had as low as 407. per annum. Oysters abound in Buffalo; for, though they must all be brought four hundred miles by rail, and half as many more by steamboat, yet carriage is nothing in this country, in consequence of the immense facilities and competition in canals and railroads, and nobody thinks of the expense of conveyance. Thus over the Alleghany mountains, where the railroad passes the summit of 2,500 feet above the terminus at Philadelphia, the heavy canal boats, the very boats, instead of being emptied of their cargoes are carried over the mountains, boats, cargoes, and all, without being disturbed, and hoisted upon the rails, so little do they regard the expense of carriage. I walked into a store at Buffalo for the sale of cheap publications, a great trade everywhere, as I have observed before. "Punch" and Mrs. "Caudle,' and the London pictorial papers, were exhibited to much effect outside the shop, which was not kept by a native. The Americans are decidedly a reading people; but they could not find time to read so much if they were not also a travelling people. Travelling in America is just as cheap as stopping at home. As the people are all, more or less, antirenters, they live in boarding houses, and as soon as they leave the expense ceases, and they begin boarding in a steamboat instead of on shore. For instance, the steamers at Buffalo, the best of them, go twice a day to Chicago, 1,050 miles up the lakes, for 11. 128.; and three meals a day, good substantial meals, and an excellent roomy cabin to yourself to sleep in, besides a saloon and promenade. This is less than one halfpenny per mile, board and lodging included! And as the voyage occupies five days, the total expense is about 6s. 6d. per day in a steamer, more like a ship of the line than our steamers. The railroad fare is one penny a mile, first class. Buffalo must be a cold place in winter, and everybody admitted it. Its progress has been sudden and rapid, as there was hardly a house in the place twenty years ago. It is the point from which produce is forwarded to the Atlantic cities, and manufactures and groceries sent back in return. Though five hundred miles from New York, it is considered nothing, and persons of very humble circumstances never regard the expense of long journeys in America, they really are so very trifling.-Rubio's Rambles.

IRISH EMIGRATION TO CANADA.-The "Tee-total Settlement" is an Irish settlement, formed by people from Cork and Kerry. It was formed in 1842, by a party of destitute emigrants from the south of Ireland. In a Report from the Commissioners, dated 25th January 1814, it is thus stated: “The results of the second effort in which I have been engaged, in forming settlements in the wilderness, have afforded me the most unmingled satisfaction. Where, but two years ago, stood a dense forest, there have been gathered by thirty-five settlers, during the past autumn, 7,236 bushels of grain, potatoes, and turnips. The accompanying return shows an estimated value of 1,1377. in buildings and clearings; and when there is added to this, the market value of the crop, exceeding 8007., we have about 2,0001. return (exclusive of the making four and a quarter miles of road), from a tract of land which, in its wilderness state, would not in the same time have produced 18. I cannot now consider the successful occupation of our wild land by associated bodies of settlers, having the privilege of making their own roads at a reasonable rate, as a doubtful experiment. No antagonist theory can prevail against the practical experience which can now be referred to. Similar management must produce similar results, and I am well persuaded that no other system is so well calculated to promote the improvement of our millions of wilderness acres, and thus to advance the population and commerce of the province. Societies have been established in each county of the province of New Brunswick, which are supported in part by private subscription, and in part by annual legislative grants. The north-eastern section of New Brunswick contains land which seems to be better adapted for the growth of wheat than almost any other portion of the province, although wheat grows generally very well throughout. The best wheat, and the largest crops, at present are raised in the north-eastern portion. In the county of Restigouch, which is the extreme northern county of New Brunswick, premiums for wheat were awarded in 1844, to several parcels weighing 64 and 65 lbs., and upwards, the Winchester bushel; the barley was from 52 to 56 lbs. a bushel, and the best Siberian wheat 63 lbs. a bushel; the best black oats, 42 lbs., and the best white oats 47 lbs. a bushel - Mr. M H. Perley.

To

HINTS TO EMIGRANTS FOR NEW BRUNSWICK.-I would advise all emigrants for New Brunswick to go out, if possible, in the months of March or April, and to make St. John their landing place; it is a stirring, busy town, with more than 30,000 inhabitants, and, in fact, the real capital of the province; although the seat of Government is at Frederickton, eighty miles higher up the river. The course to be pursued on arrival must vary with the circumstances and means of the emigrant. agricultural labourers, single men, and without capital, I would say, get employment on a farm as soon as possible; do not stand out for high wages, but take anything like a fair offer. Having worked through the spring and summer, and thus gained a little experience in the mode of tillage adopted on new land, which, after all, has its peculiarities, I would advise him in October, to engage with some lumberer, of whom, as master or boss,' he hears a good character from his fellow-labourers, for the ensuing winter, or till the logs come down in the following spring. This is called "engaging for the route." His pay will vary from 31. to 41. per month, and he will feed like a prince on salt pork, and cod fish, beans, excellent bread, with tea and molasses. There is no stint of food in a camp, and master and men share alike. Here he will learn to handle the axe, an indispensable accomplishment, but one which few Englishmen can master at first; he will have a complete specimen of life in the woods, which will enable him to judge how far the climate, the nature of the work, and the mode of life suit his habits and constitution; and if he be possessed of ordinary intelligence, he will obtain from his comrades, as well as from his own observations, a store of hints and maxims, as well as local information, which will be of the greatest use to him in his selection and management of land, or in any other occupation which he may afterwards decide on following. As soon as stream-driving is over, which will be, according to the earliness or lateness of the season, in April or May, I would advise him to make immediate application at the Crown land or Company's office (I prefer the former), for fifty acres of wilderness land, and to commence clearing in earnest. His wages, if not spent in drink, will provision him for some months;

while he, with the help of his neighbour, builds his log hut, clears at least half an acre of ground, and gets it ready for cropping the next spring. In the autumn, if he is not prepared for the winter, he must take another turn at lumbering, unless he is lucky enough to get employment under some gentleman-settler, to chop fire-wood, split fencing poles, &c., for which he will get from 38. to 3s. 6d. currency per day. Next spring let him return to his farm as early as possible, and harrow in his oats: he need never leave it again. If, after the first trial, the lumberer's life should be found to possess irresistible charms, I would advise the emigrant to give up all ideas of farming on his own account. The two occupations cannot be carried on with any chance of success in the latter.—A Lumberer, Dec. 16, 1848.

NEW ZEALAND.

YEAR 1847.

WAGES OF LABOUR AT WELLINGTON IN THE YEAR 1817. Farm labourers, per week, 17. 1s., or 30l. to 357. per annum, with board and lodging, and 40l. to 60. per annum, for superior servants as shepherds, with ditto; other labourers, per week, 1. 4s.; domestic servants, per annum, 121. to 157. for girls, 201. to 251. for women, 157. to 187. for boys, 251. to 351. for men, with board and lodging-great scarcity; artizans, viz.-carpenters, per diem, 5s. 6d. to 6s. 6d. ; bricklayers, per diem, 5s. to 6s. ; masons, per diem, 5s. to 6s.; sawyers, per 100 feet, 8s., for labour only; blacksmiths, per diem, 5s; cabinetmakers, per diem, 5s. to 6s.; shipwrights, 6s. to 7s.; journeymen to tradesmen, per diem, 4s. Hours of labour, from eight to five, with one hour for dinner. POPULATION-TRADES AND PROFESSIONS-AT WELLINGTON IN THE Capitalists and agriculturists farming their own lands, 7; capitalists occupying grazing runs, 60; capitalists employing labourers, 36;* agriculturists and small farmers, 94; labourers, 325;† domestic servants, male 18, female 64; lawyers of all grades, 9; medical practitioners, 10; clergymen and priests, 8; merchants, traders, and auctioneers, 32; storekeepers and tradesmen, 29; Government officers, 22; Company's ditto, 5; constables (armed police), 30; surveyors, 10; gentlemen, 7; architect, 1; banker, 1; clerks, 24; shopmen, 10; settlers, 22; chemist, 1; distiller, 1; tallow chandler, 1; schoolmasters, 9; schoolmistresses, 8; bakers, 23; butchers, 17; millers, 3; lodging-house keepers, male 1, female 1; brewers, 4; ginger-beer makers, 2; carpenters and joiners, 85; cabinetmakers, 8; turner, 1; millwright, 1; shipwrights, 13; boatbuilder, 1; boatmen, 10; seamen and whalers, 50; hotel-keepers and publicans, 18; brickmakers, 6; bricklayers, 16: plasterers, 5; masons, 2; slaters, 2; painters and plumbers, 14; wheelwrights and cartmakers, 9; carters, 18; horsebreakers and grooms, 4; coopers, 9; sawyers, 59; brushmaker, 1; sailmakers, 3; tanner, 1; currier, 1; farrier, 1; shoemakers, 45; tailors, 15; blacksmiths, 18; engineers, 2; boilermaker, 1; gunsmith, 1; cutler, 1; tinmen, 2; watchmakers, 3; printers, 11; saddlers, 2; bookbinder, 1; stationer, 1; dyers, 2; gardeners, 24; apprentices, 6; ropemakers, 4; statuary, 1; women employed in washing and needlework, 10; milliners and straw-bonnet makers, 9; cowkeepers and dairymen, 13; professions not ascertained, 44-total, males 1,321; females 92.

These are included in the other capitalists-graziers, merchants, and others.

†The greater proportion of persons returned as labourers cultivate small quantities of land, which they lease on their own account. The number of labourers who live entirely by weekly and daily labour does not probably exceed the number of 150; the remainder only work occasionally, when their affairs allow them a little unemployed time.

A great proportion of the mechanics, artizans, &c., do not follow their trades exclusively, but either as purchasers or lessees of small parcels of ten to twenty acres of land, employ their time in cultivating the same.— New Zealand Journal, Dec. 16.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Papers from South Australia to the 22nd of July have been received. The arrival of the Sibella, from Plymouth, with emigrants, is announced, and the conduct of the captain and surgeon-superintendent had been so praiseworthy that the passengers had prepared a letter of thanks, to which they had given full publicity. Mining adventure continued to occupy a great share of public attention, fresh mineral discoveries exciting competition and dealings in the various shares.

The latest South Australian paper publishes the annexed prices of mining shares in the colony from the list of an accredited broker:

Name.

Adelaide
Belvidere
Burra Burra
Enterprise
Greenock Creek
North Kapunda
Montacute

Amount.

Paid up. £

Shares.

£ 8.

3.

5 0

...

Princess Royal

Mount Remarkable...... Paringa

Port Lincoln

3 0

RECIPE FOR SCABBY SHEEP, BY A PRACTICAL FARMER.-1lb. crystal of soda; 1 lb. arsenic; 1 gallon water; then diluted. EMIGRATION.-Plymouth, Dec. 10.-There are now 234 single Irish women, orphans, and a few married couples here, about to proceed to Australia in the Digby. They arrived in the depôt on Monday last, by one of the Irish steamers. The passengers for the Mid-Lothian arrived here on Thursday, and they will embark forthwith. The Pakenham, which has been detained here for some time by contrary winds, left this morning.

POSTAL COMMUNICATION WITH AMERICA.-We have much pleasure in announcing that the basis of the postal convention with the United States has at last been finally settled, and a draught of the convention itself was sent by the States. By the convention a considerable reduction will be made upon the postage steamer to America on the 15th, for ratification by the Senate of the United of American letters, and we trust that the ill-feeling on both sides which the question has occasioned will be definitively removed.-Times.

TINGSGRANTS, FARMERS, BOARD. WANTS a Situation as Assistant to a

who wish to GRIND their own CORN. MILLS, with Sieves complete, not occupying three feet, are manufactured, capable of grinding with one man's labour a bushel of grain in two hours. No comment is necessary to recommend these Mills to any who purchase their grain, and are desirous of consuming genuine flour.

Mills and Sieves, complete, 41. 48. Manufactured by GEORGE SCOTT, 3, Essex-street, Bouverie-street.

Large or Small Capitalist, who is about to Emigrate to any one of the Middle States of America, a Person about Forty Years of Age, who understands Agriculture, and the general routine of the English Wholesale and Retail Markets.-Letters, post free, to W. T., 43, High Hoxton, London.

N.B.-Unexceptionable References given.

ENLARGEMENT OF THE WEEKLY DISPATCH. THIS THIS JOURNAL, which is unrivalled, of January, 1849, to SIXTEEN PAGES, containing SIXTY-FOUR COLUMNS, of the same size and form as at present, WITHOUT ANY EXTRA CHARGE. The DISPATCH will, therefore, answer the purpose of Four Newspapers.

An Edition of the DISPATCH is published at Five o'Clock every Saturday morning, for transmission by the First Train and Morning Mails, so that persons residing in towns 250 miles from London may receive it the same evening.

An EXPRESS EDITION of the DISPATCH is published every SUNDAY AFTERNOON, containing News direct from o'Clock

THE LIVERPOOL and LONDON FIRE cock on Saturday Evening Continent, up to Eight

and LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.-Established in 1836. Empowered by Act of Parliament. Offices in Liverpool, No. 8, Water-street.

TO EMIGRANTS. Parties proceeding to

Cape of Good Hope, will find that the AUSTRALASIAN, COLONIAL, and GENERAL LIFE ASSURANCE and ANNUITY COMPANY offers greater advantages than any other Company, no extra premium being charged for residence, and one direct voyage allowed out and home to persons assuring for the whole of life. There is also a Board of Directors at Sydney, and agents in all the principal settlements, and premiums may be paid and claims settled in the Colony.

Specimens of the Rates of Premium for Assurance of £100. WITHOUT PROFITS.

WITH PROFITS.

Orders should be given early to Mr. RICHARD WOOD, 139, Fleet-street, or to any of the Newsvenders in Town and Country.

Just published, with a Map, price 6d.; or forwarded free per post on receipt of Ten Postage Stamps; THE FOURTH EDITION OF

THE EMIGRANT'S GUIDE to NEW

THE ery requisite information

for INTENDING EMIGRANTS. BY A LATE RESIDENT IN THE COLONY.

"On all points, the Emigrant's Guide to New Zealand contains the most ample and accurate information. It bears the impress of honesty on every sentence it contains."-Morning Advertiser.

"We are of opinion that those who contemplate so important a step as emigration, will anxiously consult this book themselves."-Douglas Jerrold's Newspaper.

"In this work, the intending emigrant will find every information which he can require.-We cordially recommend it to our readers."-New Zealand Journal.

Also,

SEVENTH THOUSAND, IDNEY'S AUSTRALIAN

SIDNE

HAND

BOOK: HOW to SETTLE and SUCCEED in AUSTRALIA. By A BUSHMAN. Price One Shilling, free by Post, Eighteen Stamps.

SELECTIONS FROM "OPINIONS OF THE PRESS." "This is one of the most useful and interesting books that has ever been published on emigration. The author has set down his experience in a blunt, straightforward manner; so methodically arranged that a labourer, small or large capitalist, may easily learn whether he would like the colony at all; and, if he would, what part and what pursuit to choose. Every detail is given, from selecting a ship and an outfit, down to purchasing a flock of sheep, and building a hut in the woods."-Era, Aug. 19.

"This little book is written by one who, to much strong natural sense, and a fearlessness in letting out rough truths, adds a personal knowledge of all that he writes about."-Gardener's Chronicle, Sept. 12.

"This is a little book, but an exceedingly smart and intelligent one. The bushman, in short, does not beat about the bush, but is direct in his statements and decisive in his opinions."-Literary Gazette.

W. S. ORR & Co., Amen Corner, and 147, Strand.
And all Booksellers in Town or Country.

Published on the Morning after the arrival in London of every Overland Mail. Price Sixpence; or 10s. for 24 Nos. paid in advance.

THE ADVANTAGES OF MIGRATION,
THE ADVANTAGES of EMIGRATION, THE INDIAN NEWS, a Fortnightly

SUITABLE OUTFIT, E. J. MONNERY and Co., 165, FENCHURCH-STREET, CITY, having had many years' experience in that line, feel confidence in calling the attention of all classes to their Outfitting Warehouse, where a large assortment of shirts, clothing, hosiery, &c., &c., is kept ready for immediate use, at unusually low prices. Sea mattresses, bedding, cabin, and camp furniture of every description.-Lists, with prices affixed, forwarded by post.

DENT'S IMPROVED WATCHES and

CLOCKS.-E. J. DENT, Watch and Clock Maker by distinct appointment to the Queen, H. R. H. Prince Albert, and H.1. M. the Emperor of Russia, most respectfully solicits from the public an inspection of his extensive STOCK of WATCHES and CLOCKS, embracing all the late modern improvements, at the most economical charges. Ladies' Gold Watches, with Gold Dials, jewelled in four holes, Eight Guineas. Gentlemen's, with Enamelled Dials, Ten Guineas. Youths' Silver Watches, Four Guineas. Warranted substantial and accurate going Lever Watches, jewelled in four holes, Six Guineas.

E. J. DENT, 82, Strand, 33, Cockspur-street, and 34, Royal Exchange (Clock Tower Area).

rest from INDIA, CHINA, and the EASTERN ARCHIPELAGO.

This Journal was established, in June 1840, by a numerous body of the Principal Merchants, Company's Officers, and others connected with India, and has ever since maintained its influence and circulation, notwithstanding the efforts its appearance has given rise to on the part of the daily and other papers. It was originally published once a month; but in consequence of the establishment of a Bi-monthly Mail, it is now issued every fortnight. Its contents are arranged as follows:

Summary of Public News-Details from the Indian Papers-News from the Presidencies, Ceylon, &c.Government Notifications-Commercial Intelligence Leading Articles on the Indian topics of the day-Literature and Art-Her Majesty's Forces in India, and general list of Casualties from time to time-Parliament and the India House-Home Intelligence of everything interesting to the Indian body in England, up to the day of publica

tion.

TO COLONISTS, EMIGRANTS, AND OTHERS, INTERESTED IN NEW ZEALAND AND THE SOUTHERN COLONIES.

Now Publishing, every alternate Saturday, and may be forwarded free by Post, HE NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL, Price SIXPENCE each Number, or Thirteen ShilThis Journal was lings per Annum, payable in advance. gives information gratis about Australia. established eight years ago for the purpose of disseminatyears' residence in the bush of that delightful country, and extensive travel over it, enables Mr. WOOLLEY to offering intelligence of public and individual interest on all really practical information as to the character of the soil, and the relative advantages of each of its different Settlements-such information few only in this country can give.

Possessing a knowledge of the character of Ships sailing from this Port, he secures Passages in really first-class vessels at the lowest rates going; and experience having taught him how to economise in the necessary Outfit, he will inform Emigrants what is actually requisite, and no more, and tell them where they can obtain it most advantageously. All this he offers without Fee or Reward.

Apply early (if by letter, post-paid) at his Office, 2, Cullum-street, Fenchurch-street, London.

N.B.-Vessels sailing to the various Settlements twice Monthly.

matters connected with the Colony of New Zealand. Its contents may be arranged as follows:-1. Original articles on New Zealand topics of the day. 2. Extracts from Papers published in New Zealand and Australia, with Official Documents and Despatches of the Government. — 3. Proceedings of the Local Governments and Debates in the Legislative Council.-4. Private Letters from Settlers, descriptive of the Countries, the Natives, Trade, Price of Provisions, &c.-5. News from the Settlements of Wellington, Nelson, New Plymouth, Auckland, Otago, South Australia, Port Philip, &c., with anecdotes and on dits of society.-6. Shipping Intelligence, with proceedings in Parliament, &c. &c.

Published by STEWART and MURRAY, 15, Old Bailey, London, and may be had, by order, through any Newsman.

NEW

EW ZEALAND COMPANY, OTAGO. -THE COURT OF DIRECTORS OF THE NEW ZEALAND COMPANY hereby give notice, that a FURTHER BALLOT for priority of choice of Land in the Settlement of OTAGO, will take place at New Zealand House on Friday the 5th of January next, at One o'Clock precisely, when Purchasers or their Agents are requested to attend.

The full sum of £120 10s. Od. for each Property, consisting of 60 acres must be paid, either to the Commercial Bank of Scotland, in Scotland, or to Messrs. Smith, Payne and Smiths, Bankers in London, on the New Zealand Company's account, on or before Tuesday, the 2nd of January next; and must be accompanied by an authority for receiving such payment under the signature of one of the Officers of the Otago Association.

Further particulars may be obtained at New Zealand House, London; and at the Offices of the Otago Association, No. 27, South Hanover Street, Edinburgh, and No. 3, West Nile Street, Glasgow.

EGULAR LINE of PACKETS to the CAPE of GOOD HOPE, ALGOA BAY, NATAL, AUSTRALIA, &c.-In order to enable respectable persons to proceed to the above Colonies at the lowest charge consistent with the superior accommodation afforded, it has been arranged to place a regular line of First-class Packets in communication with them, leaving London punctually at regulated periods. The following Ships will sail at the times stated:

FOR CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. GEELONG, A 1, 400 tons, W. WYSE, commander; loading at St. Katharine's Dock; to Sail, 1st Jan.; last Shipping Day, 29th Dec.

FOR ALGOA BAY. ARAB, A 1, 288 tons, J. GIBSON, commander; loading at London Docks; to Sail, 5th Jan.; last Shipping Day, 3rd Jan.

These vessels have most excellent accommodation for passengers, to whose comfort and convenience every attention will be paid. They are lofty between decks, and well ventilated. A liberal Dietary Scale is provided for Steerage Passengers; and the fittings for sleeping berths equal to the intermediate of ordinary vessels. Each Ship carries an experienced surgeon, and an abundant supply of medicine and comforts adapted to medical treatment. Families can arrange so as to be entirely to themselves. For freight or passage, apply to W. S. LINDSAY, 11, Abchurch-lane, or to W. O. YOUNG, 1, Royal Exchange Buildings.

EMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA.

With a view to enable respectable persons, who are ineligible for a free passage, to proceed to the Australian colonies, at the lowest possible cost, it has been arranged to despatch a line of superior First class Ships of large tonnage, for the especial accommodation of steerage and other passengers, at an exceedingly low rate of passage money. These vessels will be subjected to the inspection of her Majesty's emigration officers, and will be despatched on the appointed days (wind and weather permitting), for which written guarantees will be given :

These splendid ships have full poops, with first-rate accommodations for cabin passengers, and their 'tween decks being lofty and well ventilated, they afford most desirable opportunities for the accommodation of intermediate and steerage passengers. They will be fitted and provisioned in all respects on a similar plan to the vessels now being despatched by her Majesty's Colonisation Commissioners, and the same dietary scale will be adopted. They are officered and manned by thoroughly competent persons, and carry duly qualified and experienced surgeons. Other equally fine ships, similarly fitted, &c., will succeed; and sailing on the 1st and 15th of cach month from London, and the 11th and 25th from Plymouth. Load at the Jetty, London Docks.

For further particulars apply to the undersigned, who are constantly despatching a succession of superior firstclass ships (regular traders) to each of the Australian colonies.

MARSHALL & EDRIDGE, 34, Fenchurch-street, London.

Printed by ALEXANDER ELDER MURRAY (of Fife Cottage, Bromley, in the County of Middlesex), at his Printingoffice, Green Arbour-court, Old Bailey, London. Published by WILLIAM SOMERVILLE ORR, 2, Amen Corner, Thursday, 21st December 1848.

EMIGRANT'S

crease of Commerce in the States 100 New England States.. Correspondence, with Answers to inquiries respecting the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand 101

101

Canada: The Talbot District - The
Bush in Canada.
Hints from the Journal of a Squatter.-
No. III. Management of Sheep...... 102
New South Wales and South Australia 103
104

Advertisements

THE VINE AND THE OLIVE IN AUSTRALIA.

THERE is no more pleasant sight to the traveller in the Rhine provinces and other vine countries than a family of vignerons, from the toddling child to the aged grandmother, at work on their little freeholds, trenching, weeding, pruning, or bearing away the luscious harvest. Skill and labour only are wanting to produce the same scenes in Australia; the soil and climate are equally favourable; and if our Colonial Office would only offer a free grant of the now valueless land, or the remission of its value in the passage money to some of the thousands of German vine dressers who are now flying to America, from the wars and rumours of wars of Europe, Australia might reap as much advantage from the year of Revolutions as England did from the year of the Huguenot persecutions. Several bodies of Germans have desired to proceed to Australia, but in their case, as in almost every case, except that of destitute agricultural paupers, our absurd high-priced land-system meets and debars progress and improvement.

Vine cultivation has hitherto been carried on in Australia by the wealthy; the first vineyard, like the first flock of Merinoes, was due to the public spirit of the MacArthurs. It was established by Mr. MacArthur at Camden, about forty miles from Sydney, and cultivated by some Greeks, transported for piracy. These people having returned to Europe soon after the expiration of their sentence, Colonel MacArthur, brother to the colonist, went to Germany and engaged six families, making twenty-seven who went out, taking with them many thousand cuttings persons, in glass cases, hermetically sealed. These cuttings were successfully planted, and the small vineyard cultivated by the Greeks was extended to eighteen acres. In good seasons, from 12,000 to 14,000 gallons of wine have been produced from these vines, which meet a ready sale in the Colony at 5s. a gallon. The quality of the wine is making gradual progress.

It is the opinion of Colonel MacArthur, that if the experience of foreigners could have been obtained, silk would long since have been one of the exports of New South Wales, the soil and climate being suitable to the white mulberry and the silk-worm.

Colonel Mitchell, the celebrated Australian traveller, felt so much interest in the cultivation of the vine and the olive, that when last in Europe, he visited Spain expressly to gather information on the growing and the process of manufacturing wine and oil. Having acquired a knowledge of Spanish while serving in the Peninsula as an engineer officer, he had advantages over many travellers. In Andalusia, he saw the wine making at Xeres, and attended to the taking of the vintage. He also obtained cuttings of the grape from Malaga, and took out with him to Australia pruning instruments, capachos for pressing oil, and other useful implements.

The vignerons say, Colonel Mitchell observes, that "where a soft, crumbling trap rock, broken into pieces, blends with the soil -that suits the vine." Such is the character of many districts in Australia, being more volcanic than calcareous, decomposing very fast, and producing a red soil.

The Colonel before his last visit to Europe planted vine cuttings in about two acres, and after they had been in the soil sixteen months he had a vintage which gave him four pipes of wine: he grew some of the Claret grape and the Constantia grape. The Constantia grape grew very abundantly, and gave not a sweet wine, but a dry sparkling wine, of the colour of amber. He is in hopes, by applying the methods he learned in Spain, to produce something original. The Rhine grape is the most common, and the quality of wine chiefly resembles Hock. At present, it is not

much consumed by the gentlemen of the Colony, but drank by the labourers.

The making grapes into raisins has not been tried in Australia, although there is no reason why it should not be practised successfully, and thus a very wholesome and agreeable addition made to bush fare. The climate is very similar, although not so hot, as the south of Spain, being in the same parallel of latitude.

The olive, we learn from Colonel Mitchell, thrives wonderfully in Australia; but hitherto the colonists have been under the impression that it required twenty years to produce fruit. He found, on the contrary, that it was usual in the district of Baylen, in Andalusia, to cut thick arms of trees, about a yard long and the thickness of a man's arm, and place them in the ground, the small twigs meeting, just covering them with earth, the root being thus a yard In three years a good crop of olives may be deep in the earth. obtained from this process.

The Colonel remarks that the system of irrigation introduced into Spain by the Moors renders districts fertile, which, without such artificial applications, would be as barren as many parts of Australia. Labour only-especially convict labour-is needed for giving, by roads, aqueducts, and dams, fertility to tracts of rich soil at present altogether uninhabitable.

Near Geelong, in the Port Phillip district, a band of Swiss have a very successful vineyard of forty acres.

The following official return for 1848 gives the best view we have been able to obtain of the acreage devoted to vines, and quantity of wine per acre. In conclusion, we would again observe, that for many years to come vineyards can only be profitably cultivated by vine-dressers and their families. With hired labour they cannot pay, although 5s. a gallon is far above the average price of Rhine wine and Claret wine in their respective countries; while meat and bread are as cheap in Australia as in the wine countries, and clothes cheaper. To promote this valuable branch of commerce, and antidote to rum and whisky drinking, money is not needed; a grant of now useless land would be sufficient.

WHY DO THE BEST EMIGRANTS GO TO AMERICA?
A Question for the Colonization Society.

THE Colonization Society has transferred the details of the London district to the Colonization Commissioners in Park Street, and confines its attention to branches established in various parts of the country. We have received from the Secretary a copy of a letter, which has already appeared in the Times and some other journals, respecting the progress of the society at Brighton. It seems that they have received there applications from 100 families. We shall be glad to know how many have been sent out. Brighton being neither an agricultural, nor a commercial, nor a manufacturing centre, but a mere fashionable excrescence, does not offer a very favourable field, either for obtaining emigrants or subscribers. Yet they appear to have obtained 60/. from an emigration concert. We presume the chant de depart formed one of the performances. If as much be done in more suitable localities, it will be well. Mr. Blair, the new secretary of the society, is anxious to impress upon parishes the economy of sending able-bodied paupers out of the country as soon as they become chargeable. He states the expense of maintaining a pauper in the workhouse at 77. 19s. 3d. a year, while an emigrant recommended by the society can be sent out at an expense to the rate-payers of only 6. Paupers are not the most desirable emigrants; judging by our own experience a very desirable class may be had willing themselves to contribute that sum.

We do not find in his letter any other fact respecting Australian emigration which has not already appeared in our columns. That Australia has ample means for supporting a large population, we need not now take any pains to prove. That the Colonization Society, in the thousands it has been the means of sending to Australia, has advantaged both that colony and this country, is a fact that cannot be contradicted.

But it is equally true that unless the Society takes a step in advance, its labours will soon be brought to a close by the exhaustion of its funds, and by the disinclination of the emigrating classes to select a field where nothing better awaits them than wages which, in consequence of the fall in wool, are now steadily declining. Manufactures are reviving in this country, and with that revival the tide of destitute emigrants will cease.

We can now speak more confidently on the character of the emigration tide than when we commenced our labours. A vast emigration is going on, but the very best class of emigrants are making their way to the United States, and not to Australia. And this class emigrates in prosperous as well as unprosperous times. There are more than a thousand mechanics connected with the manufacture of steam engine machinery, as well as a great number of carpenters, masons, and other skilled mechanics out of work. A majority of these are in possession of funds saved in more prosperous times. These men are the best of the emigrating class, but wages as shepherds and hutkeepers are no temptation to them. Upwards of sixty per cent. of the intending emigrants who have been corresponding with us for advice possess 100l. and upwards, but not exceeding 300l. For these people, if married with a family, the system of demanding 11. an acre for uncultivated wild land acts as an insurmountable barrier, and they are by far the most valuable colonists; they carry with them industrious habits, some capital, and labour in the persons of the younger members of their families. These people are crowding to the United States, there to become denationalized-there, in another generation, to give strength to anti-British feeling.

There are only two classes now in Australia; there was a small yeomanry springing up under the free grant system, and the sales from it, but the influence of the Wakefield system, with its 17. an acre in large lots, has crushed them.

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There will be nothing soon but great proprietors and their servants. The results are ruinous to both, and what was intended to produce concentration, fosters wandering habits, and enforces perpetual dispersion. The injustice done to the squatters in the first instance has resulted in rendering squatting perpetual, and farm cultivation by freeholders impossible.

All capital is now invested in live stock. It is only small proprietors who can afford to grow grain, and these being discouraged,

all are breeders, and none are feeders.

Beasts are now selling in the bush of New South Wales at 15s., 20s., and 25s. They must be very good to fetch 258.

a man with 5,000l. or 10,000l. to hire labour and cultivate a farm. Mr. Boyd and Mr. Logan have both laid stress upon this undoubted fact. Cattle and sheep bring greater profits at less expense; and a great quantity of wheat or other agricultural produce could not be sold at remunerative prices for cash. But the parties who state these things being themselves wealthy, know nothing of the condition of the great body of those who desire to be emigrants. They cannot sympathize with, they are too far out of the way of the track of small farmers and respectable frugal mechanics.

The most numerous class of emigrants, as we before observed, have something between 100/. and 400., with large families to support. They do not want to make investments, but to live on their land by their labour. They have not enough money to invest in stock, it would be too hard and too expensive to move a numerous family into the bush; they desire to settle on the land. They would feel it no hardship to be compelled to use the system of barter, common in the United States, in addition to the cash currency now fortunately prevailing in Australia. A hundred acres of land, some wheat, some maize, some potatoes, with a few pigs and poultry, these would content them, so that they might live in plenty, and without care for the morrow. Such colonists exist in Australia, but they are few in number, and not increasing; the system is against them. The Wakefield system, or at any rate what used to be called the Wakefield system before it had been tried and failed, starts with a high price and a large lot; it leaves no margin for the profit of the pioneer. In America, such pioneering colonists swarm. They buy at a dollar an acre, they clear and improve a little; they build a log house and a barn, fence in and plough a field or two, all with their own labour. Then comes an emigrant from the eastern cities or from Europe with hard cash in his pocket, he buys the improvements at a profit price of perhaps 10s. an acre, and instead of breaking his heart over the work of clearing, enters at once a rough sort of farm, and concentration follows, as in the case of our Yorkshire farmer in Illinois. It is this pioneering 100 acre lot system that has added millions to the population of the Western States of America in the last twenty years. It is this which is attracting our best emigrants, as illustrated in our letter from Pennsylvania (pp. 81, 90).

In Australia there can be nothing like it. In Port Philip, an admirable district for agriculture, no land is ever sold under 1. an acre. No man landing in New South Wales or Port Philip can make sure of getting a small lot within any reasonable time after landing (in South Australia complaints are constantly made to the same effect); and if he does, he must pay for wild land as much as for cleared land in the United States. He may by chance meet with a bargain; but there is no Government officer where he can go and be certain of his 80 or 100 acres, and therefore there is no pioneering class.

endeavours to promote the colonization of Australia. This foolish and unjust system of land monopoly defeats all our

Australia has been to us almost an adopted country; we may claim, by our VOICE FROM AUSTRALIA, Our HAND-BOOK and JOURNAL, no small share in the attention now turned towards that colony; but we cannot sacrifice those who confide in our judgment to any such feelings. Day by day we are compelled to say to fathers of families, whom we would willingly send to Australia, "Go to the United States: Australia only suits the utterly destitute, the young man with a few hundred pounds and without encumbrances, and the capitalist.”

That such should be the truth about all our South Sea Colonies; that neither in Australia nor New Zealand should there be any temptation for the best class of emigrants, is most lamentable; that another session should pass away without the follies and failures of the concentration-system being exposed, is, we trust, impossible.

WHAT CHECKS EMIGRATION.

Guildford, Dec. 20, 1848. GENTLEMEN,-I beg leave to call your attention to the unsatisfactory the worthless notice of the same by the Times paper-not one word in meeting at Birmingham for promoting emigration to the Australias, and sympathy for the man of small means struggling for existence and anxious

to leave, who sees no other resource but to the inhospitable climes of the United States and the Canadas, with their extremes of heat and cold, enough to deter the stoutest heart.

Now, let us search for selfish motives on the part of our thousand legis

It is quite true that in Australia agriculture-that is to say, wheatgrowing-is not a profitable pursuit for a capitalist. It does not pay

In speaking of the Wakefield system, we refer to that system of artificial concentration and early maturity in colonization, sought to be produced by selling wild lands at an artificially high price-the system on which the South Australian Commissioners conducted their labours, and on which the colonies of New Zealand were founded-which is praised by Mr. John Stuart Mill in his great work on political economy.

let the land be ever so uncongenial, or iron-bound, or over-rented, there is another tenant ready to take the place of the ruined one, who immerges into the class of labourers. The stern necessity of a home stares him in the face. To stand still is worse. He sees his capital melting away from under him, and the avenues of labour are already over-crowded.

This is a dreadful year for the little farmer. The damaged state of his crops, the little money they will realize, and the urgency of their landlords

for

their rent, that few labourers will find employment this winter

for want of the means to pay them. Our legislators engross all the means shipping them off for the benefit of the great flockmasters of Australia, offered to get rid of the surplus mouths in their respective parishes by leaving the overgrown labouring population of the towns to shift for themselves.—JOSEPH MOATE, late of East Hexford Farm.