The staple of our Australian colonies, but more particularly of New South Wales, the climate and the soil of which are peculiarly suited to its production,—­is fine wool.  There can be no doubt that the growth of this article has mainly contributed to the prosperity of the above mentioned colony and of Van Diemen’s Land.

At the close of the last century, wool was imported into England from Spain and Germany only, and but a few years previously from Spain alone.  Indeed, long after its introduction from the latter country, German wool, obtained but little consideration in the London market; and in like manner, it may be presumed that many years will not have elapsed before the increased importation of wool from our own possessions in the southern hemisphere, will render us, in respect to this commodity, independent of every other part of the world.  The great improvements in modern navigation are such, that the expense of sending the fleece to market from New South Wales is less than from any part of Europe.  The charges for instance on Spanish and German wool, are from fourpence to fourpence three farthings per pound; whereas the entire charge, after shipment from New South Wales, and Van Diemen’s Land, does not exceed threepence three farthings,—­and in this the dock and landing charges, freight, insurance, brokerage, and commission, are included.

Growth of fine wool.  Mr. M’ARTHUR’S exertions.

As some particulars respecting the introduction of this source of national wealth into Australia may prove interesting to the public, I have put together the following details of it, upon the authenticity of which they may rely.  The person who foresaw the advantage to be derived from the growth of fine wool in New South Wales, and who commenced the culture of it in that colony, was Mr. John M’Arthur.  So far back, I believe, as the year 1793, not long after the establishment of the first settlement at Sydney, this gentleman commenced sheep-farming, and about two years afterwards he obtained a ram and two ewes from Captain Kent, of the royal navy, who had brought them, with some other stock for the supply of the settlement, from the Cape of Good Hope, to which place a flock of these sheep had been originally sent by the Dutch government.  Sensible of the importance of the acquisition, Mr. M’Arthur began to cross his coarse-fleeced sheep with Merino blood; and, proceeding upon a system, he effected a considerable improvement in the course of a few years.  So prolific was the mixed breed, that in ten years, a flock which originally consisted of not more than seventy Bengal sheep, had increased in number to 4,000 head, although the wethers had been killed as they became fit for slaughter.  It appears, however, that as the sheep approached to greater purity of blood, their extreme fecundity diminished.

To rear Merino flocks.