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[Page 13]
and have no doubt of its doing equally well, And if continued to be cultivated about the Hawkesbury there is no doubt of its producing any quantity, as it yields two crops in the year. Before I quit this subject I must mention the discovery of an article which in a few years may be turned to great advantage.
The unfortunate loss of the Porpoise discovered that great article of Chinese luxury the "Trepang" or "Beche de Mer" of the French. An individual requested my permission to go to the wreak & procure the remaining articles on condition of restoring half of them to Government; as procuring the "Beche de Mer" or "Trepang" was the principal object that voyage ascertained the plenty of that article which abound on all the extensive reefs off the East Coast of this country from the Latitude of 21° So. Altho it was in the winter months the adventures brought a quantity of it, & have had sufficient encouragement to fit out another Vessell. If my information is right I am told it is worth 50£ a ton in China, and to the China men justice I think it a most delicious dish that would not disgrace an Aldermanic Feast. I have sent you a small specimen of it in a Box with