CHAPTER XVII.
Some Thoughts on the Advantages which may arise to the Mother Country from forming the Colony.
The author of these sheets would subject himself to the charge of presumption, were he to aim at developing the intentions of Government in forming this settlement.

But without giving offence, or incurring reproach, he hopes his opinion on the probability of advantage to be drawn from hence by Great Britain, may be fairly made known.
If only a receptacle for convicts be intended, this place stands unequalled from the situation, extent, and nature of the country.

When viewed in a commercial light, I fear its insignificance will appear very striking.

The New Zealand hemp, of which so many sanguine expectations were formed, is not a native of the soil; and Norfolk Island, where we made sure to find this article, is also without it.

So that the scheme of being able to assist the East Indies with naval stores, in case of a war, must fall to the ground, both from this deficiency, and the quality of the timber growing here.