of the Medway, with flour, from Valparaiso, would be hailed by the inhabitants as a great blessing.

The trial of Mr. Lewis, for endeavouring to excite Mr. Lyttleton to accept a challenge from Mr. W. Bryan, has caused no little 'excitement. Mr. Justice Montagu's sentence, and the asperity displayed by him on the bench has called forth the severest animadversions of all the newspapers. We are certainly no friends to the duelling system, and more especially would we protect a magistrate, because every fellow who thought himself aggrieved by any remark made in the course of an investigation in which he might be concerned, would consider himself at liberty to vindicate his honor in this manner. But we really do think that Mr. Lyttleton would have shown more the spirit of justice, had he waited until after the civil action brought by Mr. Bryan against him had been decided. As it is, it is made to appear as if it were an attempt to prejudge Mr. Bryan's case, and the only excuse we can find is, that Mr. Lyttleton has been sadly advised in the affair. Yet, again, if as has been asserted, Mr. Lyttleton made certain remarks "outside" the Police-office in the hearing of several persons, reflecting on Mr. Bryan's character, we do not see, according to the established rules of honor, (although we certainly are most decidedly opposed to such a proceeding) what alternative Mr. Bryan had. It is a very hard case for Mr. Lewis, and we do hope he will be assisted by his friend, for whom he is suffering.

We are given to understand that it has been the custom of some person or persons lately, to affix during the night, to the gate of Mr. Mason, a placard, on which is printed, in large capitals, the name of the unfortunate man Greenwood, and that he is continually receiving letters, marked as official and immediate, which, on opening, contain nothing but a copy of the placard. Mr. Mason also, at Mr. Deane's Theatre, the other night, was shamefully insulted by a few individuals of the lower order. However much we may reprobate the conduct of Mr. Mason, with regard to that unhappy man, these attacks can never receive our approbation. There are some spirited men in the Colony, who, were a meeting to be called, to elicit public

opinion as to that affair, would stand boldly forward, in the appeal to the Government to remove Mr. Mason; but while such cowardly and base attempts at annoyance are perpetrated, we feel confident they will not come forward, as no honourable person would like to mix himself with any class of men who would be guilty of such a disreputable procedure.

The Gem, on her passage from Java, spoke the Lang whaler, at that time she had caught no fish.

The arrival of Mr. Potter Macqueen has caused no little stir among the aristocracy of Hobart Town. The Bank about to be established by that gentleman, has been the sole subject of conversation, and it is said epistles from candidates for the situations of cashier, clerks, tellers, and so on, have in vast numbers, been already placed upon his table.

It is said that an order from the Secretary of State has reached His Excellency, commanding him to place Mr. Palmer, the Rural Dean, in the Legislative Council, and that Mr. Bedford is to retire therefrom. There are but few, we believe, who will find fault with this arrangement, for it is impossible to conceal the decided preference displayed towards the Rural Dean by the majority of the inhabitants.

The Sheriff has appointed a meeting, pursuant to a requisition sent to him a few days ago, to be held at the Court House, on Monday, the 9th of June, to consider the Jury Act. There is not a doubt but that the meeting will be most numerously attended. Our opinion on this subject has been very well expressed by a correspondent in this month's number, and we believe that is an echo of the sentiments of the whole Colony.

Accounts from the fishery at Recherche Bay state, that four whales have been taken-two by Messrs. Lachlan & Co., one by Messrs. Hewitt & Co., and another by Mr. Mortimer's party. The fish are reported to be in great abundance, but the late gales have prevented the crews from venturing in pursuit of them. The present moderate weather will enable the boats to put to sea as usual.

We regret to learn that sheep and cattle-stealing is of common occurrence in some parts of the interior. Mr. Sutherland, of the Isis, has lately lost no less

than 600 lambs, there is no doubt they have been stolen.

The Moffatt is the largest merchant ship which ever entered the port of Hobart Town and brought the greatest number of prisoners, and the largest mail. It is said that Captain Cromartie received no less than twenty-five pounds for his mail, which computing at a penny each, the price we believe paid to ship-masters, makes the number of letters to have been six thousand; one proof among others of the increase of population, and importance of Van Diemen's Land. The Surgeon Superintendent is Doctor Wilson, to whom the Colony has been so much indebted for the introduction of bees: it was expected this gentleman would have remained amongst us; but it seems, he contemplates going on to Sydney in the Moffatt.

Although the opposition papers announced last month that Colonel Arthur would be immediately recalled, it is generally believed that the despatches by the Moffatt have been of the most gratifying description to His Excellency-and indeed we heard it asserted by a gentleman recently arrived from England, that he had been assured from the best authority the administration of the Lieutenant Governor was exceedingly well approved of by the Home Government, and that there was no likelihood whatever of such recall.

The disturbance at Mr. Deane's Theatre, and the secession of Mr. Mackay, has been a matter of general conversation. With the private quarrels of actors the audience have nothing to do-and we must certainly consider both Mr. and Mrs. Mackay wrong in the disrespect shewn to the individuals then present, by their leaving the stage before the close of the performance, even although, as we believe, very great provocation was given. We are very sorry that the actors in this Colony consider themselves such great personages that the Public are interested in all their petty differences, and they must bring before the scenes, the proceedings which take place behind.

The match between Donald Caird and Saladin, which has excited so much interest among the sporting gentry, came off on the 24th inst., at Oatlands, when Donald Caird was declared the winner, in consequence of Saladin bolting. Saladin fortunately did not leave the course till the spectators were fully convinced the little poney was the best horse. It was much feared by Saladin's owner, that he would bolt from the course, just at the place where the main road runs close by the course; the rider, therefore, had received instructions to let Donald lead, till coming by the distant post the last time round, when Saladin, if requiring it, was to be pushed.

MAY.-Agriculture.-This is the best month for laying down English grasses; for which the land ought to be well prepared, as the soil cannot be rendered too fine, or be too much pulverised. No large clods should be permitted to remain, nor weeds have place on the surface. Land that has had wheat, and then turnips or potatoes, is in the best state for grasses; and although there is a good deal of fancy in the sorts of grass that are chosen, and much also depends upon soil and situation, one of the best, as well as the most easily obtained mixtures, is at the rate of eight pounds of clover-seed, to two bushels of rye-grass seed, and a bushel and a half of barley per acre. By the use of barley, and sowing thus early, the whole crop has time to attain height and vigour, that render it secure against the heat of the

sun, as the spring advances. But others prefer what is unquestionably a better mixture, if it can be depended upon as true, (which, however, in this Colony, is no easy matter,) consisting of sweetscented vernal, bent grass, rye, and clover. After the crop is up, and above the ground, the use of the roller will be found to assist it much; and as soon as it shall have been cut, a light coat of manure, followed by sheep-folding through the ensuing winter, will go far towards ensuring a fine crop of hay for the second year. It may be remarked, however, that no land, unless very highly manured, and fed by sheep, then afterwards well bushed and harrowed, will bear the scythe every following year, as is commonly attempted. Some may tell us that they do it, and they have yet good mows. All we reply is, they

would have much better, and derive more profit, under a different system.

In this month, both Cape barley and wheat should be sown for the forward crops.

Horticulture.-There is little to do in the garden this month, compared with many others, and yet a good gardener will always find ample employment. A

Shipping

ARRIVALS.-May 2.-The barque Pegasus, from the Mauritius, with a cargo of merchandize.

May 3.-The American ship Tybee, from Salem, with merchandize.

May 9.-The barque Moffatt, from Portsmouth, with male prisoners.

May 11.-The schooner Currency Lass, from Sydney, with Colonial produce.

May 13.-The ship Bardastre, from London, with merchandize.

May 14.-The schooner Jess, from Sydney.

May 15.-The barque Caledonia, from Calcutta, via Batavia, with sugar, &c.

May 21. The schooner Hetty, from the Fisheries, with 127 barrels of oil. May 22.-The barque Jessie, from Liverpool, with a general cargo. May 22.-The barque Duckenfield, from London, with merchandize.

May 22.-The schooner Gem, from Tula Bay, and King George's Sound, with sugar, rice, coffee, and spirits.

few peas and beans for the first spring crops may be sown, and onions, salads, &c., for a succession. Trees may be removed this month, but June is preferable. Some gardeners near the sea side, plant a few potatoes, towards the end of the month, but they require a great deal of nursing, and scarcely repay the trouble they occasion.

Sydney.

May 11.-The schooner Industry, for Sydney.

May 18.-The American ship Tybee, for Sydney.

May 18.-The brig Brilliant, for London, with Colonial produce.

May 18.--The brig Amity, for New Zealand.

May 19.-The schooner Fame, for London, with Colonial produce.

May 22.-The schooner Currency Lass, for Sydney.

May 23.-The schooner Penelope, for the bay whaling.

May 25.-The schooner Jess, for the Isle of France.

May 25.-The barque William the Fourth, for the South Seas.

BIRTHS. At Hamilton, on Sunday, the 4th instant, the lady of William Dermer, M.D., of a daughter.

On Sunday, the 18th instant, the lady of E.S. Hall, Esq., surgeon, Elizabeth-street, of a daughter.

MARRIAGES. On the 3rd instant, by special license, at the new church, in Campbell-street, Hobart Town, by the Rev. P. Palmer, Rural Dean, Joseph Dixon, Esq., Accountant of the Derwent Bank, to Alice, daughter of Mr. Russell, Brass Founder, Hobart Town.

On the 6th instant, by special license, at St. David's Church, Hobart Town,

by the Rev. William Bedford, Senior Chaplain, John Gregory, Esq., Colonial Treasurer of Van Diemen's Land, and a Member of Council in this Colony, to Harriet Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Philip Jean, Esq., Paymaster of the 21st Royal North British Fusileers.

DEATHS.-On the 8th instant, Emma, second daughter of Lewis Gilles, Esq., of the Bank of Van Diemen's Land.

On the 23rd instant, Miss Officer, sister of Dr. Officer, of New Norfolk, of apoplexy. She had only arrived in the Jesse, from Liverpool, on the previous day.