which it can be, obtained. In the case of roofing slate, the usual sizes prepared, and whether sawn for other purposes.

The Commissioners will supply the following information where it appears to them desirable:—

1. The specific gravity.
2. Analysis.
3. Disintegration when treated with a solution of Glauber’s salt.
4. Its capacity for absorbing water.
5. Its weight per foot cube.
6. Its crushing weight.

In the case of limes and cement the following further information, will, so far as possible, be furnished for each sample:—

7. Observations upon its slacking.
8. Observations upon its setting in air, in fresh and in salt water.
9. The force required to crush a cube a given period after being worked up into mortar.
10. Measure of expansion or contraction (if any) in setting.

Woods of Construction.

For the purpose of Exhibition, it is desirable, in the article of timber, that the specimens in all cases should be converted into plank or scantling of such a size as to show its mercantile value. Longitudinal and transverse sections should be cut, and if possible they should be four inches thick, and cut so as to show the “sap” and bark on both edges. Moreover, since there is great uncertainty as to the origin of much colonial timber, it will be very desirable that each kind should be accompanied by a few twigs showing its leaves and flowers, as well as fruit, when procurable. If the leaves and flowers are pressed between sheets of paper enclosed in boards, they will furnish the evidence required.

It is also desirable that, as far as possible, the following particulars should be supplied to the Commissioners with each specimen of wood:—

1. Name of the country, or colony, province, or district, from which the wood was sent.
2. The botanical name, natural order, aboriginal name, and local name.
3. A short description of the tree, its abundance or scarcity in the district, colony, or country; the nature of the land on which it grows, whether swampy, hilly, or otherwise; its proximity to the coast, or a harbour, or navigable river, railway, road, or other facility for transport; the purposes for which the wood is applied in the country, and the estimation in which it is held for strength and durability under various circumstances, as exposure to atmospheric influences, immersion (partial or otherwise) in salt, brackish, or fresh water, underground, &c.; its capabilities for polish as a furniture wood, &c.; its cost in the colony or country per foot cube, and the diameter and height of trees, as an index of the size of timber obtainable.

For the purpose of testing in a satisfactory manner, it is very desirable that not less than three repetitions of the same experiment should be made on each sample, so that a fair average result may be obtained, consequently it is recommended that the following scantlings should be furnished:—

• Three samples, each 2¼ inches square, and 14 to 16 inches long.
• Three samples, each 1¼ inches square and 18 to 20 inches long.
• Three samples, each 5 inches diameter or square, and 10 inches long.
• Three samples, cut across the grain, each 3½ inches square, and 6 to 8 inches long; or a sufficiently large block may be furnished to admit of these samples being cut from it.

The Commissioners will then supply the following particulars:—

1. Specific gravity
2. Transverse breaking weight
3. Crushing strain in the direction of the fibre
4. Transverse crushing strain
5. Elasticity
6. Tensile strain in direction of fibre
7. Tensile strain transverse to fibre

Dye Woods.

All, but especially New Zealand dye woods, &c., should be accompanied by a few twigs and leaves, with, if possible, the flower and fruit of the trees or plant, and the same information as requested under Woods of Construction.

Tanning Materials.

All New Zealand or other tanning materials, when of vegetable origin, should be accompanied by a short description of the tree, &c., from which the material is obtained, together with dried specimens of the leaves, flowers, and fruit; the manner in which the material is obtained and used, and its scarcity or abundance; and whether an article of present commerce and to what extent; its price, &c.

Cereals, Grains, Seeds, Flour, Meal, &c.

Each sample to be one imperial peck. Flour—Bags containing 100 to 200 lbs. should be sent.

Skins and Leather.

State the materials used in tanning or otherwise preparing it, and the animal whence the skin was obtained; the principal qualities and uses of the particular leather; price.

Wool.

It is desirable that wool should be exhibited, if possible, in whole fleeces, and the following information supplied:—

By whom shewn—as owner or breeder—
Breed of Animal—
Age—
Sex—