Ws have been favoured by Mr. S. A. Donaldson (who has returned to the colony by the Cremona) with the following very interesting letter respecting a sale of tallow from Port Phillip. It will be seen that an inferior sample was sold at 40st. : The hints as to the colour, quality, size of packages, should be as far as possible attended to

London, 8th Dec, 1843.

" Dear Sir,

A public sale of four puncheons and twenty-one hogsheads of tallow, imported in the Glenbervie from Port Phillip, took place this day. Owing to the depressed state of the market the major part was bought in at 41s. 9d. per cwt. ; and one lot (inferior, one puncheon and two hogsheads) was sold at 40s. One broker reports very favourable of the quality, and it will only require proper care to produce a first-rate article. In the above parcel there appears to be a mixture of beef and mutton tallow - this is a bad plan; they ought to be kept separate, as they are used for different purposes. We mentioned, yesterday, in a memorandum forwarded to you, that colour ought to be particularly attended to. White as possible, if deficient in this respect the depreciation would be 2s. to 4s. per. cwt. Although the size of the package is not material, it will be convenient to have them of as nearly the same size as possible, for we can then take an average tare, instead of having every package stripped.

"Perhaps some experience may be required in melting down. We believe it is the practice here to select the best pieces of fat before rendering, and to make two or three qualities. However, we shall take every information and write you fully on the subject. There is no doubt of the fact, that the article will always be saleable at the market price to a large extent. A parcel of South American tallow, in the same sale, was partially sold at 37s. to 39s., showing the superiority of the New South Wales. The terms of sale are cash, less 2� per cent. discount.

"We could take off 2000 tons per annum without affecting the market. We shall feel much obliged by your informing us as soon as you can after your arrival in Sydney, the extent to which this business is likely to be carried, it promises to be most important m every respect, and any details as to the expense of production will be very valuable

" S. A. Donaldson, Esq."

P 32 SG & SGTL 13 Apr 1844

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