Domestic Intelligence. The whole of our Domestic Intelligence is extracted from the Journals of the Island with trifling alterations. The Annual Races at Oatlands, commenced on the 4th April. The first race of the day was the Trial Stakes of 3 sovs. each, with 15 sovs. added from the Race Fund. Colts, 8st. Fillies, 7st. 12lb. One mile heats. Three horses started. Mr. Austin's Fair Play Mr. Lackey's Maid of the Mill. The first heat was won easily by the Maid of the Mill-the second heat was well contested between Fair Play and the Maid of the Mill, the latter winning by half a length. Matilda was with drawn. The next race was the Oatlands Plate of 50 sovs. for all ages. 3 sovs. entrance. Heats, three miles. This race was beautifully contested, and no less than eleven horses started, viz. : Mr. Baynton's Liberty. Mr. Kermode's Peter. The start was an excellent one, and for half the distance it was well contested: but here, that very superior horse Liberty took the lead, and kept it all the way to the distance post, although carrying 91b. more than his weight, and was winning when a person of the name of James Hoyle rode across the course, and coming in contact with Liberty and Cardinal, drove Liberty over Cardinal-the latter horse and rider were thrown, and Liberty came down, but recovered himself immediately, the rider however kept his seat. Tippoo, at this critical juncture, coming up, made play, and passing Liberty ere he could recover the effect of the shock, finally won by a length. For the second heat only five horses started, the others having been drawn or not placed-Liberty, Tippoo Saib, Brutus, Young Peter, and Donald Cairn. A good start-Liberty again taking the lead, and keeping it the whole of the way, until by a push near the distance, Y Tippoo and Donald Caird passed him, Tippoo winning by a length. On the rider of Liberty dismounting, he found him lame, supposed to be caused from the great concussion in the fall with Cardinal, and to which cause may be attributed his defeat. Heats, two Two sovs. The last race of the day was for the Ladies' Purse of 30 sovs. miles. Gentlemen riders. entrance for horses that never won a Plate or Stakes. Five horses started-but the race lay between Mr. Vincent's Sly Go, and Mr. Jhn Lord's Albert, won easily bythe latter. The sport of the day, upon the whole, was excellent, and had it not been marred by the accidents named, all would have gone off well. We regret to add another accident of a serious nature, which befel that superior rider Thomas Herbert, while riding Mazeppa-in pulling his horse near the distance post, to avoid coming in contact with another, he struck his head against one of the posts and fell from his horse, breaking his arm in two places, and was taken off the course insensible. Hunters sweepstakes of 2 Sors. each, with 10 Sovs. added. Gentlemen riders. Twice round the Course, with 8 leaps, hurdles 4 feet high. Weights same as Ladies' purse. Four horses started. Mr. Porter's Barefoot 1 1 2 2 234 1234 The first heat was all in favour of Barefoot; the second caused some hard running, Lucifer fast winning, when in attempting a leap, he threw his rider and bolted off the course into the bush. A bye match afterwards took place, twice round the course, between Lucifer and Barefoot. It was most admirably contested, Lucifer winning by a length. Sweepstakes of 3 Sovs. each, for beater horses that ran at the present Meeting; 10 Sors. added from the Race Fund. Weights, same as Ladies' purse. entry. Mares and geldings allowed 3lbs. Heats, 2 miles. Mr. Murdoch's Cardinal 1 1 Mr. Hardwick's Mazeppa 2 2 Madge Wildfire withdrawn. Post It was a hard contested race, and some very severe running took place in the second heat, Cardinal winning by a length. Several bye matches of no general interest, took place. Upon the whole, the races were very well attended, and bid fair to vie with those of New Town. We have much pleasure in learning, that endeavours are being made, to present by subscription, that indefatigable and meritorious individual, Mr. G. A. Robinson, with a piece of plate, or some other tribute of a similar description, of the general estimation in which he is held in regard to his exertions on the Aborigine question. We wish the party every success, for we are of opinion that the Colony is infinitely more indebted to the zeal, ability, and unwearied exertion of Mr. Robinson, for the present quiet state in regard to the Aborigines, than to any other cause whatever. Mr. Deane's Exhibition Rooms, continue to present great attractions, and on Tuesdays and Fridays, there is generally a musical performance, that is frequently well attended. On some occasions, nearly a hundred persons have been present. Latterly, these Soirees, (for we do not know a better term to give them) have been the means of introduc ing to the public, a female singer of very high pretensions-her sweetness of voice, accuracy, and chasteness of style being universally admired by all who have heard her. A little more confidence at times, would be an improvement, but this we have no doubt will be acquired, as she becomes more accustomed to a public exhibition; and we fully expect that by the time Mr. Deane's new Concert room is completed, she will be pronounced by every one, a very great acquisition. Her manners are particularly quiet and unobtruding. It is understood that a little embarrass, which the nomination of the Rev. Mr. Bedford, jun., to the New Norfolk Church, had unexpectedly occasioned, has been the cause of several clerical arrangements being made-one effect of which, among others, will be that the inhabitants of New Town, will in future receive the benefit of the performance of Divine Service every Sunday at the Orphan School. A notification in the Gazette, of the 19th April, seems to imply, that the Government are in earnest in their A new jetty is forthwith to be built at We learn that the audience at Perth were so numerous, and the accommodations so inadequate, when the Archdeacon preached there, that a great number of persons (ladies, we think, included,) were obliged to range themselves outside the miserable tenement which serves for "a place of worship" at that township. The Government being the factotum in all ecclesiastical matters in this part of the globe, the cry of improvement is naturally directed towards the ear of authority.-Launceston Advertiser. His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor upon leaving town on the 11th April, proceeded in the first instance to New Norfolk, and after remaining there a short while, went on to Dunrobin, the seat of W. A. Bethune, esq., under whose hospitable roof he passed the night. The next morning, at an early hour, the party started for the newly discovered tract of country to the westward, in the direction of Macquarie Harbour, and with the extent and capabilities of which, we understand His Excellency repeatedly expressed himself much pleased. There has been a small party for some time employed in making a bush or bridle road. The three following nights, after leaving Dunrobin, His Excellency and suite passed in the bush; but our readers must not imagine that by this, is meant the reposing under a honeysuckle or cherry tree," the clouds a canopy, the earth a pillow," for when great men bivouache in this manner, there are such things provided as tents, and other conveniences that are carried from place to place with little trouble by men and horses provided on purpose. It appears, that after leaving Mr. Jamieson's farm, the party proceeded in a north-west direction, about eighteen miles; then crossed the Dee, し keeping the same course, till within about three miles of the Derwent; they then proceeded in a westerly direction to the Derwent. The general aspect of the country was very inviting, (during their stay, the snow fell heavily), partaking of a flat, rather than a mountainous one, and intersected by several rivers. The soil is generally of a superior description, and highly adapted for agricultural purposes. There are several very extensive marshes, one of which is situated contiguous to the source of the Dee, bounded by a chain of mountains north-northwest from the Derwent to the Dee, and extending about twenty miles, being almost a complete level. There is a township immediately to be formed on the banks of the Derwent, which will be surrounded by land of a first-rate description, and embracing a surface of about eight thousand acres. On the other side of the Derwent there is an inexhaustible tract of land, excellently adapted for sheep. The timber, gene rally speaking, is fine, and of large growth, consisting of mimosa, sassafras, myrtle, peppermint, and other kinds common to the Colony. After leaving the New Country, the party journeyed toward Bothwell, which they reached on Monday; and the day following they proceeded to Oatlands, whence we learn, they went direct to Launceston. Our readers may recollect that about a twelvemonth ago, the Government sold the schooner Adelaide by public auction, one of the conditions of sale being, that she should proceed to the Island of Desolation, with the view of bringing away the five men belonging to a ship that had been wrecked there, and who had been left by a small vessel recently arrived in the Derwent, under circumstances which, at the time, created an extraordinary interest. The Adelaide has returned to port, having reached her destination in safety; and the following particulars with respect to her voyage, and which have been furnished by the master himself, we have no doubt will be read with interest. After reaching Timor, and in the course of the passage having fallen in with a great number of wrecks upon the dangerous reefs in Torres Straits, they proceeded to the Island of Desolation, where the Adelaide came to anchor on the 25th January. Here, however, they could not find the five men, to rescue whom the voyage had been chiefly undertaken, being gone it was hoped on board some vessel that had touched in the mean time. The hut where they had been left still existed, and the remains of a barrel of biscuit, in good condition, were found in it. Whilst they continued fishing, however, in order not to return with an empty vessel, it fortunately happened for the satisfaction of all parties, that the Captain of the vessel who had rescued them, and who had returned to London with his cargo, had again come out in another ship before the Adelaide sailed for Hobart Town, and confirmed their conjecture by the following certificate, which is copied verbatim :-" I do hereby certify, that I took five men off the Island of Desolation, 5th March, 1832, in the ship Ocean, who informed me they belonged to the brig Betsey and Sophia, which was cast away upon the said Island, 16th March, 1831; I took the same men to St. Helena, and deli-. vered them to the Governor. ALEXANDER DISTANT, Master of the bark Sarah Barry,, of London. Desolation, Feb. 22, 1833." At the sale of Mr. Lindley's property, at New Norfolk, on the 20th April, by Messrs. Collicott and Macmichael, so thin was the attendance of buyers, that the whole of the premises, including an excellent brick-house and two acres of ground, in one of the best situations in that thriving township, realized the sum of £670 only. A few months ago, when the same property was offered for sale by auction by Mr. Stracey, £900 were bid for it, and refused. Captain Bunster is the buyer at £670, and it is thought one of the greatest bargains even these bad times have afforded. Had it not been a Sheriff's sale, it is probable it would have been bought in, as it did not realize enough to pay the mortgages upon it. : Coals are now becoming common with most families and when used jointly with wood, are not only a great saving upon the score of economy, but also make very agreeable cheerful fires, reminding people of days past and gone at home. The usual price is 35s. per ton. We regret to learn by the Singapore Chronicle received by the Elizabeth, that the ship Hydery, recently from this port, has been lost. The following are the particulars:-The Donna Carmelita and the Renown, both of which vessels arrived from Manda during the week, have conveyed to this port the officers and crew of the British ship Hydery, Captain M'Donald, which, we regret to learn, was wrecked on the 21st October last, in the Suragao Passage, off Magindanao. We understand this disaster occurred during a calm, when the vessel was carried by a violent current on a reef, without the least possibility of avoiding it, though no exertions were spared to avert the danger. No lives, however, have been lost. The Captain, we hear, remains at Manilla, for the purpose of endeavouring to dispose of the wreck, &c. for the benefit of the underwriters. A notice in the Gazette announces the change of the Colonial Secretary's Office from the premises now occupied, to the house lately inhabited by Captain Wilson, in Campbell-street. We learn that the Home Government, by recently arrived despatches, has sanctioned the immediate erection of a new gaol, a new dock-yard, and a new Government house, when the present building will be converted into public offices. AGRICULTURE. It appears that Mr. Joseph Moir is the contractor for the stalls in the new market. It is expected to be completed, and opened, for the accommodation of the public, in six months time. We have sincere pleasure in stating that the operation some time ago performed on our much respected Chief Police Magistrate, has lately taken so favorable a turn, that his entire restoration to health and sight, may be now confidently expected, A part of Mr. Horne's beautiful property at the Battery Point, was sold by auction on the 29th ult. and if we may judge from this sale, the signs of the times are indeed delusive; the average price at which the land sold, was £182 per acre. The neighbourhood and the contiguity to the centre of the town, induce us to think the price by no means extravagant, indeed, in the course of another twelvemonth, this must be the West end of Hobart Town. In Van Diemen's Land we have ten Newspapers, and the population amounts in round numbers to 30,000 souls. At the Cape of Good Hope, the population is upwards of 120,000, but two news→ papers suffice for that Colony. Gardening, &c. May. This is the best month for laying down English grasses; for which the and ought to be well prepared, as the soil cannot be rendered too fine, or be too much pulverized. 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 faney 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 us: 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 sweet-scented vernal, bent grass, rye, and clover. After the crop is up, and above 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 hairowed, will bear the scythe every following year, as is commonly attempted. Some may tell us that they do it, and that 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. GARDENING. There is little to do in the garden this month, compared with any others, and yet a good gardener will always find ample employment. A few peas and beans for the first spring crops may be sown, and as soon as the peas are above the ground let the tree rods be placed over them; this precaution will save them from the ill effects of frost, and bring them to table a month earlier, than otherwise; sow 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. The following may be useful to our agriculturists. It is taken from the Farmer's Magazine :-" Choose an open spot in the garden, where neither sparrows nor poultry may assail. Sow a few grains, properly prepared, of the sort to be improved, in one spot. At a few inches round put in six or eight grains of the sort whose properties are wished to be transferred. When they are all in flower, bind the ears of the outside plants to each of the ears of the centre plants with a string, so that they bear against each other, and receive the dust from each others flowers while the bloom. continues. It is hardly necessary to add. that the whole must be kept apart, and next year sowed and ripened together; because it cannot be known till then, whether any change has been effected, or which it is that may have received the new impression. But when cleaned and examined, the improved grains may be separated, kept and sowed by themselves, to raise a new stock." It is not generally known, that train. oil, rubbed on the boughs or stems of fruit trees, infested with the American blight, is a certain cure-the sceptical have only to try the experiment to be fully convinced of the efficacy of the recipe. The oil should be rubbed well on the boughs where the blight is seen, and a flannel is recommended as being most efficacious in the rubbing process the more offensive the oil, the better for the purpose. Accidents, On Sunday evening, the 7th ult., the premises of Mr. E. Wellard, in Argylestreet, were entered by thieves, while the family were attending divine service at their usual place of worship, but happily the intruders were disturbed, and they decamped without removing any thing valuable. It is to be hoped, this will operate as another caution to persons leaving their houses, without placing in charge, some proper person, as there is evidently a gang of robbers abroad at nights, ready to commit any mischief for which opportunity is afforded. A fire broke out on the 11th ult., about midnight, in the dwelling-house of a poor woman, named Lee, residing near Mr. Gray's, the poulterer, in Collinsstreet. The fire originated as many others have unfortunately done, by the woman incautiously taking a book to bed with her to read, and having fallen asleep, the blaze of the candle came in contact with the curtains of the bed, by which nearly every article the poor creature had was consumed. She is the mother of three children, the whole of whom with herself happily escaped, but they are at this moment in a state of utter destitution; and we beg to recommend them to the benevolent notice of charitably disposed individuals, as objects of the greatest commiseration. &c. We regret to state the occurrence of a fire, which took place at Glenore, the residence of William Bryan, Esq., J, P., on Thursday night last, by which a quantity of stacked grain, and a large barn, containing about two thousand bushels of threshed wheat, were entirely consumed. It is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.-Independent, 14th April. The bushrangers (supposed to be Britton's party) keep the settlers on the qui vive, who live in their beat. They paid a visit to a public-house (Lucas's) on the main road, within a few miles of this town, last Thursday, where they drank liquor, and paid for it, with money which they took from a man named Harris, a bailiff, who was at the house at the time they anonunced themselves first stabbing him with a bayonet.-Ib, On Monday, the 1st. ult., an inquest was held before Joseph Moore, Esq., Coroner, at Haskell's public-house, Macquarie-street, on the body of Richard Hames, who was unfortunately killed at Sandy Bay, the previous Saturday. A verdict was returned of-Accidental Death. The unfortunate deceased, was a most industrious man, and leaves a large family; he had a farm at the Tea tree brush, upon which he resided for several years, and which is now occupied |