COLONIES. The British Colonies exert a most important influence on our National Manufactures. So varied are the climate and productions of those colonies, scattered as they are in every part of the world, that the talent of our manufacturers is repeatedly brought into play to supply the every-day wants of the colonists : especially as it is the policy of England—wise or unwise—to confine her colonial trade pretty nearly to her corn manufacturers, merchants, and ship-owners.
In a parliamentary paper published in 1850 the whole of the British Colonies and depen dencies, including British India, are placed under 48 headings ; and the value of all the British and Irish produce and manufactures, exported to those 48 possessions in the year 1819, is stated. These exports are arranged under 48 headings, according to the kinds of goods exported. Without entering into tide degree of minuteness, it may yet be interesting to give the total values to each of the colonies, which we do as follow :— It is no less interesting to see which among our manufactures are exported iu greatest value to these numerous possessions. Cottons take the lead ; in their various forms of piece goods, hosiery, lace, small wares, twist, and yarn, their value is no less than 7,204,4691.
Iron, steel, and machinery, amount in value to 1,050,9011. All other metal goods (gold, silver, tin, pewter, brass, and copper) give an aggregate of 1,374,3101. Woollen and wor sted goods amount to 1,275,8331. Linen and hempen goods, 710,9511. Glass and earthen ware. 291,0521. Apparel, slops, haberdashery, and hats, 1,281,9271. Leather and harness, 319,9371. Beer and ale, 294,9911. Soap and candles, 202,0771. Books and stationery, 309,4221.—Out of the sixteen millions sterling, about eleven millions relate to the materials for dress.
The imports from the Colonies to Great Britain consist chiefly in the raw materials of manufactures, and vegetable substances used', for food. Their value is not given with the' same degree of minuteness in the government tables ; but they are less in value than the exports.
Canada, Ceylon, the Cape of Good Hope, and several other of these colonies, will be re presented at the Industrial Exhibition.