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D.—2:

inform you that, having received tenders for printing the work from the several firms I then mentioned, I decided on placing the work in the hands of Messrs. Wyman, of 74, Great Queen Street, Lincolns Inn Fields. I enclose a sheet of 1G pages as a specimen of the style in which the work is being executed, which I trust will be, both as to typography and paper, satisfactory to you. 2. In connection with the question of printing, I found it desirable to reconsider the somewhat difficult problem of illustration, and to abandon in part the design I had contemplated, of reproducing all the illustrations by the photographic process. The difficulty of binding so large a number of photographs would, I found, add considerably to the charges connected with printing and publication, but there was moreover to be contemplated, the serious danger of delay involved in the method of illustration by that process, especially in this climate. I proposed to Messrs. Naidley accordingly, to substitute for the contract which I had concluded with them, one by which I agreed to take seven subjects for each volume, done with great care, at an enhanced rate by the Woodbury process ; and I determined to have the remaining illustrations executed in the first style of wood engraving. Having consulted Mr. S. C. Hall, the editor of the Art Journal, so well known for the excellence of its illustrations, in regard to the best way of proceeding, he enabled me to make an arrangement by which the work will be executed by some of the best artists on the staff of that journal, on terms which I am advised are exceedingly moderate. The cost of illustration will therefore,- on the whole, be considerably less than I had contemplated; and I enclose you several specimens of both photographs and woodcuts, that you may be able to judge of the way in which the subjects you sent me are being reproduced by both processes. 3. The lithographing of the maps was in a very forward state, when I was so much struck by the superiority of those which came from the Public Works Department by last mail over those originally sent by you, that I determined to cancel the first orders, and have reduced copies of those of later date substituted. Mr. Eavenstein, to whom I have intrusted the execution of the large map of the colony, is good enough to advise me in this matter, and to correct the proofs. 4. I have made all my arrangements for the publication of the work within two months from the present date. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G-., Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 56. The Agent-Geneeai to the Hon. the Ministee for Imhigeation. (No. 1683.J 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— Ist October, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 2nd July (No. 190), containing a copy of some interesting communications addressed to you by Mr. J. G. Corbett, of Wellington, on the subject of emigration of the small-farmer class of people. 2. I have taken some pains to master the details of Mr. Corbett's scheme, which contemplates the foundation of a series of colonized districts, beginning with a central hamlet of forty farms of ten acres each, and then developing successive circles of concentric settlements surrounding the original hamlet, but with a belt of common land intervening between each series. Mr. Corbett further suggests that the Government should build cottages for the settlers on these settlements, and that I should be authorized to grant them free steerage passages to the colony. 3. Mr. Corbett is well aware, and does not omit to point out, that in orderto give effect to such a scheme of colonization, it will be necessary to alter the existing law and land regulations of the colony. Should the Government decide to introduce a measure to that effect, I shall be happy to do all that is in my power to make its provisions known to the agricultural classes in this country. I have, &c, I. E. Peatheeston, The Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G., Wellington. \ Agent-General.

No! 57. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Minister for Ihmigbation. (No. 1684.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 26th September, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Vogel's letter of Ist July (No. 107), transmitting copy of a letter from Mr. J. Warlow Davies, of Auckland, in reference to Welsh emigration. I have been, as you are aware, especially by my letter of 10th July, No. 1439, for some time desirous of stimulating emigration from the Principality, but have not had all the success I expected. It is my intention, however, in connection with my proposed visit to Ireland, to stay for some days in Wales, and I shall not fail to bear in mind the suggestion of Mr. Davies' letter. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.