Apple Growing in Tasmania. 747 



shipped by tliese firms. During the last two years, however, outside 

 boats have been seeking a share of the trade, and a few of the large 

 growers have shipped direct, and the hope is freely expressed that 

 this system will soon become general. 



Prices Realised. 



The price realised by the grower at the packing sheds during the 

 last year or two has been 3s. a case, which is regarded as being quite 

 satisfactory, but there are many instances in which the grower 

 provides the case and paper, besides packing and delivering at the 

 wharf at Hobart. With these the grower is provided with his own 

 sheds, and, as a rule, the packing is more carefully done as the work 

 is supervised by the grower, or done with the aid of his family, a 

 system now becoming more general. Under these conditions 4s. per 

 case is paid for the best shipping varieties. In some instances the 

 firms referred to ship for the grower at a charge, by way of com- 

 mission, of 3d. a case. 



Extent of the Trade and Probable Expansion. 



At the time of my leaving, 500,000 cases had been shipped, and it 

 was considered that there would be about 800 cases additional before 

 the close of the season, which would extend to the end of April. This 

 however, by no means covers all shipments from Tasmania, as heavy 

 consignments are sent to inter-state markets and elsewhere, and it is 

 estimated that over a million bushels would be available for shipment 

 after the English market had closed. 



In di'iving through the various districts one is struck with the 

 enormous increase in the area planted. In all directions newly 

 planted orchards may be seen, and extensive areas being prepared 

 for the reception of trees, but, as before stated, planting is limited to 

 the valleys ; the hills and back country being regarded as 

 unsuitable. 



Freedom from Pests. 



The freedom from pests, insect or fungus, shows the great 

 advantage the Tasmanian growers possess over those in this and other 

 States. It is claimed by them that disease has been stamped out. 

 If such is the case, there is a prospect of our own product being 

 considerably improved, but I am under the impression that their 

 climatic conditions are not so favorable for its development as here. 

 As in the case of codlin moth, there it is understood that one brood 

 only in the year is produced, whilst here, it is found necessary to 

 protect the fruit, by spraying, fi'om setting to gathering. As to 

 black spot, which gives such trouble here, there is not much to be 

 seen anywhere through the orchards, and spraying is but little 

 resorted to. Scale shows itself here and there, but that also is kept 

 well in hand. 



