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Nut, natural size. Kernel, natural size. 



HISTORY AND USES. 



This is a handsome evergreen tree indigenous to the coastal districts of 

 Southern Queensland and the northern rivers of New South Wales. It is 

 commonly known as the Queensland Nut, but the one used in the heading 

 is more appropriate. Botanical ly it is known as Macadamia ternifolia, 

 and it belongs to the natural order Proteacese. The tree attains a height 

 of from forty to fifty feet, and has deep green leaves from five to eight 

 inches long, generally serrated, but sometimes not. The flowers are white, 

 produced in long racemes, and in great abundance. The fruit is nearly 

 round, and from three quarters of an inch to an inch in diameter. These 

 nuts, which have very hard shells, enclose a kernel similar in appearance 

 to a Hazel Nut. but richer in flavour. As the trees are very prolific, they 

 are worth cultivating for the sake of their nuts, in congenial localities. 

 They are also well worthy of attention as ornamental trees, and their 

 handsome evergreen foliage will be seen to advantage in the shrubbery. 

 Tiie tree is also of some value for its timber, which is of a red colour, 

 beautifully marked aud close grained, being well adapted for the use of 

 cabinet makers and turners. 



CULTIVATION. 



The Australian Nut may be grown successfully in localities where 

 frosts do not occur, bet it is useless to plant it in the cooler districts. It 

 may do well in all but very stiff soils, but thrives best in a deep sandy 

 loam where the drainage is perfect. Shelter is also required, as the trees 

 are apt to suffer when exposed to the full effects of strong winds. The 

 best time for planting is in the autumn, though it may be done at any 

 time between then and September. If planted as orchard trees the 

 distance apart should not be less than thirty feet, as that space will be 

 eventually required by the branches, though not for many years. While 

 the trees are young they should be pruned so as to get them into the 

 desired form. When they get larger they will require but little attention 

 in the way of pruning, all that is necessary being to regulate the growth 

 of over-vigorous shoots, and to thin out the branches when the heads are 

 too much crowded. 



