297 



it, that the Durion is one of the most palatable fruits, and 

 equal in flavour to the Mango. The fruit is in. fact considered to be 

 an exquisite delicacy, and in 

 addition very nourishing and 

 easy of digestion. It is a 

 great favourite with the natives 

 of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and 

 Malaya who use it in large 

 quantities. Europeans residing 

 in those regions also become 

 partial to it. 



CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION. 

 As the Durion is a native of 

 moist tropical regions it can 

 only be successfully cultivated 

 in the warmest parts of 

 Australia. It would probably 

 thrive in the coastal regions of 

 Northern Queensland and 

 North Australia. The most 

 suitable localities are rich deep 

 soils, bordering rivers or creeks where there is shelter from strong 

 gales. Propagation is easily effected by seeds, which should be 

 planted about two inches deep. They may be planted at any time 

 of the year, but in the autumn or spring are the two most favourable 

 periods. Plants may also be obtained from ripened cuttings of the 

 current season's growth, with the leaves left on, which Avill strike 

 freely in sand or light soil. 



Durion. 



EDIBLE ACORNS. 



Several species of Oak yield Acorns that are turned to good account 

 as food for mankind in various countries. Quercus Castanea, an 

 evergreen American species, commonly known as the Mexican Oak 

 Chestnut, yields Acorns that are in flavour something like the 

 Chestnut, and are used to some extent as food in Mexico. Quercus 

 Garryana, a North West American species, commonly known as the 

 Californian White Oak, has Acorns having a s\veet agreeable flavour, 

 which are eaten to some extent. This species attains a large size, 

 and its timber is pale, hard grained, and very durable. Quercus lobata, 

 another species indigenous to North West America, known as the 

 Sacramenta White Oak, has fairly sweet Acorns, which were formerly 

 one of the staple articles of food with the aboriginal Indians.. The 

 tree is tall and wide spreading, and its wood is of good quality. 

 Quercus turbinella, a shrubby species which attains a height of only a 

 few feet, has very sweet Acorns that are used as food. It is a native 

 of California, and other parts of North West America. Quercus 

 cuspidate, an evergreen tree of large proportions from Japan, bears 



