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and it belongs to the large natural order Rosaces, or the Rose family. The 

 generic name comes from erion (wool) and botri/s (a bunch of grapes), in 

 allusion to the woolly appearance of the fruit and its mode of growth. 

 It was formerly called Mespilus japonic:*, and by some botanists it has 

 been recently re-named Pkotinia enobotrt/a. It is a native of Japan and 

 China, and derives its common name from the first named of these countries. 

 This fruit appears to have been confined to its native countries till near the 

 end of the last century, when it was introduced to England underjthe 

 name of the Japanese Medlar, which it retained for a considerable timer 

 The Loquat was introduced to New South Wales in the early days of that 

 colony, and is a well-known and popular fruit in the neighbourhood of 

 Sydney and in other coast districts. In the other colonies it has not 

 received so much attention as it deserves, considering its useful 

 qualities. As a fruit-bearing tree it is valuable, being very prolific, 

 and seldom failing to produce a crop when growing- under fairly 

 favourable conditions. When eaten fresh and fully ripe the fruit is 

 refreshing and grateful to the palate. For culinary purposes it is 

 excellent, and it makes a very palatable jam. The fruit can also be 

 preserved by drying after the seeds are removed, and if carefully 

 prepared will keep for years. Fruit intended for drying should be 

 thoroughly ripe, as otherwise its flavour is not fully developed. 

 Drying may be effected by halving the fruit and exposing to the sun, 

 or 'it may be done more quickly, if desired, by artificial heat. 

 Independent of its value as a fruit producer, the Loquat is a hand- 

 some evergreen tree, and well adapted for planting in ornamental 

 grounds or shrubberies. The foliage is distinct and striking, and 

 makes an effective contrast with many other ornamental trees and 

 shrubs. The Loquat is also effective as a shelter tree on the boundaries 

 of vinevards and orchards, while at the same time it yields a return 

 in its crops of fruit. 



CULTIVATION. 



The Loquat may be grown, successfully in those parts of Australasia 

 that are not subject to heavy frosts. Though the trees will stand 

 throe or four degrees of frost with impunity, yet a lower temperature 

 will not suit them, ami they are better adapted for the warmer 

 districts than cold ones. They are also likely to thrive better on 

 sloping ground, where they will get the full benefit of the early 

 morning sun, than when growing in low-lying localities, Avhere the 

 frosts and winter fogs are heavy. Loquats will thrive in any 

 ordinary good soil of moderate depth, but they delight in a rich sandy 

 loam. In preparing the land stir the ground deeply, as deep 

 cultivation is of material importance to the well-being of the trees, 

 which require a good root bed. It is also essential that the land 

 should be drained, if necessary, as the trees are rather impatient of an 

 excess of water standing at their roots. The best time for planting, 

 when trees in a suitable condition can be obtained, is early in the 

 autumn, when the ground is warm, so that the plants get the 

 advantage of a quick start, and are able to yet fairly re-established 

 before the cold weather sets in. Trees, however, should not be 



