128 



would probably prove suitable for many of the warm interior portions of 

 Australia. The tree will adapt itself to almost any soil or situation, 

 provided there is effective drainage. Propagation is easily effected by 

 seeds, which should be planted an inch and a-half deep. Layers will 

 root readily, and ripened cuttings of the current season's growth will 

 strike in sand if protected from the weather. 



MEDLAR. 



HISTORY AND USES. 



This fruit is not cultivated to any great extent, and is not likely to be 

 used extensively, but many people are partial to it, and it is worth a 

 place in an orchard. Botanically it is general!}' known as Mespilus 

 r/ermatnca, and it belongs to the natural order Kosace<e. The name 

 comes from mesos (a half) and pilos (a bullet), in allusion to the peculiar 

 form of the fruit. Some* modern botanists have discarded the name 

 Mespilus, and call the tree Pt/rus germanica, which, in English, means 

 German Apple. The tree is closely allied to the Apple, but the fruit is 

 harder, more austere, less juicy, and cannot be eaten till it is well 

 advanced towards decay. When the fruit arrives at this stage it is highly 

 appreciated by many, but on the other hand, the Medlar is by no means 

 generally popular. Medicinally the fruit is considered to be wholesome 

 and slightly laxative. The Medlar is indigenous to the south of Europe 

 and Western Asia, being a middle or small-sized tree covered with spines 

 in its wild state. It seems to have been naturalised throughout the 

 greater part of Europe, but its use has always been limited, and no 

 traditions exist respecting it as is the case with most other fruits that 

 have been long known. The Medlar is of slow growth in comparison 

 with the Apple and the Pear, but under favourable conditions it will live 

 to a great age. The wood of the Medlar is very hard and durable, and is- 

 utilized to some extent in Europe by turners and cabinet makers. 



CULTIVATION. 



The Medlar will thrive in many parts of Australasia, excepting tropical 

 regions, and will do in any ordinary fair soil. In preparing the ground 

 for this fruit stir deeply, and provide for drainage where necessary. If 

 planted in orchard fashion the trees should be placed about eighteen to 

 twenty feet apart. As, however, two or three trees will generally be 

 sufficient in a garden, they may often be planted with advantage in odd 

 corners, where they will not interfere with other kinds. They may also 

 be planted with advantage in miscellaneous shrubberies, as their bright 

 foliage and fruit make a fine contrast with many other trees. But little 

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

 young trees and to thin out the heads of older ones when the branches 

 are too numerous. The ground should be kept as free from weeds as 



