HORTIC UL Ti -RE. 1 49 



be tlie object chiefly in view. Quality seems to be generally ignored, 

 altliough cabbages of superb quality arc frequently to be met with in 

 private gardens, or even in small market-gardens worked byEumiJuans; 

 the difference in quality is extraordinary, proving beyond all (iiit'stioii 

 that the best cabbages can be grown, not in one or two localities, but 

 throughout the Colony, as the writer has had many opportunities of 

 proving. 



The potato is a vegetable largely used, and can be grown of the 

 best quality and in almost any quantity ; but not nearly enou"-h for 

 our own consumption is produced. Coghlan says : — 



The amount of potatoes imported for local consumption during 1894 was 31,013 tons, 

 while the quantity available from the fields of tlie Colony, after allowing for seed, 

 was 78,237 tons. The net imports amounted, therefore, to 23 per cent, of tiie total 

 consumption, as compared with 42 per cent, in 1893, and 52 per cent, in 1892. 



As with fruits and flowers, the variety of vegetables that can bo 

 produced throughout the year in New South Wales is surprising. 

 In some of the warmest localities near the coast, in the north-eastern- 

 most portion of the Colony, tender vegetables like the French beau 

 and tomato can be grown all the year round. The latter may be seen 

 growing wild in some places, the seed having probably been spread 

 about by birds. Here the sweet potato, thePapaw apple, and varieties 

 of yams are grown in conjunction with such vegetables as cauliiowers, 

 cabbages, onions, and potatoes. 



Probably every vegetable worth growing for domestic purposes can 

 be produced in various parts of New South Wales of the very best 

 quality. Splendid asparagus and celery can be grown, but it is 

 clifficult to obtain them of good quality or at a reasonable price. 

 Rhubarb, too, can be groAvn equally well, but is neglected, and 

 quantities are imported, and, of course, being stale when used, cannot 

 be equal to that freshly gathered. The most surprising thing is that 

 we import and use considerable quantities of tinned vegetables, such 

 as tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and others, when it really should be the 

 other way about, and our exports should be large. 



Melons, cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, and marrows grow to 

 great perfection, but very often they are grown together, and become 

 crossed and recrossed to such an extent that good varieties deterio- 

 rate and become greatly spoiled ; but good seeds true to name can 

 always be obtained from seedsmen in the city and their agents in the 

 country, and at very reasonable prices. 



Not much attention has been given to seed-raising, although it 

 should be a profitable industry. At one time in our short history, 

 when cultivation was confined to the County of Cumberland, it was 

 considered that seed deteriorated greatly, and no doubt this was the 

 case with some kinds of vegetables, but it has since been proved that 

 seed equal to any imported, and indeed in many instances better, can 

 be raised in our cool climates. This is a branch of horticulture which 

 might be made profitable by anyone skilled in such work, if sutticient 

 care be given to it. 



From the foregoing remarks it Avill be apparent that our horti- 

 cultural potentialities are practically unlimited, and it only needs the 

 necessary knowledge, skill, aiid perseverance for our settlers to develop 

 them for their own profit, pleasure, and health. 



