FRUITS OF QUEENSLAND. 15 



and it is capable of considerable extension, so that, in the writer's opinion, it 

 offers a good field for the intending settler. Carried out in the manner 

 indicated, he has no hesitation in saying that Queensland is a good place in 

 which to start fruit-growing, that the advantages it possesses cannot be sur- 

 passed or even equalled elsewhere, and, further, that as our seasons are the 

 opposite of those in countries situated on the north of the equator, our fruits 

 ripen in the off-seasons of similar fruit grown in those countries, and, with 

 our facilities for cold storage and rapid transit, can be placed on their markets 

 at a time that they are bare of such fruits, thus securing top prices. 



Queensland has practically an unlimited area of land suitable for fruit 

 culture, much of which is at present in its virgin state, and is obtainable on 

 easy terms and at a low rate. Government land is worth on an average 

 1 per acre, and privately-owned land suitable for fruit-growing can be pur- 

 chased at from 10s. to 5 per acre, according to its quality and its distance 

 from railway or water carriage. We have plenty of land, what we lack is 

 population to work it ; and there is no fear of over-crowding for many years 

 to come. We have not only large areas of good fruit land at reasonable rates, 

 but the Government of Queensland, through its Department of Agriculture, is 

 always ready to give full information to intending settlers, to assist them in 

 their selection of suitable land, to advise them as to the kinds of fruit to plant, 

 to give practical advice in the cultivation, pruning, manuring, and general 

 management of the orchard as well as in the disposal or utilisation of the fruit 

 when grown; in short, to help the beginner to start on the right lines, so that 

 he will be successful. 



There is also little if any fear of over-extending the fruit-growing 

 industry, as, if it is conducted on the right lines and on sound business prin- 

 ciples, we can raise fruit of the highest quality at a price that will enable us 

 to compete in the markets of the world especially now that we have direct 

 and rapid communication at frequent intervals with Canada, the United States 

 of America, the East (Japan, Manilla, &c.), Europe, and the United Kingdom. 



