FliUITS OF QUEE'XSLAXD. 



55 



even covered with short soft spines. It has usually comparatively few seeds, 

 and these are surrounded by a rich custard-like pulp, which in the better kinds 

 is of very fine flavour, and is generally much liked. The fruit is not a good 

 keeper, still, given careful handling and packing, it can be kept for nearly a 

 week. All custard apples are easily raised from seed, but the better varieties 

 are propagated by grafting strong seedlings with wood taken from a tree pro- 

 ducing fruit of especial merit. Any good fruit soil will grow them, and they do 

 not require any especial treatment. 



Custard Apples, Brisbane District. 



There are still a large number of tropical fruits that I have not mentioned, 

 but space will not permit of my giving them more than a passing notice, as 

 they are not of any great value from a commercial standpoint at present. Of 

 these fruits the litchi, whampee, averoha, longan, vi-apple, and Chinese mango- 

 steen are practically confined to the North. The guava, of which there are 

 many species, grows anywhere; in fact, it is a pest in many cases, taking 

 complete possession of the land. It is not cultivated to any great extent, as it 

 grows so readily without, and, further, it harbours several pests whose presence 

 it is desirable to remove from the orchard. It is a useful fruit for home con- 

 sumption, as it stews well, makes an excellent jam, and its jelly is one of the 

 best. 



The rosella, a species of hibiscus, is an annual fruit that is grown to a 

 considerable extent in several parts of the State, and is used for pies, jams, 

 iind jellies. The latter is remarkably good, equal to that made from the red 



