FRUITS OF QUEFXSLAXD. 71 



it is often met with growing in an entirely uncultivated condition, and bearing 

 heavy crops of fruit. Kumquats are easily grown, and are heavy bearers, aiu 1 

 all the different types of pomelos or shaddocks do well. Seedlings of the 

 latter are very hardy, as they are deep-rooted plants that stand dry weather 

 well and are, consequently, not liable to injury during dry spells. There is 

 very little demand for the fruit, but I am of opinion that the seedlings will 

 prove to be of value as stocks on which to work our best kinds of oranges. 



The culture of all kinds of citrus fruits, when grown in suitable soil, is 

 by no means difficult, as it consists mainly of keeping the land well stirred 

 and keeping down all weed growth during dry spells, the keeping of the trees 

 well pruned out in the centre, and the keeping in check of all diseases, both 

 insect and fungus. Although citrus fruits are subject to many pests, they are 

 for the most part easily kept in check by either spraying or cyaniding, or 

 both, provided that reasonable care is taken, and the pests are destroyed before 

 they have obtained control. Taken as a whole, our citrus fruits are remarkably 

 clean, and compare more than favourably with those grown in the Southern 

 States. The culture of these fruits is extending rapidly, with a corresponding 

 increase in production, but, despite this, our prices have been better during the 

 past season than for some years, as the quality of our fruit is such that it will 

 command a good market. When properly handled, it has good keeping 

 qualities, and I have no doubt that we will, in time, be able to supply the 

 markets of the Old and New Worlds with good fruit, in the best of condition, 

 at the time of the year that their markets are bare of locally-grown citrus fruit. 



There is a good opening for the growth of citrus fruits in this State, as 

 the writer knows of no country where they do better, where they can be 

 produced with as little trouble and expense, where they can be successfully 

 grown over such a large area, or where the soil and climate is more suited to 

 the production of fruits of the highest quality as in Queensland. 



THE PERSIMMON. 



This exceedingly handsome fruit of Japanese origin is grown to a high 

 state of perfection in this State, particularly in the coastal districts south of 

 the tropic of Capricorn. It is a fruit of comparatively recent introduction, the 

 oldest trees being less than thirty years of age, but has already become widely 

 distributed, as well as a favourite fruit amongst many. It is a very showy 

 fruit when well grown, but must be thoroughly ripe before it is eaten, as, if 

 not, it is extremely astringent, and anyone who has tackled an unripe fruit 

 has no wish to repeat the experience in a hurry. There are many varieties 

 of this fruit, some of which are seedless, and others more or less seedy. The 

 seedless kinds are usually preferred, as, as well as being seedless, they are the 

 largest and handsomest fruit. The different kinds vary considerably in the 

 size of tree, habit of growth, foliage, size and colour of fruit, &c. All are 

 easily grown, and most kinds are good and regular bearers. They do well on 



