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THE OLIVE (Olea Ewopcea.) 



One of the first trees introduced and planted in Western Aus- 

 tralia by the early settlers was the olive ; and the magnificent 

 specimens now seen at the older established places bear testimony 

 to its adaptability to the conditions prevailing here. The olive has, 

 however, never yet been extensively nor systematically cultivated here, 

 on account of the labour difficulty. The tree likes a deep free soil, 

 and, other things being equal, its productiveness and the size of the 

 fruit are greatly governed by the fertility of the soil and the 

 moistness of the climate. 



The olive begins to bear when four to six years old. As in the 

 case of the peach, the fruit is either clingstone or freestone. When 

 ripening it turns from green to purple, reddish brown, bluish, or- 

 black, with or without bloom. Even when ripe the fruit is harsh 

 and bitter, with the exception of a few varieties such as the Piru, 

 bearing sweet fruits which may be eaten fresh from the tree. For 

 pickling, this bitterness has to be removed. In size olives differ 

 greatly, from the size of a small grape berry to that of a small plum. 

 In selecting varieties the choice should be directed by the purpose 

 in view oil or pickles. 



If for oil : productiveness, quality of the oil, even ripening of 

 the fruit upon the tree, and hardiness of the tree should guide one's 

 choice. 



If for pickling : size of fruit, firmness of flesh when nearing 

 maturity, shape of fruit, quality of the pickled fruit, productiveness 

 and hardiness of the trees should be considered. 



Amongst some of the best for oil are : 



VEBDALE (Fig. 1). Ovoid-shaped, early ripening berry, a 

 little flattened at the base and elongated at the top ; of a green 

 brown colour when ripe ; not very prolific, but giving an oil of a 

 high quality. The tree makes relatively little wood, early and 

 constant bearer, carrying fruit low, enabling the harvesting to be 

 done at less cost. Can be planted 25 feet apart. 



BLANQUET. Small berries ; pulp bitter at first and gradually 

 turning sweeter ; a prolific variety on the Mediterranean seaside. 

 Handsome tree ; free grower. Plant 30 feet apart. 



PICHOLINE (Fig. 2) . A hardy, rapid-growing variety ; good 

 bearer; produces berries of medium size, ripening early, and yielding 

 about 16 per cent, of good oil, but not of a superior qualitj , better 

 adapted for pickling. Stands frost well. 



BOTJQUETIER. A favourite French oil producer. When 

 checked by judicious pruning will yield a large quantity of fruit. 

 Grows to a large tree. Plant 40 feet apart. 



Amongst other good oil sorts are : Infrantojo, Frantojo (said 

 to do well on hills), Nevadillo Blanco, Mission (from California). 



