PREFACE. 



♦ 



The following letters will explain the origin of the unpretending 

 work which I now venture to offer to the Agricultural Colonists of 

 Queensland :-— 



Acclimatisation Society of Queensland, 



Brisbane, 1st March, 1872. 



Sir, 



The attention of the Acclimatisation Society having Been 

 directed to the Olive as a production suited to the climate of Queens- 

 land, and calculated to vary the products of, and to create a new source 

 of wealth to, the Colony, it has been determined to introduce during the 

 ensuing autumn, from reliable sources, a sufficient supply of plants to 

 place within reach of settlers willing to test the capabilities of the 

 tree, specimens of those kinds which experience has taught to be 

 productive of the best fruit for oilmaking, as well as of the most 

 copious crops. 



The arrangements for carrying out this object are all made; 

 and in another month or two the plants will be at the disposal of those 

 who are willing to follow the example, which the society will itself set, 

 of making small plantations, by way of initiating a new and important 

 industry. 



Simultaneously, however, with this action, it appears to be 

 necessary that the colonists should have placed within their reach a 

 Handbook containing information as to the planting and cultivation of 

 a tree almost new to the Colony, and which, in Olive oil producing 

 countries, receives exceptional treatment, unlike that of any of the 

 fruit-bearing trees now in cultivation among us. In view of this 

 necessity, I have, for some time past, been engaged in getting together, 

 from various sources, all printed matter published, under the authority 

 of names of more or less weight, in the hope of finding something, the 

 reprint of which might satisfy the want referred to. 



I find, however, without venturing to question the dicta of these 

 writers, defects of various kinds in their method of putting together 

 the useful information they afford, which lessens the practical utility of 

 their pamphlets. It is also apparent that in some cases important 

 points have been overlooked altogether ; while in others a mass of 

 statistical information, of little use to the farmer seeking a cultural 

 and descriptive guide, weakens their value for that purpose. 



I have conceived the intention of endeavoring myself to 

 disentangle the more immediately iiseful and practical information 

 afforded by these and older authorities, and of offering it in pamphlet 

 form to the agriculturists of Queensland. By simplification of arrange- 

 ment, aided by an index, I hope to place before the beginner in a new 



