THE ORCHARD. 



HERE is probably no country in the world 

 capable of producing in perfection a greater 

 variety of fruits than Queensland. Enjoying 

 a climate ranging from that of Europe on the Downs, 

 to the tropical temperature of Mackay, she may em- 

 brace in her productions the English Gooseberry, 

 Strawberry, Apple and Pear : and the Pineapple, 

 Guava. and Mango. Next to the growth of Sugar, 

 Cotton, Tobacco, and Coffee, this Colony is likely to 

 excel in the abundance of its fruits : possessing such a 

 variety of temperature and a fertile soil, it awaits only 

 the skill and enterprise of man to transfer its stately 

 forest into vineyards, orchards, and cornfields. Unlike 

 the older colonies, here is a large local demand, almost 

 wholly supplied by importations, and there can, there- 

 fore, be no doubt as to finding a market for the pro- 

 duce. 



The Orchard should be a feature in every farm. 

 Every little homestead in the suburbs should have a few 

 fruit trees of the best sorts, if only for the use of the 

 household. Quite independent of the wholesomeness 

 of good fruit in a warm climate (where, as a rule, too 

 little vegetable food is consumed), it is wise to take 

 some little trouble to surround the " horne : ' with such 

 comforts and attractions as a few fruit trees and a neatly 

 kept flower border. 



In all the directions which follow, it is pre-sup- 

 posed that the land about to be planted has been 

 cleared and trenched throughout to an uniform depth 



