HOCKINGS' GARDEN MANUAL. 



85 



THE DATE PLUM-(Diospyros Kaki). 



The date plum grows and bears well in the neigh- 

 borhood of Brisbane. There are several varieties of 

 Diospyros producing edible fruit which have not yet 

 been introduced; and the Diospyros Ebenus is the ebony 

 of commerce. 



The date plum may be propagated by seeds, layers, 

 or cuttings. A rich, damp loam is suitable, and the 

 plants (which grow about fifteen feet high) may be 

 placed at eighteen feet apart. The only pruning neces- 

 sary is, to clear the suckers and undergrowth, and to 

 keep the centre of the tree open. 



The tree is deciduous. Transplant from May to 

 August, 



THE DURION— (Durio Zibethinus). 



The durion is a native of the East Indies, and 

 grows to the height of sixty feet. The fruit is pro- 

 duced in bunches, and when ripe has a most powerful 

 and unpleasant odour, somewhat resembling rotten 

 onions, which offensive smell infects the breath of the 

 person eating it. The fruit is very large, sometimes 

 being the size of a man's head ; the edible part is of a 

 creamy substance, and of so delicate a flavor that it is 

 stated to be " one of the most delicious productions of 

 nature and that " when a person has once accus- 

 tomed himself to eat the fruit, he generally considers 

 it the most excellent of all." 



THE FIG— (Fieus Carica), 



The fig is one of the oldest known fruits ; and in 

 many parts of the old world has, from the earliest ages, 

 been used as a highly valued article of food. The 



