INTRODUCTION. 
For several years past I have been investigating at odd 
times the diseases of citrus trees due to fungi, and the 
results are now brought together for the benefit of growers. 
Citrus-culture is with us as yet in its infancy, but from the 
profitable nature of the crop and the supply falling so far 
short of the demand, it is almost certain that in suitable 
localities there will soon be extensive planting. 
I find from the Agricultural Statistics of Victoria for 
1896-7 that only 32 acres were under oranges and 107 under 
lemons outside of Mildura, which had 369 acres of the former 
and 445 of the latter, while in 1897-8 there were 43,261 orange 
and 58,522 lemon trees in the colony as against 27,835 of 
the former and 35,710 of the latter in Mildura. 
We are just beginning to learn how well adapted are many 
parts of the colony for the growth of citrus fruits and how 
mistaken was the idea that they could only be profitably 
grown in a limited area around Sydney, whereas they are 
now grown more or less extensively in all the colonies and 
in localities formerly deemed quite unsuitable. 
It is a wise policy to provide for our own requirements if 
possible, and there is no reason, as far as soil and climate are 
concerned, why we should import such fruits much longer. 
At the present time we are being inundated with lemons from 
Italy, and this shows that a ready market awaits the success¬ 
ful grower. Not only is money expended in purchasing 
products which might be locally grown, but there is a danger 
of importing diseases which might seriously affect a young 
and rising industry. 
The Secretary for Trade and Customs has kindly furnished 
me with a return (Appendix 3) in which it is shown that 
during 1898 there were imported from Italy alone oranges 
and lemons to the value of £2,834 and £8,027 respectively, 
while if we take the value of all the oranges and lemons 
imported it is £50,614 and £11,884 respectively, or a total 
of £02,498 during one year. 
It is interesting to note that the most hopeful view is 
taken by those already in the business. 
