Y 
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1 Mar., 1898.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 209 
under strict observation, and more will be heard of it in this Journal. Fruit 
from male plants were observed by the writer some years ago on the Herbert 
River. hese fruits were seedless, notwithstanding they obtained a diameter 
of quite 6 inches. ; 
Nicholson, in his ‘Gardeners’ Dictionary,” says that “cuttings of ripe 
shoots, if not deprived of their leaves, will root readily in a sandy soil under a 
bell glass.” 
However, in this country they grow so readily from seed that it is quite 
unnecessary to make nurseries of cuttings. The seed should, however, be 
planted where the tree is intended to remain. This should be at distances of 
4 feet, and two or three plants allowed to grow together, so that male plants 
may be cut down, leaving the females for the crop. 
One or two males should be left for fertilisation purposes, as it is thought 
that fertilised fruit have the better flavour. 
In forming any considerable plantation, a sheltered spot should be chosen, 
as notwithstanding the tree itself when properly grown is robust, yet it wiil 
not stand high winds or exposed positions. At Thursday Island, for instance, 
where there is usually a strong breeze, the papaw does not seem to luxuriate, 
whereas in less exposed positions, with perhaps inferior soil, a good crop may 
be obtained. 
At the Aboriginal Station, Yarrabah, Mr. Gribble informs me a consider- 
able quantity is being grown for the local manufacturer of papaw sauce. 
It would seem that the neighbourhood of Cairns is particularly well 
adapted for the growth of this plant. Persons going up the line to Kuranda 
notice it growing wild in the scrubs, and it would be hard to assure them that 
the plant is nota native. Doubtless the seeds are somewhat indigestible, and 
their dissemination has been caused by birds. 
The fruit was noted apparently indigenous in some of the lower islands 
of Fiji. It would be interesting to learn where Linneus obtained his 
specimens from. It has been noted by the writer in many parts of the world. 
Vegetable pepsine, which is obtained crude from the stem and fruit, has 
éonsiderable value in the London market. Inquiries were made by some 
merchants regarding the supply from this district some time ago, but up to the 
present no attempt has been made to collect and export it. It would seem 
that Cairns should be the centre from which this industry should ramify. 
Already the exertions of one man to direct the energy of farmers have been in 
a measure crowned with success. As it is, no locality is so favourably situated 
as the Cairns district for farmers, as a market is open, and the growth of the 
tree assured. Unfortunately, no authentic statistics have been recorded. The 
same may be said of coffee, for which so many are rushing, while the papaw is 
despised., 
Most tropical exploits are mere ventures, but papaw cultivation is a sure ~ 
thing. At any rate, you can sell your papaw—eat it green as a vegetable or 
ripe as a fruit. 
To extract the milk, which contains the pepsine, would require care ; but 
people of weak constitutions, who are unfit for other work, could do this. It 
is of very considerable: value in the London market at this time. The fruit 
also contains a large amount of this valuable liquid. It should be collected on 
glass, dried in the shade, and afterwards scraped off, put into bottles, corked 
and sealed. So far no intimation has been given in the produce journals of its 
yalue in this crude state. An effort will be made this year to obtain its value 
direet from the London market. While depreciating the laying out of a 
plantation entirely for papaw, it would form an excellent auxiliary to small 
coffee farms. : 
The fruit should be gathered when turning yellow, as it thereby 
maintains a good flavour. Flying foxes, however, feed on this fruit directly it 
changes colour. 
