1 Dec., 1899.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL, : 563 
The laying boxes are cheaply constructed from packing-cases, A. sliding 
door is fitted to each box at the front. The rear part open may be placed 
against the wall, thus ensuring a closed-in nest for laying or sitting hens. 
The total cost for each of the two built at the College is estimated at £6, 
apportioned as follows :— 
BS, cit, 
our trolley wheels ast) aa oe TO ky) 
Refrigerating material ... Nee ep ROY 1G) 
Galvanised iron pes grt eee, OM LOmRO 
Timber ... Wy es a ao BOO 
Iron and nails... Ls ats ne WP aw 
Carpenter’s wages ms VEN LY Nita ta cia ts () 
Blacksmith’s wages oe hs oy Ua. 
a) 10) 
A plentiful and continual supply of water may be provided by converting 
kerosene tins into airtight reservoirs permitting the water to run out when the 
water-level in the trough soldered on at the base falls below the two small holes 
in the side of the tin. 
The writer has scen as many as three portable fowlhouses in a large 
stubble field for several weeks after harvest. ‘lhe fowls were feeding within a 
radius of 200 yards of their respectiye homes. 
The method, if generally adopted, would greatly increase the output. of 
eggs and poultry, besides minimising the cost of production in the colony, and 
eventually, we trust, secure some considerable part of the trade at present 
confined to Russia, France, and other egg-exporting countries. 
The Orchard. 
ERUIT CULTURE IN QUEENSLAND. 
By ALBERT H. BENSON, 
THE CHICKASAW PLUM, 
Tite attention of this department having been drawn to the uncertainty of 
obtaining a crop of the varieties of plums belonging to this family, especially 
the Wild Goose plum, the following information lespecting their culture may be 
of interest to those who are growing this variety of fruit:—There are three 
species of wild plums, according to Downing, that are indigenous to North 
America, and of these the Chickasaw plum (Prunus chicasa, Michaux) has 
been cuttivated and improved to a considerable extent, so that there are now 
many varieties of this wild American plum in cultivation of more or less value 
commercially, In addition to obtaining improved varieties, the Chickasaw 
plum has been crossed with the Japanese plum during the past few years by 
Mr. Quther Burbank, of Santa Rosa, California, and several crosses of 
considerable merit have been originated and distributed by him. Several 
varieties of Chickasaw plums haye been introduced into Queensland by Myr. J. 
(+. Cribb, of Milton, and Mx. L. G. Corrie, of Brisbane, as well as by a Sydney 
firm of nurserymen some five years ago, and one at least of Burbank’s crosses, 
“The Juicy,” has been introduced by w Queensland hnurseryman. On the 
whole the trees have done well, and haye made good growth. None of the 
family that I know of are robust growers, as they have alla more or less 
willowy, strageling growth, often very dence and thorny, and several of the 
varieties are apt to become dense bushes rather than trees. ‘Ihe crosses with 
strong growing Japanese plums, however, show a more vigorous growth, and it 
