1 Ocr., 1899. ] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 423 
and taken root. When the seedlings were discovered they were already from 
2 to 5 inches in height, and the crofters lost no time in imansplandne those 
Which looked the strongest and most vigorous to their gardens, where they are 
now thriving young trees. 
It is, in the light of this fact, quite possible that some of the seeds of the 
many thousands of apples, pears, lemons, and oranges, which have been con- 
demned by our fruit inspectors and cast into Moreton | 
sinilar way, germinated and taken root on the coast of the mainland or on 
some of the islands towards the North. It is well known that pie-melons many 
years ago could be found growing wild along the Northern coasts, evidently 
being the produce of seeds thrown overboard from some passing vessel. As 
to the salt water injuring the seeds, it would appear that in the case under 
notice it had no injurious effect whatever. 
3ay, may have, in a 
JUDGING POTATORS. 
Porarors hitherto have been judged by their size, smoothness, evenness, colour, 
and by other points visible in the raw product. It has remained for Jamaicn 
judges to prove the goodness of the potato by a practical test. At Kingston, in 
June last, four judges sat down toa table covered with dishes of boiled potatoes. 
A well-known practical cook took charge of the preparation of the tubers for 
the table, and dished them up to perfection. The lots were carefully numbered. 
and boiled in separate utensils, and came to the table in perfect condition. 
Then two curious things happened. One lot appeared so laughing and mellow 
that all instantly said, ‘‘ That’s the winner alread fe 
‘Sete é y.” The other thing was that 
lot No. 1, taken first, bobs ahead all the time, and won first place, whilst the fine- 
looking lot came in badly, having a strong earthy taste. This lot, which came 
to the table so beautifully mellow and tempting-looking, had one first prize at 
Kingston Show. ; 
This was a novel competition, and one which might with advantage be 
introduced into Queensland. Many varieties of potatoes look excellent whilst 
in the raw state, but “ the proof of the potato is in the cooking,” and many first- 
prize takers at our shows might, if placed in the hands of a first-rate cook, 
prove to be unworthy of a place on the table. 
TO PREVENT BIRDS SITTING ON GRAFTS. 
We have often had cause to lament the breaking down of 
a gratt by the perching thereon of heavy birds. Now, here 
is a simple way of affording the succulent graft perfect 
protection. Bend a piece of cane or green willow over the 
graft, as shown in the diagram. You will have no further 
trouble. 
