1 Dec., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 427 
Field 1, Sec. IIT. is entirely under Ceara rubber. On the borders, permanently 
planted out, are mango-trees, cocoanut, and West African oil palms, and a few others. 
Fivld 2, Sec. IIT—About one-half of this field is also permanently occupied with 
the new African rubber-trees, but as these are as yet young, and are planted 20 feet 
apart, varieties of papaws have been planted in the rows, and beans and cow-peas 
between them. The temporary cultivation consists of New Guinea palms and 
turmeric, a further portion being now under the plough. ‘The borders are plan' ed with 
mango-trees, sour sop, areca palms, &c. 
Field 3, Sec. IIT. is under Ceara rubber, grasses, canes, and pineapples. 
The new clearing opened last year contains young cocoa-trees, vanilla, Piper 
Niorum, P. Methysticum. Monstera deliciosa, and some Casti//ou e/ustica trees ; and, 
under temporary cultivation, some tobacco, pumpkins, rice, ginger, &e. 
The following is a general report upon the main branches of economic plant life 
that are being cultivated, propagated, acclimatised, or experimented with on the 
nursery :— 
Sucar-Canrs.—During September, in accordance with, and in completion of, 
standing instructions, as complete a list as possible of specimen plants of each of the 
varieties in the collection of canes at the nursery was sent to some fifteen sugar 
plantations. The canes were well grown and in g od order, were carefully examined 
for disease, waxed at the ends and specially packed. ‘Vhe collection consisted mainly 
of the valuable New Guinea canes. Subsequently, in accordance with instructions, 
no further attention is being given to them, and no distributions made. A few canes 
raised from seed last year are still in existence, but are not being cultivated. 
Crrrus ‘TREes.—The special attention given to these trees in spraying, and careful 
collecting of fly-affected fruit, has shown satisfactory results this year, tor pnouRe 
the nursery is surrounded by scrub containing many wild fruits, badly infested for the 
greater part of the whole year, a very fair crop has been obtained, and loss from fruit 
fly less than has been known foryears. Flying foxes have also not been so troublesome. 
The Washington Navel trees have not only given a fair crop, but tie fruit has proved a, 
very fine orange, large, thin-skinned, practically seedless, and very sweet. Plants are 
obtained by the Indian method of branch rooting, and limited quantities are 
available. “An apparent hybridisation has been noticeable from this seedless variety 
—several specimens of Mozambique and. Mandarin oranges betraying the navel as weil 
as the general characteristics of the Washington Navel Orange. 
A large number of scions, grafts, and seedlings of all varicties of citrus trees have 
been distributed. 
Bananas. - Very little has been done beyond preserving the better varieties of 
these. A number have been distributed to applicants, and a small collection was 
despatched to Ceylon. 
Cocoa (The-hroma eucao).—A number of seedlings were raised from the seed of 
parent plants in the nursery. The cocoa trees. however, do not thrive. Three large 
trees have died out during the year, two from grubs or borers in the roots, and one 
apparently from a species of dry rot in the root. Some trouble has been experienced 
also in the new clearing with the young cocoa plants, many of these dying and having 
to be replanted from the same cause. Those now growing, however, give good. 
promise. A few plants in pots are still available, but they would seem to be delicate 
and to require special and constant attention in the field. 
Manaosrnen (Garcinia mongistana).—The two trees transplanted last year have 
died out. One now growing in the nursery would also seem to be dying. The dry 
season and lack of atmospheric moisture this year have been against such trees as 
these, that naturally thrive under the more especially humid conditions of a tropical 
climate. 
Paums.—The list has again been considerably added to, and a large number of 
plants distributed. A number are in bearing, and it is anticipated that several other 
varieties will bear during the coming season. 
Breapervrr anp Jacxrrurr.—Both of these have been bearing well this season. 
The former, especially, which have now regained all they lost in the slight frosts of 
1899. The new varieties obtained from Samoa are doing well, and constitute a 
valuable collection. 
Sprcrs.—The department is to be congratulated upon obtaining seed of nutmegs 
and cloves. These have been carefully set, and it is to be hoped will germinate well; 
but this is unfortunately by no means a foregone conclusion ; some of the cloves had 
already put out rootlets in the charcoal packing when received. ‘The success of these 
