the most part easily kept in check by either
spraying or cyaniding, or both, provided that reasonable care is taken,
and the pests are destroyed before they have obtained control. Taken as
a whole, our citrus fruits are remarkably clean, and compare more than
favourably with those grown in the Southern States. The culture of these
fruits is extending rapidly, with a corresponding increase in
production, but, despite this, our prices have been better during the
past season than for some years, as the quality of our fruit is such
that it will command a good market. When properly handled, it has good
keeping qualities, and I have no doubt that we will, in time, be able to
supply the markets of the Old and New Worlds with good fruit, in the
best of condition, at the time of the year that their markets are bare
of locally-grown citrus fruit.

There is a good opening for the growth of citrus fruits in this State,
as the writer knows of no country where they do better, where they can
be produced with as little trouble and expense, where they can be
successfully grown over such a large area, or where the soil and climate
is more suited to the production of fruits of the highest quality as in
Queensland.

[Illustration: Lisbon Lemon, Esk District.]

THE PERSIMMON.

This exceedingly handsome fruit of Japanese origin is grown to a high
state of perfection in this State, particularly in the coastal districts
south of the tropic of Capricorn. It is a fruit of comparatively recent
introduction, the oldest trees being less than thirty years of age, but
has already become widely distributed, as well as a favourite fruit
amongst many. It is a very showy fruit when well grown, but must be
thoroughly ripe before it is eaten, as, if not, it is extremely
astringent, and anyone who has tackled an unripe fruit has no wish to
repeat the experience in a hurry. There are many varieties of this
fruit, some of which are seedless, and others more or less seedy. The
seedless kinds are usually preferred, as, as well as being seedless,
they are the largest and handsomest fruit. The different kinds vary
considerably in the size of tree, habit of growth, foliage, size and
colour of fruit, &c. All are easily grown, and most kinds are good and
regular bearers. They do well on any fruit soil, and some of the
dwarf-growing kinds are well adapted for growing in private gardens, on
account of the small amount of room they take up. The trees are