t the better varieties
are propagated by grafting strong seedlings with wood taken from a tree
producing fruit of especial merit. Any good fruit soil will grow them,
and they do not require any especial treatment.

[Illustration: Custard Apples, Brisbane District.]

There are still a large number of tropical fruits that I have not
mentioned, but space will not permit of my giving them more than a
passing notice, as they are not of any great value from a commercial
standpoint at present. Of these fruits the litchi, whampee, averoha,
longan, vi-apple, and Chinese mangosteen are practically confined to the
North. The guava, of which there are many species, grows anywhere; in
fact, it is a pest in many cases, taking complete possession of the
land. It is not cultivated to any great extent, as it grows so readily
without, and, further, it harbours several pests whose presence it is
desirable to remove from the orchard. It is a useful fruit for home
consumption, as it stews well, makes an excellent jam, and its jelly is
one of the best.

The rosella, a species of hibiscus, is an annual fruit that is grown to
a considerable extent in several parts of the State, and is used for
pies, jams, and jellies. The latter is remarkably good, equal to that
made from the red currant of colder climes, and will no doubt become an
article of export at no very distant date. The fruit also dries well,
and makes an excellent pickle. It is raised from seed, the young
seedlings being set out in well-prepared land when all danger of frost
is past. It is a rapid grower, and forms a bush some 4 feet across by 4
or 5 feet high. It is a heavy bearer, and the fruit meets with a ready
sale. To do well, the plants require a warm, free, well-drained soil, as
they do not thrive where there is any stagnant water at or near the
roots.

The avocado or alligator pear is not grown to any extent, though it
thrives well, particularly to the north of the tropic of Capricorn, and
can also be grown successfully as far south as the New South Wales
border. It is a fruit that deserves to be cultivated to a much greater
extent than it is at present, and once it becomes better known I have no
doubt that it will be planted in considerable numbers, and prove a very
welcome addition to our already long list of fruits, as it is
unequalled, in my opinion, as a salad. As far as my experience goes, it
is likely to become a profitable fruit to grow, as once persons acquire