Chapter IV: Part 4

It is only now that we are beginning to realise the value of the grape to Queensland, as, until our production increased to such an extent that our local markets were being over-supplied, our growers made no attempt to supply outside markets. Now this is being done, and better means of handling and packing the fruit, so as to enable it to be shipped long distances, are now coming into vogue. With improved methods of handling and packing, we have a greatly extended market, in which we will have no local competition, hence will be able to secure good returns, so much so that I consider that grape-growing in Queensland has a very promising outlook for some years to come at any rate. In addition to growing grapes to supply the fresh-fruit trade and for winemaking, our western country is capable of producing good raisins and sultanas. So far, this industry has not been entered into commercially, the fresh fruit realising far too high a price for it to pay to convert it into raisins. Still, with increased production, this will have to take place, and when it does I am of opinion that we will be able to turn out a very saleable article. The growing of grapes here certainly requires considerable experience of a practical nature. This is not at all hard to obtain, and there are no insurmountable difficulties to the beginner, once he has learnt how to work his land so as to cause it to retain moisture during a dry spell, and to plant and prune his vines. These are matters in which any beginner can obtain practical advice from the Queensland Agricultural Department, as the Government of Queensland, recognising the importance of fruit-growing, grape-growing, and general agriculture to the State, have devoted considerable sums of money to the establishment of experiment farms, orchards, and vineyards in different parts of the State. All these Government institutions are under the control of thoroughly qualified managers, who are willing at all times to give any assistance to beginners, thereby enabling the latter to keep free from mistakes, and to obtain the best returns as the result of their labour. Instructors, thoroughly conversant with the State as a whole, are also available for giving practical advice, so that there is no necessity for a beginner, through lack of experience, to waste any time in finding out for himself what his soil and climate are suited for. He can start on the right lines from the beginning, and keep to right lines if he will only take advantage of the advice, based on practical experience, that is given him. Queensland is a good land for the intending fruit-grower. We offer you good soil, a choice of climates, suitable for the growing of practically every kind of commercial fruit, a healthy climate to live in, cheap land, free education for your children, and free advice from competent experts for yourselves. This is a country that has not been advertised or puffed up; that is, in consequence, not by any means well known; but it is a country that, taken all in all, will take a lot of beating when one is looking out for a home. Its natural advantages and the other inducements it offers to intending settlers, particularly those interested in fruit culture, cannot, in my opinion, be equalled, and certainly not excelled, elsewhere; and, as I stated in the beginning of this paper, my opinion is based on practical experience gained in various parts of the fruit-producing parts of the world.

List of Fruits Grown in Queensland.

Almonds, several varieties
Almond, Fiji
Apples, many varieties
Apricots, many varieties
Averrhoa
Avocada Pear
Bael Fruit
Banana, several varieties
Barberry
Blackberry
Brazilian Cherry
Bread Fruit
Burdekin Plum
Carob Bean
Chalta
Cherries, several varieties
Chestnut--Spanish
Chestnut--Japanese
Chinese Raisin
Citrons, several varieties
Cocoa-nut, many varieties
Custard Apples (Cherimoyers)
Dates
Davidsonia Plum
Figs, several varieties
Gooseberries--Cape
Gooseberries--Otaheitan
Granadillas
Grapes, many varieties
Guavas, many varieties
Jujube
Kai Apple
Kumquat
Litchi
Longan
Lemons, several varieties
Limes, several varieties
Loquats
Mandarins, several varieties
Mangoes, many varieties
Mangosteen--Sour or Coochin York
Medlars
Melons, many varieties
Monstera
Mulberries, several varieties
Natal Plum
Nectarines, several varieties
Olives, several varieties
Oranges, many varieties
Papaw, several types
Passion Fruit, several types
Peaches--Persian, many varieties
Peaches--China, several varieties
Peaches--Ceylon, several varieties
Pears, many varieties
Pecan Nut
Persimmons, several varieties
Pineapples, several varieties
Pistachio Nut
Plums--European, several varieties
Plums--Japanese, several varieties
Plums--American, several varieties
Pomegranate
Quince--European, several varieties
Quince--Japanese
Queensland Nut
Raspberries, several types
Rosellas
Rose Apple
Sapodilla Plum
Shaddock or Pomelo, several types
Star Apple
Strawberries, many varieties
Tamarinds
Tree Tomato
Vi Apple
Walnut
Whampee

List of Vegetables Grown in Queensland.

Artichokes--Jerusalem and Globe
Asparagus
Beans of all kinds
Beetroot
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cabbage--Chinese
Capsicums
Cardoons
Carrots
Cassava
Cauliflowers
Celery
Chicory
Chokos
Cress
Cucumbers
Earth Nuts (Peanuts)
Egg Plant
Endive
Eschalots
Garlic
Herbs--all kinds
Horseradish
Kohl-rabi
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Mustard
Nasturtiums
Ockra
Onions
Peas
Potatoes--English and Sweet
Pumpkins
Radishes
Rhubarb
Salsify
Seakale
Spinach
Squashes
Sweet Corn
Swedes
Taro
Tomatoes
Turnips
Vegetable Marrows
Yams

By Authority: ANTHONY JAMES CUMMING, Government Printer, Brisbane.