The wood is
impervious to the attacks of the white ant.
In addition to these the Red Gum, the Wandoo, and York Gum are timber
trees of value.
The total output of the saw-mills for 1895 was 130,000 loads,
representing a gross value of 400,000 pounds.
It will thus be seen that the forests of the Colony form no
inconsiderable portion of its wealth, and afford employment to large
numbers of workers both in the forests themselves and in the saw-mills
and wharves.
The culture of the vine and various fruits is carried on in the
South-Western districts to a great extent - the soil, the climate, and the
elevation all tending to give the best results.
The chief fruits grown are apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums,
cherries, apricots, quinces, oranges, and lemons.
Viticulture forms a marked industry, though as yet largely undeveloped.
There are 1,450 acres under cultivation, and this area is rapidly
increasing. The slopes of the coastal ranges are admirably adapted for
the culture of the vine, and the chief varieties grown are those most
suitable for wine-making and for the table. Chasselas Doradillo, White
Rice, Black Alicante, and Muscat of Alexandria are largely cultivated.
There is, I conjecture, a good field open for the capitalist in the
direction of the wine manufacture.
