d upon the plantations of Queensland, and
this too where the machinery used in the grinding and reducing is of a
poor character. Were more modern methods adopted, the aggregate result
would not only be much increased in quantity, but also in quality. The
machinery used for this purpose in the Sandwich Islands--all brought
from the United States--is infinitely better adapted to the purpose,
besides being actually more economical in the long run. Some of the
Queensland planters have taken pride in demonstrating that intelligent
white labor is possible, and more profitable, all things considered,
than any other. There is one characteristic of sugar-raising here which
we should not omit to mention; namely, that several crops can be
realized from one planting. The first crop is called the "plant" crop,
and those that follow are known as "ratoon" crops, the latter continuing
several years. In the West Indies and some other countries a first and
second crop are realized from one planting; but the third year requires
new planting.

This division of Australia is more than five times as large as the
United Kingdom of Great Britain, possessing a world of undeveloped
resources of the most promising character. When the great central
railroad shall be built,--and it is believed that it will soon be under
way,--an immense impulse will be given to Queensland. The sun here
shines with a more tropical ardor and a more genial warmth than in New
South Wales; the trees are of more varied shapes and of richer
growth,--similar, in fact, to those of Central America. The palm takes
the place of the eucalyptus to a certain extent, and the woods teem with
the bunya-bunya,--a very desirable and ornamental tree, which belongs to
the pine family. Here also abound the tulip-tree, rosewood, sandal-wood,
and satin-wood, with other choice varieties not found farther south. The
tulip-tree and the sour gourd recall the vegetation of equatorial
Africa, which many of the natural products here very closely resemble.

We have spoken of the bunya-bunya tree. When it is full-grown it towers
two hundred feet in the air; but when young, it throws out branches all
about its base close to the earth and to a distance of several yards.
Above these, smaller branches rise in regular gradation to the top,
forming a perfect cone of dense foliage. At maturity it produces
annually upon its apex a large cluster of fruit, which is nutritious and
palatable, being eagerly con