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Lane's Prince Albert.
Chelmsford Wonder.
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Alpine Strawberries.
VOL. III.
J. S. VIRTUE & CO.,
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Bellegarde.
Grosse Mignonne
Barrington
Goshawk.
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Count Althann's Gage
Doyenne du Cornice.
Souvenir du Congrbs.
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THE
FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE
BY
JOHN WRIGHT, F.R.H.S.
EDITOR OF THE " JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE " ; EDITOR OP " GARDEN WORK "
MEMBER OF THB FRUIT COMMITTEE OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
AUTHOR OF " PROFITABLE FRUIT CULTURE," THB GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY OF THB FRUITERERS' COMPANY
AND LECTURER ON HORTICULTURE FOR THE SURRBY COUNTY COUNCIL.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MISS MAY RIVERS
NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS BY WORTHINGTON G. SMITH AND GEORGE SHAYLER
DIV. VI.
LONDON
VIRTUE AND COMPANY
CITY ROAD, E.G.
MAIN
PLUMS AXD DAMSONS—SELECTIONS OF VARIETIES.
'77
Twelve for south ivalls.
* E irly Favourite.
*tDenniston's Superb.
De Mont fort.
Early Transparent G ige.
* Roddaert's Green Gage.
t Jefferson.
* Purple Gage.
Transparent Gage.
* Kirke's.
Bryanston Gage.
'fCoe's Gulden Drop.
Ickworth Irnpe'ratricp.
Twelve for east or west walls.
* Czar.
*fBelgian Purple.
Belle de Lou vain.
Prince of Wales.
*(• Victoria.
Prince Engelbert.
* Pond's Seedling.
* White Magnum Bonuiu.
Washington.
•fMonfceh.
Blue Imperatrice.
Grand Duke.
Twelve fur north walls.
•fEarly Proliac.
Czar.
Heron.
* Belgian Purple.
Sultan.
"fGisborne's.
Pershore.
* Victoria.
•fMitchelson's.
* Prince Engelbert.
Diamond.
Monarch.
Twelve for dessert as pyramids.
* Oullins Golden.
"fDenniston's Superb.
Early Transparent.
* McLaughlin.
Gage Green.
Purple Gage.
* t Jefferson.
Decaisne.
'fKirke's.
Bryanston Green Gage
* Reine Claude de Bavny.
Ickworth Imperatrice.
Twelve fur culinary as pyramids.
•fEarly Prolific.
Czar.
*•) Belgian Purple.
Belle de Louvain.
*t Victoria.
* Prince Engelbert.
Washington.
* Diamond.
Belle de Septembre.
* Monarch.
Archduke.
Grand Duke.
Twelve for standards in gravelly
or calcareous soils.
•tEarly Prolific.
Early Oi leans.
Goliath.
Prince of Wales.
"fGisborne's.
Denbigh.
'•(•Victoria.
* Mitchelson's.
Ji-fferson.
* Winesour.
White Magnum Bonum.
* Wyedale.
Twelve for standards in strong soil:
"tCzar.
Heron.
Perdrigon Violet Ilatif.
* Denniston's Superb.
"tBelgian Purple.
Sultan.
Belle de Louvain.
*t Prince Engelbert.
* Diamond.
* Monarch.
Archduke.
Grand Duke.
Twelve for standards in tit north.
1 "tCzar.
Denniston's Superb.
Belgian Purple.
Sultan.
"fGisborne's.
*fMitchelson's.
Prince Engelbert.
* Victoria.
Diamond.
* Winesour.
Monarch.
* Wyedale.
* Six of preceding twelve.
t Three of -preceding twelve.
Six damsons.
Rivers' Early.
Frogmore.
"fCrittenden.
White.
* Prune.
"fBradley's King.
* Three of preceding six.
t Two of preceding six.
PROPAGATION.
This is effected by seeds, suckers, layers, budding, and grafting.
Seed. — It is not desirable to raise trees from stones for perpetuating varieties. Mr.
Knight raised Ickworth Imperatrice from the Imperatrice Violette, pollenised with Coe's
Golden Drop, and Mr. Rivers originated Czar from Prince Engelbert, crossed with
VOL. Ill, A A
,-> <•" , -v
. (o
MAIN
PLUMS AND DAMSONS— SELECTIONS OF VARIETIES.
'77
Twelve for south walls.
* E.-irly Favourite.
'tDenniston's Superb.
De Montfort.
Early Transparent Gige.
* P.oddaert's Green Gage,
t Jefferson.
* Purple Gage.
Transparent Gage.
* Kirke's.
Btyraiton Gage.
*fCoe's Golden Drop.
Ickworth Impe'ratricp.
Twelve for east or west walls.
* Czar.
'tBelgian Purple.
Belle de Lou vain.
Prince of Wales.
"I Victoria.
Prince Engelbert.
* Pond's Seedling.
* White Magnum Bonum.
Washington.
'tMonarch.
Blue Imperatrice.
Grand Duke.
Twelve firr north walls.
'tEarly Prolific.
Czar.
Heron.
* Belgian Purple.
Sultan.
'fGisborne's.
Pershore.
* Victoria.
"fMitchelson's.
* Prince Engelbert.
Diamond.
Monarch.
Twelve for dessert as pyramids .
* Oullins Golden.
'tDenniston's Superb.
Early Transparent.
* McLaughlin.
Gage Green.
Purple Gage.
* t Jefferson.
Decaisne.
•fKirke't,
Bryanston Green Gage
* Eeine Claude de Bavay.
Irkworth Imperatrice.
Twelve for culinary as pyramids.
'tEarly Prolific.
Czar.
*1 Belgian Purple.
Belle de Louvain.
'tVictoria.
* Prince Engelbert.
Washington.
* Diamond.
Belle de Septembre.
* Monarch.
Archduke.
Grand Duke.
Twelve for standards in gravelly
or calcareous soils.
•tEarly ProliBc.
Early Orleans.
Goliath.
Prince of Wales.
"fGisborne's.
Denbigh.
"•(•Victoria.
* Mitchelson's.
Jefferson.
* Winesour.
White Magnum Bonum.
* Wyedale.
Twelve for standards in strong soil.-,
'tCzar.
Heron.
Perdrigon Violet Hatif.
* Denniston's Superb.
'tBelgian Purple.
Sultan.
Belle de Louvain.
'tPrince Engelbert.
* Diamond.
* Monarch.
Archduke.
Grand Duke.
Twelve for standards in tie north.
'tCzar.
Denniston's Superb.
Belgian Purple.
Sultan.
'tGisborne's.
"tMitchelson's.
Prince Engelbert.
* Victoria.
Diamond.
* Winesour.
Monarch.
* Wyedale.
* Six of preceding twelve.
t Three of preceding twelve.
Six damsons.
Rivers' Early.
Frogmore.
"tCrittenden.
White.
* Prune.
"tBradley's King.
* Three of preceding six.
t Two of preceding six.
PROPAGATION.
This is effected by seeds, suckers, layers, budding, and grafting.
Seed. — It is not desirable to raise trees from stones for perpetuating varieties. Mr.
Knight raised Ickworth Imperatrice from the Imperatrice Violette, pollenised with Coe's
Golden Drop, and Mr. Rivers originated Czar from Prince Engelbert, crossed with
VOL. Ill, A A
T:
f, ; a;» .'• , .,*..-.- . >
178 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Early Prolific, a seedling from Precoce de Tours. These are instances of artificial cross-
breeding having good results, and this method should he practised for raising superior
varieties. Care must be taken to prevent self-fertilisation, by enveloping the flowers in
gauze bags. Remove all the stamens before the pollen is ripe and apply the farina of
the desired variety carefully to the stigmas.
Propagation by seeds is the ordinary method followed to provide stocks for budding
and grafting. The Mussel is generally employed for standards ; St. Julien and White
Pear plum for other forms of trees, and these are raised by layers or suckers from stools,
but those raised from seed are less liable to produce suckers. The Myrobalan plum also
is used as a stock (seepage 112, Yol. I.). The stones may be sown when taken from the
fruit, or stratified in sand till early in the spring, sowing them in rich sandy soil in drills
3 inches deep, allowing an inch between the stones, and the drills 9 inches apart. The
seedlings will be ready for transplanting by the following autumn and strong enough
to bud or graft in the third year.
Suckers. — Plum trees, as a rule, produce too many of these, and it is not advisable
, encourage them by employing suckers of the common kinds for stocks from the pre-
disposition of such to produce them. It is, however, an easy way of obtaining stocks.
Layers. — Trees raised by this method produce fibrous roots, and have been recom-
mended for pot culture. It is only necessary to bend a branch down to the ground,
partially cut it through on the under side below a bud, peg it about 3 inches in the
ground, keep moist, and detach the following autumn, afterwards treating as separate
trees. To prevent the pushing of suckers the buds on the part placed in the soil must
be carefully cut out.
Budding. — July is the best season for performing this most desirable method of per-
petuating and increasing esteemed varieties. Care must be taken to use well-developed
buds, and to operate when the bark parts freely from the wood ; also to insert wood buds
only. Shield budding is the most approved mode (see Vol. I., pages 115 — 120). The
buds are best inserted about 6 inches from the ground, and even for standards the scion
should be allowed to make its own stem.
Grafting. — The scions must contain wood buds and be taken off in December or
January, keeping them in earth behind a north wall or fence until the sap rises in the
stocks, as will generally be the case early in March, sooner or later according to season.
At that time the stocks should be headed down near to where the scions are to be
attached. Either whip or cleft grafting may be practised, but there is less danger of gum
PLUMS A.\J) DAMSONS— SITUATION AND SOIL. 179
ensuing by the former method (see Yol. I., pages 120 — 128). Except for special purposes,
grafting piuins is not generally advisable.
SITUATION AND SOIL.
Situation. — Wherever cereal crops are capable of successful cultivation, it is practic-
able to utilise sites not fitted for tillage with the hardier varieties of plums. The site
must be open to every ray of light. Shelter, such as that of hills or woods at a distance,
aid .s the cultivator immensely in the production of the choicest plums, slopes being better
than flat ground, and ridges superior to hollows, but the chief consideration is the free
access of light and air. Provided the atmosphere is dry, plum blossom and the tender
fruit suffers little from spring frosts, but in low damp sites the crops are ruined by
night dews congealing in spring on the blossom and foliage, causing the former to fall and
the latter to " silverleaf." Plenty of light, abundant air, with shelter from bleak points,
are the essentials of a site for plums.
Soil. — The success of one kind of plum in one district and its comparative failure
in another points to the cultivator having strict regard to the soil as well as to the
climate. Damsons seem to be at home everywhere. Gisborne's plum succeeds in a
strong chalky clay, and it is equally at home in light soil. Pershore seems to like a
" holding " staple as it hardly fruits in sandy soil. Winesour is of little use without
limestone. Wyedale delights in the semi-vegetable loams and irony soils of Cleveland ;
this plum is a step from the damsons to the plums. Orleans and its descendants-
Cox's Emperor, Prince of "Wales, and Goliath like warm soils. The Czar and Sultan
are equally at home in any ordinarily good medium, and the Victoria appears thoroughly
cosmopolitan, thriving almost everywhere, yet best on a chalky strong loam or clay.
Early Prolific loves calcareous clay interspersed with gravel. Belgian Purple and
Prince Engelbert, with Coe's Golden Drop, are less fastidious as to soil ; also Pond's
Seedling, Diamond, and Monarch — these, with Jefferson, Kirke's, and White Magnum
Bonum, thriving in light loams as well as those verging on clay. Gages prefer
a calcareous loam — the blending of brick-earth and limestone (Kentish Hag).
Twelve to 15 inches' depth of good soil, incumbent on a calcareous clay, and well
drained, is the soil par excellence for plums, for it is of a sustaining nature, and holds
the manures applied for the benefit of the trees. This is important, for they carry at
times such enormous crops as to require more support than other fruit trees to prevent
exhaustion. A deep and rich soil is prolific of wood rather than fruit, and favours
A A 2
r8o THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE.
gumming or damage to the young growths from frost. Firming loose rich soils
answers better than stirring them. Clayey marl mixed with light soil renders it
unctuous and with top-dressings of manure, good plums follow. It is not desirabk
to add manure to the ground at first and in stirring or trenching, the good soil should
be kept on the top. In breaking up grass land for plum trees it is not advisable to
bury the turf at the bottom of the trench ; it should not be covered deeper than is
necessary to destroy the herbage and insure clean cultivation.
Aspect. — The finest plums require the best aspect. South walls facilitate the ripen-
ing and enhance the quality of the fruits, and, therefore, such should be utilised
for early supplies of the choicer varieties. On west aspects the fruit is more liable to
crack than on east walls ; consequently varieties not liable to be influenced pre-
judicially by prolonged wet should be chosen, such as the Czar, Sultan, Prince
Engelbert, Pond's Seedling, White Magnum Bonum, Yictoria, Monarch, Autumn
Compote, and Blue Impe'ratrice. East walls suit all the gages, and the richly flavoured
Jefferson, Kirke's, and Coe's Golden Drop. North walls answer for free-bearing plums,
for supplying fruit for culinary purposes. Similar remarks apply to trees trained to
fences.
AEBAKOEMENT or TBEES.
Orchards. — The plum does not make a large and lofty tree. For orchards in grass,
where calves, poultry, and sheep are kept with mutual benefit, the free-growing varieties,
such as the Czar, Green Gage, Gisborne's, Victoria, Jefferson, Monarch, and damsons,
should be planted 21 feet apart. In good soils the distance may be increased ; in firm
and shallow mediums it may be lessened. Orchard standards should have clear stems
of 6 feet. For fruit plantations where the soil is firm the trees may be arranged in
lines 15 feet apart for the moderate growers, and 18 for the more robust. In low
standard form (4-feet stems), with gooseberries and currants in the intervening spaces,
the trees may be planted 12 feet apart in rows 15 feet asunder. Low standards are
convenient and easily managed.
Bushes and Pyramids. — These are excellent for fruit plantations; 10 feet every \\-.\\
is not too great a distance to allow in good soil ; in a firm medium 9 feet from tree to
tree answers well. If only free bearers are grown, and root-pruning is practised on
unruly trees, they may be 6 feet apart in rows 9 feet asunder. Pyramidal trees are
prodigies of fruitfulucss under the lifting treatment ; they may be planted in borders
PLl'MS AXI) DAMSOXS— PLANTING AND TRAINING. 181
of the same width the trees are apart — 6 feet. Vigorous growers require 9 feet,
and at 12-t'eet distance they make large handsome trees.
Cordon, Espalier, and Wall Trees. — Upright cordons : plant 15 inches, diagonal 18 inches
apart. These forms must have firm soil and be lifted to keep them fruitful. Espaliers :
strong-growing kinds plant 21 feet apart, moderately vigorous 15 feet from tree to
tree. Excessive vigour must be checked by root-pruning, and it is advisable to thin
out the crowded spurs. Against walls 12 feet high plant the trees 15 feet apart; walls
10 feet, trees 18 feet; walls 8 feet, trees 21 to 24 feet apart. Plum trees succeed
admirably against low walls or fences, when the soil is firm and the roots are not
mutilated by digging.
PLANTING AND TRAINING.
Planting —November is the best time for planting, as the trees then immediately
commence re-establishing themselves. Young trees move more safely and break far more
freely and strongly than those of several seasons' growth, but old trees will bear removal
provided they have been frequently transplanted previously. Spring planting answers
very well if the roots are not dried and the work is done during mild weather, with the
ground in good working order.
In planting, keep the trees slightly above the ground level, as the soil is sure
to settle down. Stake securely, and mulch from the stem to a little farther all round
than the roots extend with partially decayed manure. Cut the heads closely back before
the buds break in the spring, only leaving three or four buds on the young shoots.
In the summer some of the small shoots must be removed to keep the trees open, the
best growths being so disposed as to form a well-balanced head, sun and air having free
access to every part. Under good management on the lines indicated the trees will
bear fruit abundantly the third year.
Training. — The fan method (present volume, page 135) is the best for walls, as,
should any of the branches die, others can be trained in their places.
If the tree is a maiden, it should be cut down in the autumn or early spring to 12
inches from the ground, and three to seven shoots trained in from the upper 6 inches of
the stem, equidistant on opposite sides, and disposed regularly, like the spokes of a
wheel, over the wall surface. The growths must be secured as they advance, leaving
sufficient room in the ligatures to prevent contraction. If laterals push, they may be
pinched at every leaf. The inclination of the shoots should be such that, when they have
grown 3 feet, they will be 9 to 12 inches apart, the lowest shoots being 1 foot from the
,82 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
ground. By the procedure represented in Fig. 35, Q, R, present volume, page 135. the tree
will cover a large extent of wall surface by the third year, and commence bearing fruit.
Cordon. — This form, whether against walls or for espaliers, is carried out in the same
manner as detailed for apricots (Vol. II., pages GO — 62), as regards upright and diagonal,
horizontal cordon training being treated on pages 21 — 23, Vol. II. This only applies
to the leading growths or branches, for the mode of bearing in plums is somewhat
different from that of apricots and apples and will be treated under " Pruning."
Espaliers — The trees may be in fan form or oblique cordons. Horizontal training, as
applied to the apple and pear, is not suitable for plums, and cordon training often necessi-
tates root-pruning to check excessive growth. With proper attention to lifting, keeping
• the soil firm and the surface mulched, the trees are very fertile.
Bushes and Pyramids. — These very desirable forms for gardens may be shaped from
the maiden by the methods described under " Pyramid Training," Vol. II., pages 1 — 10 ;
"Bush Training," Vol. II., pages 10—15 ; or that detailed under "Apricots," Vol. II. ,
pages 79 — 80. These forms answer for gardens with the essential pruning for plums.
Growers for market do not practise close pruning after shortening to secure the necessary
number of branches, but the trees are allowed to assume their natural form and the
branches are thinned when necessary, to prevent overcrowding.
PRUNING.
To operate successfully it is essential to have a right knowledge of the mode of
bearing. The fruit is produced on the shoots of the preceding year, and on spurs.
Characteristic summer growths are represented in the illustrations, Fig. 47, M—R.
Summer Pruning. — It may be a wise saying that the less pruning the better for
bearing. Terse advice, however, may lose force through its exclusiveness, and not to
prune at all can only apply to trees which have passed the vigour of youth. When a
tree has its growths confined to short stubby shoots, pruning would practically mean
cutting off the following season's crop more or less. A tree bearing as in Fig. 47, M,
does not admit of the use of the knife. The fruit of such tree may, however, be improved
by a judicious thinning of the spurs and the removal of weak parts immediately the
crop is gathered — by far the best time for the work.
When a tree makes vigorous summer growth, 0 n, it is at the expense of fruit pro-
duction, and by shortening such shoots at the winter pruning wood formation is still
further augmented. By leaving the tshoot 0 n its full length it will usually form
PLUMS AND DAMSONS— CHARACTERISTIC SUMMER GROWTHS.
'83
Fig. 47. ClTABtCTEBISTIC SuMMEE GEOWTH8.
References: — M, bearing at the point of the branch : /, stubby shoot ;g, spur. N, bearing on one-year-i.Ll wood :
h, continuation branch growth ; i, secondary growth from the extremity of previous year's shoot ;j, stubby shoot ;
k, spurs. 0, summer growths from one-year-old wood : I, natural spur ; ra, artificial spur ; n, vigorous extension shoot ;
o, point of shortening at the winter pruning to originate growths for training in. P, result of leaving a vigorous shoot
its full length : p, bearing on one-year-old spur ; q, bearing on an artificially-formed one-year-old spur ; r, spur? ;
«, growth of the current year. Q, result of shortening a vigorous shoot at the winter pruning: t, natural spurs;
u. shoots pinched to form spurs ; v, subsidiary growths for forming branches to cover the space ; «', continuation shoot
of main branch. R, shoot pinched at the third leaf (x), not counting the basal leaves (y) ; z, laterals pinched to one
lent ; a, sub-laterals pinched to one leaf ; ?>vpart desirable to be pinched off ; c, point of winter pruning.
»84 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
spurs P r as shown, but the extension shoot P s will be of a more fruitful character, form-
ing some blossom buds and semi-spurs. That is the way to secure the most fruit, and is
the practice generally followed with wall and other trees. It is sometimes necessary to
shorten a vigorous extension shoot to originate growths at certain places for the proper
furnishing of the tree with branches and the profitable occupation of the space. If the
shoot 0 n be shortened to about half its length 0, at the winter pruning, wood growth
will follow, as shown in Q, a strong shoot (tv] from the extremity, two subsidiary shoots
(v), of nearly equal vigour, while the growths (M) would have extended to about the length
shown by the outlines, had they been let grow instead of being pinched to form spurs.
Such are the principles upon which pruning plum trees must be carried out. Prune
closely for the production of wood, or to multiply the growths and secure vigorous shoots
at the right place ; then shorten little or not at all, as in P s. Eepressiug vigour by
pinching is a useful aid to fruit production, but stopping strong shoots too closely causes
the basal buds to start, and the result is a quantity of soft useless spray. Instead of
this hard pinching to a certain number of leaves, it is better to omit counting the small
bract-like basal leaves R y, and pinch off the point of the shoot above the third good
leaf x. If the growth be only moderately vigorous, laterals may not push ; then there
will be a profusion of blossom buds formed in the axils of the leaves, but if vigorous
laterals issue from the uppermost buds, pinching them to one leaf z. Sub-laterals (a)
should be pinched to one leaf as made. At the winter pruning the shoot may be shortened
to firm wood immediately below the laterals c, thereby keeping the spur short.
Disbudding must not be overlooked in plum trees. Strong young shoots often spring
from various parts of the tree. If not required for laying-in, these may be rubbed off when
quite small, while some of the less robust may be pinched. In the case of old trees it is
desirable to remove some of the older branches to make way for younger wood. The best
time to remove such as are weakly or undesirable growths is from June to September,
as the wounds heal quickly then and the sap is diverted into other channels before the
fall of the leaves.
When a tree becomes enfeebled by any cause, it frequently pushes a number of
erratic growths, which accelerate the destruction of the weaker branches. To prevent this
it is necessary to cut out many weakly and some over-strong shoots. The safest plan is
to remove some of the weaker and rub off those likely to be over- vigorous while they are
small ; also the vigour of the young shoots retained may be subdued by the removal of
part of each leaf. This weakens the growth, while not hindering the formation of the
PLUMS AND DAMSONS— WINTER PRUNING. 185
buds, but the practice must not be too freely indulged in and cultural judgment should
be exercised in the matter.
Winter Pruning. — Where the growths have been properly manipulated in summer,
u
Pig. 48. SHOOTS AND SPURS OP THE PLTTM— WINTER FRUNINO.
References : — S, natural one year's spur. T, stubby shoot, or long natural spur. U, short shoot : d, point of
shortening. V, one-year shoot : e, blossom buds ; /, point of shortening to originate growths. IF, one and two-
year wood : g, blossom buds on spurs ; h, point of shortening a spur ; »', extension shout, left entire or shortened to
originate growths;.;', subsidiary shoot, left entire or cutout. X, three-year wood: k, point of shortening a long
spur. Y, elongated spur : I, point of shortening. Z, result of shortening an elongated spur : m, point of shortening
a pinched growth.
the autumn or wintc r pruning will be confined to finishing anything then overlooked,
and to do this in the right way it is necessary to have a certain knowledge of the
VOL. III. B B
i8t, THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
different growths. Those on one to three years old wood are shown in Fig. 48. The
natural spur 8 has blossom buds, also terminal and basal wood buds : it must not
be shortened, for to prune at the outline would be to cut off the prospect of fruit. For
the same reason the long spur T may not be shortened to the outline, but left entire.
The shoot Z7, overlooked at the summer pruning or purposely then left to prevent the
lower buds starting, should be cut back to . a wood bud above or on a level with a
blossom bud, as at d. An extension shoot ( V), or one trained in to form a subsidiary
branch may be left entire, and fruiting spurs will push from the buds e in the following
year. If more branches are needed for covering the space regularly, the shoot must be
shortened to /, or at the basal outline above the wood buds, according to the place the
branch requires to be divided. In the case of a branch extending, W, the extension i
may be left its full length, also the subsidiary shoot/; but if more growths are needed
at a certain place shortening can be done at any point, as all the buds are wood buds.
If the subsidiary shoot is not required it should be cut clean out, instead of being
shortened to the outline, which would result in spray difficult to restrain, while its entire
removal concentrates the vigour on the main branch. When there is a reciprocal action
between the roots and branches and the extensions are left their full length, say i, spur
growth will issue from every wood bud the, following year and resemble the promising
condition shown on the two-years' wood at g. Only long spurs may be shortened, as at
h ; if the stubby fruitful spurs (g) were shortened to the wood buds near the base,
fruit would be prevented, and wood growth incited. The spurs should be kept close to
the branches as represented in the three-years' wood X. To prevent the undue elonga-
tion of spurs, shorten any having that tendency at Jc. If this is neglected the spur will
become impoverished at its base, as shown at Y. This should not be allowed and if it
occur cut boldly off at I ; this will impart vigour to the spurs left and enable them to
form blossom buds as at Z. When an elongated spur is shortened in the way described,
some of the growths may push strongly ; these should be pinched in summer and
shortened in autumn as at m. These principles apply to all forms of trained trees.
The object is to maintain equal vigour in the branches and admit light and air freely to
every part of the tree ; then it will be brought into the best condition for bearing full
crops of fruit.
Bush, pyramid, and low standard trees need very little priming after they are shaped
and have arrived at a bearing age, for with firm soil, surface feeding and judicious
cropping, they bear enormously. The removal of enfeebled parts and cross branches
PLUMS AND DAMSONS—ROOT PRUNING AND MANURING. .87
before the leaves full, for the admission of light to those remaining, is about all the
pruning required. If it be thought a little subsequent pruning is desirable, the sooner
it is done after the leaves fall the better (page 165, Vol. I.).
Root Pruning. — This method, if practised for checking exuberance, must be carried
out with great care and judgment. Severe root pruning may cause the loss of a con-
siderable part of the branches. When the shortening of strong roots is necessary, let it
be done early in the autumn. Be careful to cut the ends smoothly, and not to bruise
or damage other parts of the roots, or a profuse crop of suckers may follow.
EOUXINK OPERATIONS.
Manuring. — Manures applied from the fall of the leaf in autumn to the swelling of
the buds in the spring should be of a durable nature.
1. Chemical manures host suited for the plum are ground bones or coprolites, and
kainit; say three parts bone meal and two parts kaiuit, by weight, mixed and applied
in the autumn as soon as the leaves have fallen and the pruning is completed. After the
prunings have been burned and the ashes sprinkled on the ground, the mixture may be
applied at the rate of 5 hundredweights per acre, 3^ pounds per rod, 2 ounces per square
yard, pointing in very lightly. The mixture accelerates root formation, and sustains the
crops, for it lasts more than one year.
2. Stable or farmyard manure, reduced to a workable condition, but not to a close
soapy mass, may be applied in the autumn, or before the end of February, at the rate of
20 tons per acre, 2£ hundredweights per rod, 9 pounds per square yard. It should be
distributed evenly and left on the. surface where the roots are matted, otherwise pointing
in lightly early in the spring. These manures supply nutrient elements, and encourage
surface roots.
3. Liquid manure from cesspools that receive the drainings of stables and cow-
houses enriches the soil when applied in the winter, at which season the liquid may be
used stronger than in summer. It should be well stirred. If thick and strong it may
require twice its bulk of water, that is, one part thick liquid and two paits water. If
applied to an orchard during the winter it makes a difference in the growth and crop of
the trees the following summer. About 3 gallons may be applied to each square yard.
Although it is often convenient to apply manures in the winter season, it is more
economical to afford the needful nourishment when the trees can make the best use
of the elements for building up their structures, and in the swelling of their crops.
B B 2
1 88 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Where bone meal and kainit have been supplied in the autumn or late winter, and the
trees promise well for fruit, nitrogenous manure must be given in the spring, say nitrate
of soda, 2£ hundredweight per acre, If pound per rod, 1 ounce per square yard. Instead
of giving this dressing all at one time it is better to divide it into three, one when the
buds are sufficiently advanced to show what the crop is likely to be, another when the
fruit commences swelling after setting and the third when about half its full size.
Protecting the Blossoms. — Trees against south and west walls have the blossoming
accelerated and may require protection from frost ; also those in the open in warm
situations and early seasons. Various methods of affording the needful shelter will be
found on pages 193 — 197, Vol. I. The plum, being the hardiest of stone fruits, does
not require so much protection as the apricot and peach and the materials casting the
least shade, also admitting the most air, are the best, fish nets generally affording the
needful shelter. Opaque material may only be used when the weather is so cold as to
threaten the safety of the blossom or young fruit and it must be withdrawn immediately
the frosts are gone.
Dryness at the roots hinders the swelling of the fruit and prejudicially affects
the health of the trees ; therefore regard must be had to the proper maintenance of
moisture, affording the needful supplies to trees in dry positions. Feeding with liquid
manure or sewage, properly diluted, is an absolute necessity for trees carrying heavy
crops in dry seasons and sites. It is most important to supply liquid nourishment
before the trees become distressed, and if the surface is covered with short manure the
moisture will be conserved for some time.
Syringing. — A forcible washing of the foliage occasionally with a hose or garden-
engine is valuable in freeing it of insects and cleansing it from dust. It is best done in
the evening. For dislodging insects the force of the water must be directed against the
under side of the leaves ; for removing dust the water should be disti-ibuted over the
tree. An occasional syringing in the evening of hot days greatly refreshes the trees and
keeps red spider in check, but it must cease before the fruit changes colour for ripening.
Thinning the Fruit. — The set of fruit in some years is several times greater than the
trees can possibly bring to full size, high quality and profitableness. Some varieties
are far more prolific than others, but most kinds bear excessively in what are called plum
seasons — about every third year. This is mainly due to indulging in over-burdening
crops and the result is temporary exhaustion — sterility for one or two years, often
accompanied by loss of health and sometimes the collapse of the trees. Thinning the
PLUMS AND DAMSONS— PERFECTING THE FRUIT. 189
fruit freely secures tne best results in the current crop and favours regular bearing.
Thinning should commence about a fortnight after the flowers fade and be completed
as soon as the fruits commence swelling, say a month or six weeks after setting. This
is decidedly advantageous, for it is the stoning that taxes the energies of the trees.
Cultivators must exercise judgment in thinning, always reducing the crop to what the
tree appears able to bring to maturity.
Perfecting the Fruit. — To secure fruit of the largest size, highest colour and best
quality, it must, after being well thinned in the early stages of swelling, be duly exposed
to light and air. Trees against walls often suffer from drought. Liquid nourishment
must be supplied to the roots, followed by a good mulching, and the fruits must not
be shaded by superfluous growths. Jefferson plums are green when ripened in the
shade and Victorias pale red, whereas the first is mottled with pink on a rich yellow
ground and the latter is brilliant red when exposed to the sun. Hexagon netting affixed
to exclude bluebottle flies and wasps is necessary when choice plums are ripening, and
in wet weather a light waterproof covering will prevent the fruits cracking.
Gathering. — Plums for dessert must be evenly ripe, gathered by and with the
stalk, then placed carefully in a shallow basket or tray to preserve the bloom and present
the fruit at table without bruise or blemish. It should be gathered dry, but when this
cannot be done the fruit may be placed after gathering in a vinery of ripe grapes or a
sweet room, with a gentle circulation of air.
Culinary plums cannot be too carefully handled nor be gathered too dry. Careless
gathering means ruin to the trees by breaking off the spurs, and bruised fruits become
partially or wholly decomposed after a few hours. They are not profitably disposed of,
nor are they wholesome as food.
Storing. — With careful handling and storing, some plums, such as the Golden Drop
and Ickworth Imperatrice, will keep sound and excellent in quality a long time. They
should be gathered before they are dead ripe, exposing them to dry air for a few days
till they shrivel slightly ; then they may be laid singly on clean paper in boxes. They
will keep for several weeks in a dry frost-proof room.
CULTIVATION UNDER GLASS.
Plums are more impatient of a forcing atmosphere than are any other stone fruit, yet
with properly constructed and well-managed houses, they may be grown successfully
under glass.
iqo THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Cool Hotises. — Simple lean-to houses against south-east, south, or south-west walls
answer admirably. The main points to attend to are thorough ventilation, well-drained
borders, and adequate supplies of water. The roof lights should be moveable, and the
front and top lights open the whole length of tiie house. What are termed wall cases,
(i feet in width, accommodate trees on the wall, and others on a lo\v trellis in front, say
to the extent of one-third the distance up the sloping roof. These may be cordons and if
properly restricted at the roots, they bear satisfactorily. It is better, however, to have
trees with stems the height of the front lights or side of the hoiise. and train the bearing
parts to a trellis fixed 9 to 12 inches from the glass. This gives less space, but the fruit
is much finer than that produced by trees trained to the wall. When the house is 10
feet or more in width, bush, pyramid, or low-stemmed trees with round heads may be
grown with great advantage, either planted out, or in pots or tubs at the tront, and so
arranged as not to deprive the trees on the back wall of too much light.
Span-roofed houses, with the ends north and south, or between north-east and south-
west, are unquestionably the best for trees in standard form, a row of tall trees being dis-
posed up the centre, and dwarfer on each side of the house. If grown in pots, it matters
little what form the trees are in, nor what height or width the house, provided it is light
and airy in the broadest sense ; the chief objects of growing plums under glass are to
ensure crops independent of the weather, and to have a prolonged supply of superior
fruit.
A simple orchard house, with boarded sides, hinged boards opening the full length of
the house, and the roof glazed with large panes of glass answers admirably for growing
plum trees in pots.
Varieties. — With a proper selection of varieties, a supply of fruit may be had from
an unheated house from the beginning of July to November. Some of the culinary
plums attain to a great size under glass, and are useful for dessert, exhibition, or kitchen
use. A dozen varieties of each class, named in their order of ripening, are : — Dessert :
Early Favourite, Oullins Golden, De Montfort, Denniston's Superb, Early Transparent
Gage, Jefferson, Green Gage, Purple Gage, Transparent Gage, Kirke's, Coe's Golden
Drop, and Ickworth Imperatrice. Kitchen : Early Prolific, Czar, Heron, Belgian Purple,
Prince Engelbert, Washington, Victoria, Pond's Seedling, White Magnum Bonum,
Monarch, Archduke, and Grand Duke.
Culture. — Whether the trees are planted out or grown in pots, they require similar
general management. The soil should bo rather stiffer and richer for pots than for
PLUMS AND DAMSONS— TREES IX POTS. iqi
borders. Strong calcareous loam, interspersed with flints or stones, needs no admixture for
borders. Efficient drainage is necessary. Three parts of stiff maiden loam and one part of
decayed manure, with a 9 -inch potful of bone meal and a quart of soot added to every 3
bushels of the mixture, make a suitable compost for potting. If the soil is deficient both
in grit and lime, add a fifth part of sifted mortar rubbish ; if turfy, use Thomas' phosphate
instead of bone dust. Drain the pots thoroughly with crocks or oyster-shells. Pot
firmly and allow sufficient room above the soil for the large quantity of water required
in the summer. Place the trees on a bed of rough ashes in a sheltered situation outdoors,
surrounding the pots up to their rims with finer ashes. After a year's growth outside
they may be placed under glass for fruiting. When trees two or three years from the
bud or graft can be had established in pots it is better to purchase such than to rear
them, as they will fruit the first year. Trees of that age, carefully lifted and placed in
10- or 12-inch pots early in the autumn, will produce some fruit the first season, but
they are better established a year or more in pots.
Trees' that are wintered outdoors should be returned to the house before the buds
are so far advanced as to show colour, allowing each plenty of room for development.
Each pot may stand on two bricks on the flat, with a little space between them, so
that the roots will not pass into the soil, whilst there will be a free escape for water.
When trees are kept under glass constantly the ventilators should be wide open during
the winter, whenever the temperature is above the freezing point.
The trees should start naturally in the spring and a circulation of air, except in severe
weather, must always be maintained by leaving the ventilators open, more or less, day
and night. Abundance of air and a dry atmosphere are essential to secure a proper set
of fruit. By the time the fruits are swelling the sun will have considerable power
and may be taken advantage of to accelerate growth by reducing the ventilation in
the afternoon, airing early each fine morning on the sheltered side, when the wind is
sharp and cold. In the summer the ventilators should be left open day and night,
wire netting being placed over the openings to exclude birds.
The trees must never suffer by lack of water. Flagging of the leaves ruins the
crops. The soil should always be kept moist — trees in pots require water twice, some-
times three times a day in the summer ; also surface dressings of rich compost, pieces of
turf preferably, to encourage surface roots plentifully, which can be fed to any extent
by liquid and sprinklings of chemical manures occasionally. Trees in borders require
water less frequently, but there must be no deficiency ; yet over-watering should be
192 THE FRUTT GROWER'S GUIDE.
avoided, the plum being impatient of extremes. As the fruit advances in ripening
lessen the supplies of water and withhold liquid manure, but the foliage must not be
•allowed to become limp through lack of moisture at tho roots.
From the time the fruit is set, the trees should be syringed morning and afternoon
until it changes for ripening, except on dull, cold days, when a genial atmosphere
may be secured by clumping the paths and borders as they become dry. Syringing
the trees must cease when the colouring of the fruit commences, and the atmospheric
moisture be gradually reduced, but moderate humidity is necessary for the health of
the trees. Hexagon netting is necessary to exclude wasps. After the fruit is removed
recourse must be had to syringing, watering, and proper supplies of nourishment for
the perfecting of the wood and buds for next year's crop. The trees should be placed
outside as soon as the fruit is gathered, assigning them a sunny position, and duly
attending to them in watering and syringing.
Ke-potting or top-dressing is best done before the leaves fall. The object of these
operations is to secure fresh roots in new material ; therefore, remove as much old soil
as possible without excessive root disturbance — not carrying the reduction too far,
and ram the soil firmly. In top-dressing trees in borders the old mulching should be
removed, and fresh supplied after loosening the surface. If the trees are growing
too freely, a few of the stronger roots may be severed and removed ; if exuberantly,
they should be carefully lifted and root-pruned, re-planting with the roots near the
surface and well firming the soil. If the trees are weakly or unsatisfactory, lift
them, remove the old soil and re-plant in fresh over good drainage.
As to the training and pruning of the trees, there is no material difference between
those under glass and outdoors. Bush, pyramid, and round-headed trees on stems are
the best both for pots and planting out on the natural system. A pyramid is easily
formed by pinching the side shoots and topping the leader to secure the requisite
branches, and the side shoots from these should be stopped at three leaves, taking
care to avoid overcrowding. Pruning may be done in the spring, as the buds are
then better distinguished by the inexperienced, but as soon as the fruit is gathered
is the best time.
Trees on trellises or walls require the pruning advised for fan-trained outside
The trellises, as before advised, must be near the glass, for on back walls the trees are
not very satisfactory, unless the house be a mere wall case — narrow and light. Those
on trellises 18 inches from the glass are best treated on the alternative system.
AV .LVD DAMSONS— ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF TRAINING. 193
It may be carried out very successfully on the "U " system, and as it is applicable
to pears as well as to plums, an object lesson (Fig. 49) will be useful to beginners.
The principles upon which this system is carried out differ only from long-
pruning in the peach in that the bearing branches are triennial instead of biennial.
E
g. 4fl. ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OP BEARING IN THE PLUH.
References : — A , current year's shoots : ra, point of stopping ; o, unpinched shoot. B, one-year-old shoots or
branches : p, point of shortening. C, growths and fruit from one-year-old branches. D, two-years' branches :
q, point of shortening laterals. E, two-years' branch in bearing : r, point of cutting off after the fruit is gathered.
V, three-years' branch after bearing : s, point of shortening to a dormant basal bud ; dotted outline— growth from basal
bud. G, alternate system on short-pruning: t, one-year branches; it, two-years' branches — cut out after bearing;
v, spurs.
The branches are originated about 1 foot apart on opposite sides of the main
stem and are trained in their full length unless likely to exceed the limit, when
they may be pinched as at U n, say at 14 inches' length, the laterals being stopped as
already advised. These must be cutback at the winter pruning ( V p). In the following
VOL. IIT. c c
IQ4 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
year the branch produces some fruit and forms spurs, either naturally or by pinching,
the latter giving rise to a shoot from the base, as shown in W. At three summers' growth
the branch is in full bearing ( F), and, being cut away to a basal growth or bud after
the fruit is gathered, it will push a shoot the following spring to take its place and
bear a full crop in the third year. The system can also be adopted on short-pruning
principles, the shoots being stopped and blossom buds or spurs formed by close
pinching, and after bearing these are cut to make room for others originated from their
bases. This is applicable to all formal trees, including bushes and pyramids. The
principle is shown in A, and may be denned " bearing on young wood instead of old
weak spurs." It can be modified according to circumstances.
Plum trees in pots are effective from a decorative point of view, when laden with
showy fruits. Those with red fruit tell the best by artificial light, but yellow plums
are very beautiful. Pyramids in 9- or 10-inch pots and carrying five dozen fruits, are
also useful. One of the best for this purpose is the Czar, its bluish hue rendering the
fruit singularly attractive (Fig. 50).
Forcing. — Plums are impatient of artificial heat, yet they may be accelerated so a A
to ripen in May or June. Three good dessert varieties for forcing are : Early Favourite,
De Montfort and Early Transparent ; the Czar, Belgian Purple and Victoria also being
useful. These afford a succession of fruit over six weeks. Instead of long successional
supplies from one house it is better to divide the varieties into sections and plant each
in separate houses or compartments, say (1) Early Forcing : Early Favourite, Oullins
Golden, Czar, Belgian Purple; (2) Midseason: Early Transparent, Jefferson, Prince
Engelbert, Victoria ; (3) Late : Transparent, Coe's Golden Drop, Kirke's, and Monarch.
These naturally afford a supply of fruit from the end of July to the close of September.
By forcing, the season can be accelerated two months ; by retarding, excellent fruit can
be had in November ; by storing, fruit can be had till the end of the year.
Temperatures. — In forcing to time, about five months are required from starting to
the fruit being ripe, but the early varieties need less time than the midseason and those
ripen several days before the late varieties under the same conditions. These matters
must have due consideration. One example of the forcing routine will suffice, namely,
a house containing early varieties started at the new year to afford ripe fruit in May
and June. If the trees have not been forced before, the house should be closed by the
middle of December, air being freely admitted, only employing fire heat to exclude
frost; on January 1 maintain a night temperature of 10 , 40° to 45° by day, artifi-
PLUMS AND DAMSONS— TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION. 195
cially, 50° in mild weather, ventilating and closing at that temperature. In a fortnight
increase the day temperature a few degrees, with a little air, 55°, closing at 50°, and
maintain 40° at night by artificial means. Continue this treatment, bringing the trees
into flower gradually, with a night temperature of 40° to 45U, increasing 5° by day,
Fig. 50 CZAK PLCM TKF.E IN A POT. (From the Journal of Hortirult ure, March 16th, 1893, page 215.)
admitting air at 50°, more at 5">°, not allowing 65° to be reached without full ventilation,
closing at 55°. "When the flowers are expanded, allow 5° more all round in mild
weather; otherwise adhere to the temperatures named. This is sufficient and safe till the
plums have set and commence their first swelling, when the temperature may be raised to
c o 2
i g6 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
50° at night, 55° by day, and 65° from sun heat, it being better to enhance the growth
of the foliage aiul fruit by a comparatively high temperature from sun heat than to
increase the artificial heat until the stoning is completed. When the plums have stoned
the temperature may be gradually raised to 60° at night, 65° on dull days, and 70° to
75° from sun heat, with a free circulation of air from 05°. After the fruit is ripe
gradually lower the temperature, admit air freely, yet maintain a minimum of 50°.
Trees in pots answer well for very early forcing, but the same trees should not be forced
year after year as it is an exhausting process.
DISEASES AND ENEMIES.
Diseases. — Numerous fungi infest plums, but few do much injury to any part of the
tree, except in seasons and localities favourable to their growth.
Bladder Plums. — These are marked by the abnormal size of the young fruits, their
pointed elongated form, greyish bloom or coat on the surface and by their being hollow
(bladder like). This* condition is produced by a fungus named Exoascus pruni, the
mycelium of which lives all the year round in the twigs, and from these it extends into
the flowers, spreads through and lies immediately below the skin of the ovaries, through
which the stalk-cells burst and stand erect. Each long cell is an ascus, containing eight
globular spores, which are set free about the time the affected fruits turn a dirty yellow
colour and wither. The spores are scattered by the wind and, failing on young twigs,
reproduce the fungus under favourable conditions. Twigs showing traces of the disease
and the infested fruits should be cut oft0 and burned.
Gum. — Winter and spring pruning have a tendency to induce exudation from Ihe
wounds and chronic gumming frequently follows, for which there is no cure but the
removal of the branch or tree. Gummosis, however, is sometimes common and fatal in
orchard trees. Cutting out the affected parts and dressing the wounds with an anti-fun-
gal and wet-excluding composition is the only available remedy. (See " Gum," Vol. I.,
page 234.) Inducements to gumming — too rich soil, overfeeding, low sites, loose deep
soils, and stagnant water at the roots ; these, with everything tending to exuberance,
late growth, and immature wood, must be avoided. Thorough drainage, good firm soil,
careful planting, judicious pruning and skilful management all round are the best means
of preventing gum.
Mildew. — The flowers and young leaves of plum trees are sometimes thinly coaled
with whitish powder, composed of the filaments and conidia of an early stage (Oulium)
PLUMS AND DAMSONS—DISEASES AND ENEMIES-
"97
of a fungus named Podospheera tridactyla, and occasionally also by Podosphsera oxy-
acanthee. It is the Oidium or mildew stage of these fungi which proves hurtful to the
fruit setting, and cripples the young growths. The best remedy is to dust the affected
parts with flowers of sulphur, or syringe them with potassium sulphide, \ ounce to a
gallon of water. (See " Mildew," Vol. L, page 245.)
Orange Fungus. — This parasite produces thickened, fleshy, orange-red spots, of
irregularly rounded outline, on the leaves, as shown in the upper figure of the illustra-
tion (Fig. 51). A section of the leaf (lower left-hand figure) passing through these
spots shows the flask-shaped spaces,
each containing eight oval spores,
which escape from the apex, as shown
enlarged, and, falling on a suitable
nidus, reproduce the fungus in the
summer. It is the mycelium of the
fungus (Polystigma rubrum) that take
nourishment from the leaves and cause
them to fall prematurely, sometimes
before the crop is perfected, when the
fruit shrivels, becomes discoloured, and
unwholesome. Spraying the trees with
a 1 per cent. Bordeaux mixture when
the leaves are fairly formed is the only
effectual preventive. It is recom-
mended to collect the diseased leaves,
also those which have fallen, and burn them. The ground should be dug early in
spring, before the young loaves appear, to prevent them being infested.
Rot. — One of the worst fungoid diseases in plums is caused by Oidium fructigena,
and is figured and described under "Apple Diseases," Vol. II., page 36. Happily its
attacks are not common in this country, but at times the diseased patches spread over
a large portion of the fruits and cause them to become almost entirely whitish yellow.
It is most prevalent while the fruit is ripening, but it has been noticed on half-grown
fruit. The tufts of yellowish white, however, do not usually appear until the fruits are
ripe or nearly so. The mycelium appears to have the property of causing the flesh to
shrivel and render the fruits unfit for use. There is no cure, and preventives have not
Fig. 51. OBANOB Fuuous (POLYSTIOJU. ETJBEUM) ox PLUM.
'98 THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE.
proved effective, probably from their being applied too late, the fungus naving gained
access to the. internal tissue. It is recommended to spray the trees before tho fruit
is half grown, with Bordeaux mixture, first ascertaining a safe strength at which to
apply it, removing and burning the affected fruits, as the disease is almost certain to
re-appear where the infected fruits are left.
Enemies. — Though the plum is infested by many insects they are not particularly
hurtful, except in peculiar climatic conditions and seasons.
Aphides. — Yarious species of green flies infest the growing points and young leaves
of plum trees, causing the tips of the twigs to become fleshy, wrinkled and distorted,
large colonies of the insects living on the under-sides of the leaves. Aphis pruni is one
of the most destructive, and A. (Myzus) persicoe sometimes cause considerable distortion
of the young growths and clog the foliage and fruit with their secretions. The Hop
Aphis (Phorodon humuli, var. Mahaleb) also infests plum and damson trees in the spring
—as late as May and June— and returns to them in the autumn for egg-laying on the
terminal twigs, from which the parthenogenetic generations are produced on the plum in
the spring and early summer. The life history of aphides is given, with means for their
destruction, on pages 257 — 262, Yol. I. As a preventive it is recommended to spray
the trees in the autumn with the petroleum mixture described on page 261 , Vol. I. Some
growers have found dusting the trees with quicklime in the winter, as advised for the
destruction of lichen and moss, to act beneficially against the recurrence of aphid attacks.
The caustic soda and potash solution named on the same page (251, Vol. I.) has been
found very effectual as a preventive of insect infections.
Caterpillars. — The larvae of a number of moths feed on the young growths, foliage
and tender fruit of the plum, especially those of the March, Mottled Umber and Winter
Moths. These are fully treated on pages 283 — 297, Yol. I. Paris-green mixture, same
volume, page 293, has been found an effectual remedy.
Mites. — Two or three forms of mite galls are produced on the leaves of the plum.
The most noticeable are .the irregular patches of closely-set hairs, white at first, but
turning rusty on the lower surface of the leaf; there soon appear on the upper surface
little club-shaped galls about the size of hempseed, first pale green, then red, later brown,
and inside these live the mites (Phytoptus pruni). The mites also attack the leaves near
the margins, causing them to thicken, crippling their development. The greatest
mischief is uone to the young shoots by the small galls produced in the bark, which
singularly do not induce gum, but a dry gangrene, and the growth suffers in conse-
PLUMS AND n.\MSO\S— ENEMIES OF. igq
quence. Early spraying with Paris-green mixture, 1 ounce to 20 gallons of water, is
the best preventive; removing the affected leaves and burning them is the only effectual
remedy.
Red Grubs. — These are the larvae of the plum Tortricina (Tortrix nigricana and
Carpocapsa funebrana). The moths are seldom seen, as they are only about \ inch in
expanse of wings. When the fruit is nearly half grown the females lay eggs on it, and
the larvae eat their way into the flesh. The grubs are reddish above, with a few soft
hairs on the body, paler beneath and a brownish-black head. The attacked fruits ripen
prematurely and fall, when the larvae crawl out, spin cocoons in selected places in crevices
of the bark, pass into the pupa stage, and the moths emerge in May and June. Spray-
ing with Paris-green when the fruit is about a quarter grown is advised in CLISC of
frequent recurrence of the attack, but it suffices in most cases to collect the prematurely
fallen fruits promptly and burn them.
R(d Spider. — These pests attack plum trees in hot and dry seasons. Though water-
ing and feeding at the roots are the best preventives, with occasional washings, it is
necessary at times to apply an insecticide in good time, otherwise the current crop will
be seriously impaired and the succeeding one imperilled. For an account of these
mites see "Red Spider," Vol. I., pages 269—272.
Sawfly. — The female sawfly (Tenthredo morio) appears to deposit its eggs in the
blossom ; as soon as hatched the larvae eat their way to the centre of the fruit,
causing it to swell rapidly ; then suddenly turning yellow, it falls from the tree, the
larvae crawl out, burrow into the ground, become pupae and emerge as sawflies the
following spring. The attack of these insects is one of the causes of plums falling in
their early stages. Remedies must be directed to destroying the larvae, collecting the
fallen fruit promptly and burning it ; also removing the soil, as advised for " Slug-
worms," Vol. II., page 150, so as to destroy the pupae.
Slug-worm. — Considerable damage is sometimes done to plum trees by the larvue
(slug-worms) of Selandra atra, described and figured, with remedial measures, on pages
148—150, Vol. II. The larvae feed on the leaves.
Thrips. — Those insects are similar in their attacks to red spider, and do not infest
plum trees except when the atmosphere and the soil are too dry. For description and
remedies see pages 274 — 276, Vol. I.
< Wceberian Moth, — This insect and its larvae are described on page 44, Vol. II. It.
is alleged that the larvae cause gumming by penetrating the inner bark, but this is
200 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
far from being proved ; boring insects or their larvse neither cause sap to exude nor
gum to form. Nevertheless, considerable damage is done by their tunnels and it is
desirable to prevent the moths depositing their eggs in the crevices of the bark,
by spraying the trees in May and September with petroleum emulsion (Vol. L,
page 261).
Weevils. — A number of weevils feed on the young buds and leaves. Rhynchites
alliarise injures the young shoots by the female laying her eggs on the buds near the
end of the young shoots, gnawing the part a little below, causing it to han? down and
wither, the larvee feeding on the pith. K. cupreus deposits its eggs in the young fruit
and the larvas burrow into it, its early fall being accelerated by the weevil gnawing the
footstalk partly through. The only remedies are to catch the weevils, and to collect and
burn the fallen fruit, as described under "Apple Weevil," Vol. II, page 4U. Some
weevils feed as larvae in winding galleries below the bark, especially of weakly trees, but
the greatest mischief is done by the Scolytida? or Bark Beetles ; Magdalinus pruni, a
beetle about ,-2 to ^ inch long, black, with reddish antennae, being the most partial to
the plum. Xyleborus dispar also attacks the stems and limbs of plum trees. See
" Borers," Vol. I., pages 262 — 265, for description and remedies.
White Scale. — A small scale, probably Diaspis rosee, occasionally attacks the twigs
and stems and may be destroyed by the means given on pages 272 — 274, Vol. I.
"Woodlice and other enemies. — Earwigs (Vol. I., page 267), beetles, and woodlice
(Vol. I., page 262) are fond of ripe plums, but the worst pests of all are the wasps
(Vol. L. page 279), aided by hornets and bluebottle flies. Preventive and remedial
measures against these depredators are given on the pages quoted. Mice and rats
(Vol. I., page 298) sometimes take to feasting on plums ; squirrels are partial to gages
and all richly flavoured plums, carrying them off wholesale (see Vol. I., page 300 ).
QUINCES.
rTlHE Quince (Cydonia vulgaris) is a low-spreading deciduous tree, and is said to have
been introduced from the ancient town of Cydon, in Crete, to the other parts of
Europe. It is a native of Northern Persia, but is naturalised in the Mediterranean,
region. As a fruit tree, it is cultivated throughout Europe, in many parts of America,
and at the Antipodes. The leaves are alternate and entire, flowers large, white,
sometimes with a blush of rose ; the fruit is somewhat pear-shaped, yellowish, and
cottony, internally containing five cartilaginous cells, in each of which the seeds are
arranged in two series to the number of eight and upwards, covered with a mucilagin-
ous substance. The fruit emits a powerful and rather peculiar perfume when ripe ; it
is hard and austere in a raw state, but becomes excellent when boiled and eaten with
sugar, or preserved in syrup, or made into marmalade or jelly. When mixed with other
fruits, especially apples, in cookery, quinces communicate a pleasant flavour, and a
wine may be made from them, adding a pound of sugar to a quart of juice, and
fermenting.
SELECT VARIETIES.
APPLE-SHAPED OR ORANGE. — Frait large, roundish ;
skin fine golden yellow ; flesh excellent when,
cooked ; ripe in August and September ; tree a free
bearer. Eea's Mammoth is said to be a very
large and fine variety of the Orange (or Apple-
shaped) ; a strong grower and very productive.
West's Mammoth is also stated to lie "of the
Orange quince family ; round, clear yellow, very
large, fine flavour, and for the class a very good
keeper." Both are American varieties.
CHAMPION. — Fruit very large, round (apple- shaped) ;
skin bright yellow, handsome; flesh cooks as
tender as the apple, and without hard spots or
cores ; flavour delicate, imparting an exquisite
quince taste and odour to any fruit with which it
is cooked ; tree very productive, and be rs abun-
dantly when young. An American variety, which
is highly recommended.
PEAR-SHAPED. — Fruit large, pyriform ; skin yellow
and somewhat woolly; flesh dry, and fairly
good ; ripe in September ; tree hardy, and a good
bearer, most commonly grown, and the best for
most situations.
PORTUGAL. — Fruit very large, pyriform, but widest in
the middle ; skin golden yellow, covered with
grey wool ; flesh tender when cooked, juicy, and
with a fine delicate flavour ; turns purple or
crimson in cooking ; ripe in October ; tree larger
and less hardy than the other varieties, and requires
a warm situation.
PROPAGATION AND MANAGEMENT.
Seeds of the quince seldom ripen in this country and seedlings are only used for
stocks on which pears are to be established. Seedlings are raised similar to those from
VOL. III. D D
FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
apple or pear pips. Cuttings of the current year's wood, with a heel of two your old,
inserted in the open ground early in the autumn, soon root. This and layering are the-
usual methods of increasing quinces. Layers are generally made from an old stool — that
is, a tree cut down to the ground and the young shoots springing therefrom pegged into
the soil in autumn, detached and planted in nursery rows the following autumn.
Grafting may be performed in March or April, and budding in July.
The quince seldom perfects its fruit in the extreme north, but it succeeds in an open,
sunny, sheltered situation as far as York and thrives as standards in the southern
counties. In gardens it may be grown as a bush or low standard, and in orchards as a
standard. Low standards on a clean ground are the best for commercial purposes. The
quince thrives in soil which can be easily worked — a light, free, moist alluvial soil. It
does not succeed in heavy clays nor in dry sandy soils. The chief consideration is a
warm sunny site ; then, with the trees standing above the line of stagnant water, as on
the bank of a pond or rivulet— high and dry, they produce charming flowers and
useful fruit.
Autumn is the best time to plant quinces. Bushes and pyramids may be planted
6 to 9 feet apart and they can be kept compact by lifting. Low standards — 3 to 4^-feet
stemmed trees are accommodated at 12 feet apart; tall standards with 6-feet stems may
be planted 15 feet asunder.
After the principal branches have been originated very little pruning is required.
Summer pruning, however, may be practised on garden trees, after the manner
described for pears. Standard trees only need over-luxuriant shoots, which start up in
different parts, cut out at an early period of their growth and an occasional removal of
any overcrowded or weakly growths — all best done in the summer. Undue vigour is
counteracted by root-pruning, sturdy and well-ripened growths producing the most and
best quinces in this country. Tne fruits ripen in October and November, according to
variety. They should be gathered dry before they are frozen, or as soon as they give off'
a powerful aroma. In a cool yet frost-proof place they will keep six to twelve weeks,
but should not be stored with other fruits, as quinces impart to them a flavour not their
own. Many quinces are imported, and a few English growers find the crops profitable.
RASPBERRIES.
E Easpberry (Eubus Idneus) is found wild in Great Britain and most European
countries. It is a deciduous shrub, with a creeping perennial rootstock and a
biennial stem — that is, it produces shoots one year, which boar fruit the following season
and then die. The fruit is valued for dessert and in great demand for cooking and pre-
serving. It is used in various ways, fresh or preserved in ices, extensively in jellies,
and confections, imparting its pleasing flavour and peculiar perfume to spirits and
liqueurs. A capital wine is made from the fruit, from which a strong spirit may be
distilled. Vinegar is also made from the fruit, and considered a wholesome and
refreshing summer beverage.
SELECT VARIETIES.
I.— SUMMER BEARERS.
BARNET. — Fruit large, roundish ovate, bright purplish
red ; flavour good ; canes sturdy, moderately vigo-
rous, bearing freely. It is larger than Eed Ant-
werp, and a popular variety for market purposes.
BAUMFORTH'S SEEDLING. — Fruit large, roundish, in-
clined to conical, dark crimson ; flavour excellent ;
canes vigorous producing frnit abundantly. One
of the best for general culture.
CARTER'S PROLIFIC. — Fruit large, round or roundish
ovate, deep red ; flesh firm and preserves well ; canes
stout, very productive ; hardy, and one of the best
of all for general cultivation.
FASTOLF. — Fruit large, roundish conical, bright
purplish red ; Ik'.sb moderately firm, flavour excel-
lent ; canus sturdy and vigorous, bearing abun-
dantly. An old but still useful variety.
HORNET (Rivers'). — Fruit large, roundish ovate, deep red
or crimson ; flesh firm, rich, well flavoured ; canes
very sturdy ; a great bearer. Awarded first-class
certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society in
1889.
LORD BEACONSFIELD. — Fruit large, roundish ovate,
handsome, purplish red ; rather firm, but juicy and
well flavoured, with a fine perfume ; canes robust
and long, very free-bearing ; excellent for espaliers.
A new variety, of promise.
MCLAREN'S PROLIFIC. — Fruit large, roundish conical,
deep crimson ; flesh thick, juicy, brisk, and of ex-
cellent flavour ; canes strong, bearing abundantly,
often freely, on the young shoots during late
summer.
NORTHUMBERLAND FILLBASKET. — Fruit large, roundish
ovate, deep red or crimson ; flesh rather firm,
juicy, and well flavoured ; canes vigorous, healthy,
hardy, even in cold districts, and an abundant
bearer ; a popular variety in the north, where it
succeeds well.
RED ANTWERP. — Fruit large, roundish conical, deep
crimson ; juicy, briskly and richly flavoured, with a
fine bouquet ; canes sturdy, very productive. Of
this old favourite variety there are several forms :
the best is that with strong smooth canes and large
trusses of fruit ; excellent for dessert.
SEMPER FIDELIS. — Fruit large, roundish conical, bright
deep red ; flesh firm, briskly flavoured, useful for
preserving, the fruits being said to retain their
shape ; canes vigorous, and producing fruit over
a long period.
SUPERLATIVE. — Fruit large, conical, deep red ; flesh
firm, juicy, rich, sprightly flavour ; canes stout,
self-supporting, free in growth, and a heavy
cropper ; excellent either for preserving or dessert.
D 2
204
Till': /'AT//1 GROWERS
WHITE MAGNUM BONUM. — Fruit large, roundish
conical, pale yellow ; flesh juicy, sweet, and plea-
santly flavoured ; canes moderately vigorous, spiny,
and free-bearing ; useful for variety at dessert.
YELLOW ANTWERP. — Fmit large, conical, pale yellow ;
flesh juicy, sweet, and well flavoured ; canes
moderately vigorous, spiny, productive ; useful for
dessert and jellies.
II. — AUTUMN BEARERS.
BELLE DE FONTENAY. — Fruit large, round, deep red ;
well flavoured ; canes sturdy, and free-bearing.
CATAWISSA (Veitch). — Fruit large, round, very dark
red ; borne in very large clusters. Supposed to be
of American origin.
NOIRE D'AUTOMNE. — Fruit large, deep purplish crim-
son, almost black ; flesh firm, juicy, and excellently
flavoured, with a smack of blackberry ; canes stout
and prolific.
OCTOBER RED. — Fruit medium to large, bright red ; flesh
firm, brisk and well flavoured ; canes vigorous,
bearing in spikes often 12 to 18 inches long.
OCTOBER YELLOW. — Fruit medium, pale to deep yel-
low ; flesh tender, juicy, and sweet ; canes mode-
rately vigorous, bearing freely.
ORANGE D'AUTOMNE. — Fruit large, sometimes very
large, clear bright orange ; flesh rather firm,
juicy, and richly flavoured ; canes sturdy and
prolific.
PERPETUEL DE BILLARD. — Fruit very large when well
thinned, dark red, almost black ; flesh abundant,
juicy, with a brisk, rich, agreeable flavour ; canes
sturdy, and free-bearing.
SELECTIONS OF THE FOREGOING VARIETIES. — Summer Bearers .-—Three varieties of moderate growth : Barnet,
Fastolf, and Red Antwerp. Three varieties of strong growth : Baumforth's Seedling, Lord Beaconsfield, and Super-
lative. Two varieties for cold localities : Carter's Prolific and Northumberland Fillbasket. One variety for general
purposes : Carter's Prolific. For a long succession of fruit : McLaren's Prolific and Superlative. For dessert : Rod
Antwerp and White Magnum Bonum ; also any of the preceding. Autumn Bearers .-—For general purposes : October
Red and October Yellow. For dessert : Noire d'Automne and Orange d'Automne.
SITUATION AND SOIL.
Though the raspberry thrives in sheltered and partially shaded places in woods,
it produces the most abundant crops, also the finest and best-flavoured fruits, in open
positions. In hot gravelly soils partial shade is unquestionally beneficial.
The finest natural plantation); of raspberries we have seen, the produce rivalling that
of varieties grown in gardens, were located in the open parts of a wood in north
Yorkshire, 500 feet above sea-level. The soil was light, deep, damp, peaty and
incumbent on a ferruginous gravelly clay, through which superfluous water passed
away into the freestone rock beneath. This is mentioned as there are many sheltered
spots in hilly districts that might be profitably utilised for raspberries.
The raspberry has two sets of roots : 1, those of a fibrous nature running near
the surface and benefited by the debris of fallen leaves in nature and by mulching in
cultivation ; 2, the anchor roots, which are much stronger, more woody, and strike
much more deeply into the soil. Therefore, alluvial, sandy earth is the best, because
it meets the claims of the raspberry for deep rooting, and admits of free rooting
to a depth of 2 to 2J feet. Yet it does not greatly matter whether the soil be
RASPBERRIES— SOIL AND ARRANGEMENT. 205
peaty, loamy, or calcareous, for good crops of this native fruit may be grown on most
soils if deeply stirred and liberally enriched during the operations with stable, farm-
yard manure, vegetable refuse, leaf-mould, compost, or other humus-forming substances.
A deep sound loam on a clayey subsoil is, however, more substantial and economical
in labour and manures, needing little beyond draining, cleaning and digging or
trenching.
Strong calcareous loams, especially those interspersed with flints or gravel on a
gravelly clay, free from stagnant water, are also suitable, the canes growing sturdily
and producing fruit abundantly. Even clays, with a foot or more in depth of
ameliorated soil, will grow excellent crops of this popular and wholesome fruit. In
shallow, sandy, gravelly soils it is only a matter of loosening, deepening, adding and
mixing manure or compost of an enriching, cooling, moisture-holding nature to fit them
for the production of raspberries.
Arrangement. — This depends upon the mode of culture and the varieties. 1. If grown
without stakes, as in field culture, dwarf varieties must be chosen, such as Carter's
Prolific, Fastolf, and Eed Antwerp, disposing the plants in rows about 5 feet apart and
2 feet asunder in the rows, which should run from north to south. This is the con-
tinuous row system, but some growers prefer the stool method, that is. arranging the
plants in rows 5 feet asunder, three together in what is termed a "hill" at every
4 feet in the rows, the plants being set in a triangle about 6 inches apart. Both the
continuous row and the stool methods answer for large cultures.
2. In the upright staking plan the plants are sometimes placed in squares 4 to 5 feet
apart every way, and occasionally in stools, three plants together ; but the usual method
is to arrange the plants in rows varying from 4 to 6 feet asunder and from 3 to 4 feet
from plant to plant. A fair average and usually a sufficient distance, is 5 feet between
the rows and the plants 3 feet apart. Strong-growing varieties require 6 feet from row
to row and 4 feet from plant to plant in rich deep soils.
3. Where it is intended to arch the cones from stool to stool, they should be
planted in rows 4| to 6 feet asunder and 4 to 5 feet apart in the rows. Some growers
prefer planting in squares at the distances last named according to the variety and in
hot situations have the line of arched canes running north and south, so that the young
screen the bearing-canes from the midday sun. In cold localities the arches should run
east and west.
4. For espaliers, the rows of plants running north and south, 4 feet distance should
206 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
be allowed between the rows for the dwarf-growing varieties, 5 feet for the vigorous,
and 6 feet for the robust. Some cultivators have the rows farther apart, and intercrop
with vegetables. It is better to utilise the whole of the ground, allowing the raspberries
sufficient space and no more than is needed for the perfecting of the crops and for facili-
tating cultural operations. Plants for espaliers may be placed 1 to 2 feet apart, but it
is generally preferable to arrange them at the distances before named.
PROPAGATION AND PLANTING.
Propagation. — This is effected by seeds, cuttings, and offsets or suckers. Seeds ger-
minate readily, and the plants bear fruit in the second or third year. The seedlings
are very sportive : a few may equal the parents, while occasionally a variety may prove
superior to them, but the majority bear small worthless fruits. There is, however, a
chance of securing an improved variety by sowing carefully selected seeds from the
choicest fruits. The seeds should be washed to separate them from the pulp, afterwards
drying a little, and either sown at once in shallow drills 1 foot apart in light rich soil
in an open situation, or kept until the spring, when they will germinate, and the seed-
lings be fit for transplanting the following autumn.
The rows may be 2^ feet apart, and the plants 18 inches asunder in them. If kept
clea11, mulched, and moist at the roots, they will make vigorous canes the first season. If
they do not, cut the seedlings down to the ground in the autumn, reduce the growths
in the following spring to one or two on each plant; then stout well-matured canes
will be made that will produce characteristic fruit in the third year. A selection can be
made and promising seedlings improved by cultivation.
Cuttings may be made of the well-ripened canes, about 9 inches in length, severing
them transversely below a joint, inserting nearly their whole length in light rich soil,
also moist and shaded from the midday sun. Most of the cuttings will root, but it is a
mode of propagation only had recourse to for increasing scarce varieties. Root cuttings —
underground stems — especially those running near the surface, cut into 3-inch lengths,
and placed in pans of sandy soil in the autumn, wintered in a cold frame, develop one or
more growths in the spring, and as soon as these can be handled they may be planted in
rows as advised for seedlings. In suitable soil, each root cutting will form a good cane
the first season.
Offsets or suckers are produced freely from the creeping root in some varieties,
others expend their forces on a few canes springing from the base of the rootstock.
RASPBERRIES— PROPA GA TING— PLANTING. 207
Those issuing from tho creeping mots, and at a distance from the rootstook, are the best,
as they lift with abundance of fibres, and are well furnished with buds on the under-
ground part of the stem for pushing stout suckers the following season. These are the
kind of offsets sold by nurserymen, who strive more after a number of well-rooted,
moderately vigorous than strong and sparsely rooted canes.
Offsets or suckers springing at such distance from the parent plant as to admit of
their being detached at the proper time, with abundance of fibrous roots, are the only
canes, likely to transplant well and come into early and profitable bearing. These, care-
fully lifted and planted early in the autumn, will produce some fruit the following year,
but the canes must be shortened, the strong to 2 feet and the medium 12 to 18 inches.
Those, too small to bear, though well rooted, should be cut down to the ground. When
the canes have to be sent a distance, the roots must be exposed as little as possible to
the air and be packed in damp material.
Planting. — This should be done as soon as possible after the leaves have fallen, for
the soil is then warm and the plants commence rooting at once. It may, however, be
carried out in mild weather during the winter, and until the plants commence growth
in the spring. Cut away any damaged roots to sound parts, and let them be spread out
to their full length. Place good soil under and above them, firming it well. As the
tendency of the crown is to rise, the rootstock buds should be covered about 3 inches
deep and never less than they were before removal. Where the soil is heavy or thin,
the plants may be placed on the surface, and good soil taken from the intervening spaces
used for covering the roots, forming a flat-topped low mound. This will give the
plants a start ; tho stubborn soil can be ameliorated by exposure to the weather, and
permanently improved by adding opening materials. Fine soil or compost should be
used for planting in, as rough is not favourable to root formation, and a mulch of short
manure around every plant or stool is highly desirable Stake the canes after planting
to prevent their swaying about, for this moves the roots and hinders them from getting
established. Short canes will not need stakes, and in large cultures long canes are
shortened at planting.
PRUNING AND TRAINING.
It is not advisable to prune immediately after planting, but defer it until February.
If the weather has been moderately mild, and the planting is completed eaily, root
action will by that time have commenced and the buds be moving; then, or soon after,
208
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
the pruning may be done with safety. The chief object of shortening is to get strong
young shoots from the base instead of fruiting the old canes the first season. The extent
of the pruning must accord with the vigour of the canes and the condition of the roots.
This will be made clear by the illustrations (B — Et Fig. 52).
A short well-rooted cane (B) cut down to the ground (w) and only the strongest
cf the spring growths retained, will produce a sturdy, well-ripened cane, which (G),
with the top cut off, (b), will afford fruit the following year, also two or three
\
Fig. 52. PLANTING KASFKERKY CANES, SHORTENING, AND RESULTS.
References :—B, short well-rooted cane : w, point of shortening. C, medium-sized cane, with bad roots, to be cut
down to the ground, x. D, small-fruiting cane with good roots : y. point of priming, 6 to 12 inches from the ground.
E, fruiting cane with good roots : z, shortened at about 2 feet. F, bearing cane with abundance of roots : a, tip of
cane only cut off. G, result of shortening B to the ground : b, point of shortening for bearing. H, growth from C :
c, point of pruning bearing cane. /, growths from D : d, shortened last year's cane to be cut off at the bar near the
ground ; e, young cane for bearing, pruned at the bar. /, result of pruning E at z : f, bearing cane cut away at the bar
after the fruit is gathered ; g, canes for bearing in the following season ; h, points of shortening. K, result of leaving
long cane in the first year, as G : i, fruited cane to be cut off at the lowest bar ; j, weak young canes must be
shortened to k.
vigorous suckers for bearing in the succeeding eeason. When the cane is poorly rooted
(C), though of medium .size, it also is best cut down to the ground (x) to secure a strong
cane (H) ; if not so shortened, feeble canes only would be produced, as shown in outline
in <7, and a year wasted. Fibrous- rooted medium-sized canes push suckers much
more freely when shortened to from 6 to 12 inches (Z>), and may give a " taste " of fruit
the first year, the extra growth strengthening the rootstock ; the young cane is encour-
aged correspondingly by cutting away the old parts in its favour when the truit is
gathered. This is shown in /: d — D shortened to y in the spring ; r, young cane. A
RASPBERRIES— PRUNING. 209
bearing or fruiting cane (E\ with abundance of fibry roots, should be shortened half
its length (2), the result (</) being some growths and a little fruit on the old cane (/),
to be cut away at the bar after bearing, or towards the end of the summer ; then one or
two vigorous young canes (g) will follow for producing fruit the following year, after
being shortened in the winter in proportion to their strength (h). If a strong well-rooted
fruiting cane (F) is left nearly its full length the first year, merely cutting off a few
inches of the tip («), a number of fruits may be produced, and the consequences are
exhaustion (K): i, old cane to be cut out at the bar when the fruit is gathered;
/, weak canes, which must be cut hard back (k).
Canes allowed to bear heavily the first year after planting rarely push others
strong enough to afford fruit in the second season. Shortening newly-planted oanes is,
therefore, imperative. "Weak and badly rooted plants should be cut down to the ground
or near thereto, and all shortened at least half their length early in the spring. This
will encourage the production of strong sucker growths the next summer. It is neces-
sary to reduce these suckers to two of the strongest when more push from the base in
the first year. This must be done carefully so as not to disturb the rootstock. Offsets
springing a foot or more from the rootstock may be pulled up, placing one foot firmly
on the ground just clear of the offset on the side next the parent. One or two vigorous
canes being secured the first year for bearing in the second, the only pruning required
is to cut off the portion of two-year-old at the ground and shorten the young
according to their vigour. Sturdy canes will only need 4 to 6 inches of their weak
curved tips removed ; those moderately vigorous may be shortened one-third to half their
length, and the short, also weak, should be cut down to the ground, with a view to their
pushing vigorous canes from the base the following summer.
Assuming that all has gone well in the first year, the canes then produced will bear
fruit from the side branchlets in the second year and suckers will proceed from the base,
forming the canes for fruiting in the third season ; ajbout three or four of the strongest
and best placed will be sufficient to leave on each plant, removing the remainder early
or as soon after as they can be grasped by a gloved hand. The pruning for the year
consists in removing the old canes after fruiting and shortening the new ones in the
autumn.
In the third season a good crop of fine fruit should be produced, also strong suckers
from the bnse ; about four or six of the strongest are sufficient to leave on each plant,
removing the remainder. That number of young growths is ample in this and sucoee iiug
\OL. m. K E
210
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
seasons. Grand stools of bearing canes and a corresponding number of suecessional young
ones will be had in the fourth, if not the third year, and the amount of fruit produced
under good management in favourable seasons is enormous. A promising raspberry
stool is represented in Fig. 53, such as is produced by the method of culture advisod.
Easpberry training is inseparable from pruning. 1. Non-staking System. — This
Fig. 53. BEAKINO EABPBKEET STOOL AND STEONO STTCCESSIONAL CAHES.
natural system of growing raspberries is extensively followed on fruit farms and in market
and cottage gardens. Varieties with sturdy self-supporting canes should 'be chosen, such as
the Barnet and Carter's Prolific. They may be also grown on the "hill " system— three
plants in a triangle (Fig. 54, Z), or as single plants in rows. The canes are usually
shoi-tened to an average length of 3 feet, but some growers merely remove the weak and
RASPBERRIES— STAKING A.\'D TRAINING.
21 I
unripe rips (dotted bars). The customary extent of the shortening is shown by the full
bars in the figure.
Sometimes three or more canes are plaited (3/), secured at 3 feet height with tarred
string, and cut off just above good buds next the ligature. This imparts more strength,
the weight of fruit being borne better ; for the demerit of the non-staking system is that
the bearing canes are liable to bend down, and the fruit be more or less splashed with
dirt in a wot season ; staking is then a great advantage.
2. Staking System. — Ash, Spanish chestnut, or larch stakes are the best. They
Pig. 54. TBAININCJ AND I'-L-NINCI
References : — L, " hill " of three plants : dotted bars, point of cutting off the tips of well-ripened canes ; full
bars, place of pruning unripe canes, or to render them more self-supporting. M, plait of three canes. N, training-to
a stake, with canes equal in height. 0, stake training, with the canes of different lengths.
should be driven firmly in the ground 18 inches or more, and stand about 4 feet
above it. From three to five of the best canes from each stool are selected, and secured
to the stake with tarred string or pliant osiers. The canes are usually cut off a little
above the topmost ligature or level with the stake. This is not bad practice when the
canes are equally short-jointed, sturdy, long, and well ripened, but they usually vary in
these respects and it is a mistake to shorten thorn irrespective of their vigour. Fre-
quently a third and generally a fourth of their length from the top is weak, full of pith,
and unripe. This portion should be removed, so that the canes will be of different
lengths. When the plants are a good distance apart, five to seven of the best and
E E 2
m THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
shortest-jointed canes should be selected and instead of cutting them all level above the
stake, as shown in JV, which is certain to result in the fruit being produced from the
upper part only, they may be shortened to different lengths (0). The two weakest canes
may be shortened to 15 or 18 inches, two of the medium to 2^ feet, and the remaining
two or three to a plump bud above the top of the stake. The result of this is seen in
Fig. 53 (page 210), namely, fruit nearly from the ground to a height of 5 feet — more
or less, according to the vigour of the canes and the variety. In hot dry summers the
finest fruits will be found towards the bottom, because slightly shaded, and in all cases
the practice secures a longer succession of fruit.
3. Arching the bearing canes. — In staking, neatness and cleanliness for the fruit are
secured, but many of the fruit buds are crushed, and the young canes come up close to
the old, so that many of the lower bearing branchlets are injured by the shade. This is
contrary to the natural habit of the raspberry, for bearing canes are depressed by the
weight of fruit and the young shoots grow upright. The best mode of training is that
which allows the young shoots to grow straight from the rootstock. Arching the canes
from stool to stool possesses the merit of giving full advantage alike to the bearing
as to the successional canes, and the fruit is kept clean. Three or four of the strongest
canes from each stool are bent down and brought together so as to cross midway of the
distance between the stools at a height of 2 to 4 feet, according to their vigour, and
are there secured with string, the canes being shortened to good buds beyond the
crossing. Stakes '2\ to 3 feet in length answer for all but the strong-growing
varieties. Some growers form a semicircular arch by overlapping the canes a foot
or more and dispense with stakes, but these are a great advantage, as shown in the
illustration, P, Fig. 55, next page.
By this — in fact every — method it is important to secure strong, well- ripened succes-
sional canes, otherwise they will not be of sufficient length for bending over, nor sturdy
and well ripened to produce fine fruit. Two suckers from the base of a bearing cane
are sufficient, all the others being removed whilst quite small. Correct practice is repre-
sented in Q : the fruiting cane («) receives abundance of light to its base, while the
successional canes (o) receive the full forces of the rootstock and become sturdy, conse-
quently capable of bearing fruit abundantly in the following year. When a forest of
suckers spring from the rootstock and creeping roots, as shown in R, and all are allowed
to remain, the bearing branchlets from the fruiting cane (p) are deprived of light and
uir at the lowei pait and produce little fruit, whilst the successional canes (q) only
RASPBERRIES— TRAINING— ESPALIER. 213
attain about half the vigour they would have done had the remainder of the suckers
been removed early in the season.
4. Bending the fruiting canes over from the roots to a rail or wire. — This method
consists in placing stakes about 6 feet apart and 2 feet from and parallel with the
row of plants ; then, fixing a rail, say of slating laths, 2^ to 3 feet from the ground, to the
stakes, the bearing canes are bent over and secured with tarred string, shortening them
to from 3 to 6 inches above the rail. Instead of the rail a galvanised-iron wire, No. 8,
strained between stayed posts fixed at the ends and supported with stakes at 9-feet
Fig. 65. TKAISINO RASPBERRIES.
liej'erences :—P, arching the bearing canes (/) : m, young canes. Q, right practice, superfluous suckers removed :
7i, bearing cane ; o, vigorous successional canes. K, wrong practice — result of leaving all the suckers : q, weak suc-
cessional bearing canes ; eight other suckers represent wasted vigour. S, bearing canes (r) trained to wire 2 leet from
the row : s, young canes. T, raspberry espalier : t, fruited canes cut out in pruning ; u, successional bearing canes
pruned ; v, unripe, pithy, and lateral -producing extremities of robust young canes.
intervals, may be employed. By this plan (S) the fruiting canes (r) are kept clear of
tie successional canes (s).
5. Espalier or fence. — To form this, upright stakes are driven in at intervals of 6 to
9 feet and horizontal lines of slaters' laths are fixed at heights corresponding to the
vigour of the varieties : three rails 1 foot apart, height 3 feet, answer for the dwarf
varieties ; four for the vigorous ; and that number, but 15 inches apart, for the robust.
An iron espalier (T) is the most satisfactory. For the robust varieties it should be 5
feet high above ground, with four lines of No. 8, 7-ply galvanised wire, with standards
214 THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE.
placed 10 feet apart, and straining pillars at the ends. Raspberries are highly produc-
tive on this system, and form admirable screens between the flower and vegetable depart-
ments in small gardens. The management is shown in the engraving : t, the fruited
canes to be cut away soon after the fruit is gathered ; u, young canes shortened to the
upper wire. Hedges are sometimes formed by cutting the canes to different lengths,
some at the first wire, others at the second and third, and the strongest left the full
height of the trellis. This secures a fence of fruit-bearing branchlets from the ground,
and the succession of fruit is extended considerably in a hot, dry season, while strong
canes are secured for succession.
The chief points in raspberry training are the securing of sturdy, short-jointed, well-
ripened canes. These can only be had by thinning the suckers, pulling up the super-
fluous when 6 inches in height, and removing the old canes after the crops are
gathered, instead of leaving them to the winter pruning, taking care not to break the
leaves of the current year's canes. This admits additional sun and air, greatly enhancing
the ripening of the wood, which is seen in the canes being less damaged by severe frost,
and their increased productiveness as compared with those badly matured. Another
point of importance is the shortening of the canes and the time. This has already been
alluded to, but it may be reiterated that it is a mistake to have the bearing canes too
long, for a considerable part of their length from the top is full of pith and is better
removed. If the canes are well ripened they may be shortened in the autumn ; strong
pithy canes are better left at their full length till February, for the severe frosts and
re ins of the winter are apt to injure such when pruned in the autumn.
Pruning Autumn-bearing Raspberries. — These are not permitted to bear, like the
summer-fruiting kinds, on the previous year's wood, but all the canes are cut down
level with the ground when leafless, usually in February. This causes vigorous growths
to push from the base in the spring. It is necessary to thin these whilst small, reserving
the sturdiest and best-placed at about 1 foot apart. These summer canes must not
be topped, as it is on the crown of the current year's shoots that the finest raspberries
are produced in the late summer and autumn. The canes are self-supporting, and give
an immense crop of fruits in October and onwards in favourable seasons.
ROUTINE OPERATIONS.
Summer Treatment. — This consists primarily in preventing the appearance of weeds
by timely hoeings, which conserve the moisture aiid nutrient elements in the soil for
RASPBERRIES— MULCHING AND WATERING. 21.5
the raspberries. Deep hoeing, however, docs more h:irm than good by chopping off the
surface roots ; therefore, hoe early and lightly, not allowing the weeds to grow. Do not
chop off suckers, but pull them up or remove those springing from the rootstock with a
suckering iron or a chisel. Always reserve six or seven from a stool on established
plants the best in strength and position, and secure the growths loosely with matting to
prevent their being broken by strong winds ; also keep them clear of the fruiting canes.
Towards the end of August the soft tips of the summer shoots may be nipped off. This
strengthens the canes and plumps the buds, but it requires to be practised carefully or
the main buds will be started, and should always be several joints beyond the pruning
buds. Kemove the fruited canes when the crops are gathered.
Mulching. — In light shallow soils it is necessary to cover the ground between the
rows with short littery manure, not later than the appearance of the flowers, to secure
finely developed fruit. Eains wash the enriching salts into the soil and moisture is
conserved for the roots. In heavy soils a mulch of strawy manure is desirable to
prevent the soil cracking. The decay of these substances is valuable to raspberry
plantations, for humus in some form is essential to successful cultivation. Top-dressings
of leafsoil, and even grass mowings, are beneficial early in the summer.
Watering. — A few copious waterings in dry weather will accelerate growth in young
plants and sustain those carrying crops of fruit. During drought the plants and crops
are greatly improved by thorough soakings with liquid manure or sewage properly diluted.
To be of advantage they should be given in advance of the fruit swelling and discontinued
after the commencement of ripening. In ordinary seasons, watering is not necessary,
especially in deep rich soils.
Winter Treatment. — This usually commences by cutting out the old canes, as soon as
the leaves have fallen, thinning the new for next year's bearing, pruning and adjusting
to the stakes, or training in the most approved manner. After the rubbish is raked off,
the ground is ready for the winter dressing. This should consist of good stable or farm-
yard manure, spreading it evenly from 1 to 2 inches thick over the ground, or at
least as far from the stool as the roots extend. The debris of the rubbish heap, with
the woody portions charred, and a tenth part of quicklime incorporated, is equally
valuable as a top-dressing. The dressing may be lightly pointed in, taking care not to
disturb the surface roots. Weeds of a perennial nature must be forked out. Small annual
weeds may be buried in the spaces between the rows, where 3 or 4 inches' depth of soil
can often be turned over with advantage, for the winter's frost will mellow it, and the
216 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE
surface be in fine order in the spring, that is, in good tilth, rich, and full of young
vigorous roots, which will draw up nourishment for the plants during the summer.
Manures. — As before stated, the raspberry is a moisture-loving plant, and liquid
manure may be applied with advantage during mild weather in the winter. Solid manures
cannot always be had, and in some cases the cost of carriage practically precludes their
use. Eecourse must then be had to chemicals, such as a mixture of three parts super-
phosphate and two parts kainit, 85 pounds per rod, spreading it over the ground and
forking in during the autumn following. When growth begins in the spring, follow
with nitrate of soda, 2£ pounds per rod on light dry soil, 1| pound on medium, and
1 pound on strong land. This will generally suffice to produce good crops annually.
Growing Large Fruit. — "When the finest possible fruit is required for dessert or
exhibition, only a few bearing shoots should be allowed, and these of the strongest, sup
pressing all other growths, including suckers, to throw all the support into the fruiting
branchlets. The fruits also must be thinned as soon as set, reserving only the best
formed and most promising. With liberal feeding, very large fruit will then be secured.
If the weather prove wet at the ripening period, place a transparent waterproof covering
over the plants, but so elevated as to admit abundance of air. The method described
prevents the development of canes for the succeeding year ; therefore, a few stools only
may be devoted for the special purpose indicated.
Protecting the Fruit. — Birds are very fond of raspberries. The netting to exclude
them should be small enough in the mesh to keep at bay bullfinches, blackcaps, warblers
and white-throats. If the young canes are vigorous they will be sufficiently high by
the time protection is required to support the netting clear of the fruit ; otherwise
means must be adopted to secure this either by laths or stout string supported by stakes.
Gathering the Fruit. — For dessert, raspberries should be carefully gathered with the
stalk and husk intact, scrutinising each berry for ripeness and freedom from insects.
The fruit has the finest flavour when picked dry and not over-ripe, yet ripe enough to
part readily from the core. If gathered wet, raspberries should be laid thinly on a
clean wood shelf in an airy room for a few hours, so that the superfluous water may be
dissipated. Raspberries for cooking or preserving are gathered without the core. The
fruit should be ripe, though over-ripeness is less desirable than a shade the other way,
especially for packing. No fruit is sooner spoiled by wet weather than the raspberry
and enormous losses fall on market growers in bad seasons, but the returns in good years
are as oppositely favourable.
RA SPBERRIES— INSECTS.
217
Duration of Plantations. — This depends greatly on the soil, its preparation, and cul-
tivation. On the poorest soils, the plants mostly remain on the ground for five years ;
on deeply stirred and well-manured land raspberries may last a dozen or even twenty
years under good management. The chief points are to make sure of the establishment
of the plants before allowing them to bear heavily, sustain them well, and when they
show signs of failing make another plantation to continue the supply of fruit. A new
plantation should be made two years in advance of discarding the old one.
DISEASES AND ENEMIES.
Diseases. — Many fungi are found on raspberry canes, but they usually grow on dead
parts. One, however, preys on the growing leaves, causing their premature fall. The
fungus (Phragmidium rubi — Idtei) appears on the lower surface in the form of small
dots, usually very numerous. These are at first yellow, changing to dark brown, and
the spores reproduce the fungus another year. It is the mycelium that penetrates and
feeds on the tissues of the leaves, and the only safe remedy is to pick off those affected
and burn them. Poisonous solutions must never be used, as the raspberry is more sus-
ceptible of injury from them than any other fruit-bearing plant. The black dots often
seen on the upper surface of the leaves are produced by the fungus Stimatea Chsetomium.
The leaves first attacked should be gathered and burned.
Enemies.- -Several insects in their perfect or larval forms feed on the raspberry and
their attacks are becoming more frequent and serious.
The Raspberry Beetle (Byturus tomentosus) is found in most gardens in June, feeding
on the pollen and stamens of the flowers and hindering fructification. The larvae
bore into and eat the white fleshy cover upon which the fruit is formed and spoil
the crop. The beetle is about ^ inch long, yellowish brown, with a thick down ; male
rather smaller than the female and slightly greenish. Though provided with large
wings the beetle prefers to lie still, often feigning death when disturbed. Eggs are
deposited between the stamens of the flowers and hatch in about a week. The larva is
about -^ inch long, yellowish brown, with a dark head. It feeds about a fortnight on
the receptacle of the frun then gets under the loose skin of the canes or in the crevices
of the stakes, spins a cocoon in which it changes to a pupa, from which the beetle
emerges the following spring. Preventive measures consist in cutting away the old
canes as soon as the fruit is gathered, removing every particle of old wood from the stools
in the autumn and clearing off all rubbish for burning. The soil should be scraped
VOL. III. F P
n8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
away from the stools, taking care not to injure the sucker buds, supplying fresh, taken
from the spaces between the rows, over a little manure, burying the removed earth
deeply where the fresh has been taken from. Then examine the stakes and if there
be any crannies likely to harbour pupae wash them with carbolic acid diluted with
twelve times the bulk of water, not allowing it to run into the soil. Tarred trays
might be employed for catching the beetles before and up to the flowering period.
Raspberry Mite (Phytoptus rubi). — Quite invisible to the naked eye and only appear-
ing as the merest speck with a pocket magnifier, the eggs (buds) are deposited upon
the scales and internal parts of the leaf and blossom buds and the mites appear in a few
days. These mites feed upon the tender growths, distorting them and preventing the
putting forth of leaves and flowers. The lower buds of the canes are attacked first
and the mites move up the stems from bwl to bud in the spring. Eemedial measures
comprise cutting out the attacked buds in the autumn, and dropping them as extracted
in a pail containing gas tar. This saves the unattacked buds from molestation in the
spring, when they should be scrutinised and any abnormal ones extracted and placed
in tar. In bad cases, the canes should be cut oif close to the ground and burned at
once, as also should canes for planting if the buds are blackened at the tips and abnor-
mally enlarged. The mites live only in the buds.
Raspberry Moth (Lampronia rubiella). — This moth is shining light brown, with
golden spots upon the forewings, hinder wings paler brown, with lighter fringes ; its
expanse of wings is T7^ inch, and the length of the body T3F inch. The moths appear at
the close of May and early in June and deposit eggs on the receptacle of the flowers,
between the stamens and calyx. The caterpillar emerges in five days and buries itself
in the receptacle of the fruit. It soon, however, goes down into the ground, where it
remains in larval form during the winter. When the buds move in the spring it crawls
up the canes, enters a bud and feeds on it, and passes from one bud to another ; but
after feeding for about a fortnight it scoops out a hole at the base of the bud last
attacked and turns therein to a chrysalis, from which the moth emerges in twelve to
fifteen days.
Preventives or remedies must be directed to the larval condition of the insect,
which is passed from midsummer until March in the rubbish or earth among and around
the stools or rootstocks, This rubbish should bo cleared away for a distance of at
least a foot all round and buried deeply in the space between the rows, soot and
wood ashes in equal proportions being sprinkled among and around the stools and
RA SPBERRIES— WEE VILS. 2 1 9
covered with fresh soil. Early iu March a ring about an inch wide may be drawn
around each cane with Wilson's Sticky Oil or Davidson's Tree-Protecting Composition,
to prevent the ascent of the caterpillars. Extracting the infested buds and burning
them is a sure remedy ; they are easily detected by not pushing growth. Badly infested
cane^ may be cut away while the caterpillars are iu the bud, burning them without
delay.
Raspberry Weevils. — The Bud Weevil (Anthonomus rubi) is about | inch long, black,
with grey pubescence, but the colour varies. The female bores a hole in each flower
bud, pushing in an egg, and generally gnaws the stalk half through. The larvae feed
on the parts of the flower bud. similar to the apple-blossom weevil (see Vol. I., page
282), and the weevils appear from the buds in July, hybernating during the winter.
Other kinds of weevils, Otiorhjoichus sulcatus (see Vol. II., page 335) and 0. picipes,
often do great mischief to raspberry plantations (0. tenebricosus, Vol. II., page 90),
feeding on the shoots, leaves and buds. All of them are also injurious in their larval
state by feeding on the roots. The most effectual means of destroying the weevils is to
shake the plants after dark over shallow wooden trays, smeared with gas tar inside.
Getting rid of the grubs is somewhat difficult, but skimming off the surface soil and
proceeding as advised for larvse of the raspberry moth while in the ground, is recom-
mended ; also a dressing of nitrate of soda, 3 hundredweights per acre, 2 pounds per
rod, in February — this also acting as a powerful fertiliser.
Sometimes raspberry leaves are tunnelled by the larvse of a sawfly (Fcenusa pumilio) ;
squeezing the leaves between the finger and thumb, or picking and burning them as
soon as the pest appears, are the best remedies, The larvse of moths and sawflies feeding
on the leaves may be destroved by dressings of hellebore powder (Vol. II., page 224).
STRAWBERRIES,
are few gardens in which strawberries are not grown. They afford the first ripe
fruit of the year, and are esteemed by nearly everybody. Unlike other small fruit,
strawberries are seldom used for pies or puddings, yet if gathered before fully ripe they
make both these of excellent quality. The fruit, however, is mostly eaten at dessert,
either with or without sugar, and strawberries and cream are always held in high esteem.
Dr. Hogg says, in his Vegetable Kingdom, that the fruit of the strawberry is particularly
safe and wholesome. " It consists almost entirely of matter which is soluble in the
stomach, and which, neither when eaten or laid together in a heap, ever undergoes the
acetous fermentation; hence it is very nourishing, and may safely be eaten in quan-
tity. In addition to its grateful flavour, the sub-acid juice has a cooling quality, parti-
cularly acceptable in the summer. Eaten, either alone or with sugar and cream, there
are few constitutions with which strawberries, even when taken in large quantities, do
not agree. They dissolve the tartarous incrustations of the teeth, promote perspiration,
and persons afflicted with gout have found relief from using them very largely."
Besides its consumption in a fresh state, the strawberry is largely used for making jam.
A palatable wine and vinegar are also prepared from strawberries ; and they arc some-
times preserved entire in syrup or wine. Strawberrj ade and other agreeable and cooling
drinks are also made from the fruit, and strawberries are largely used in jellies.
The varieties of strawberries, now cultivated in gardens, originated from several
distinct species of Fragaria: — 1. Alpine varieties have been derived from the common
wild or wood strawberry (F. vesca). 2. Hautbois varieties came from F. elatior,
which sprang from F. vesca, but it is much larger and may rarely be found semi-
naturalised in the south of England. 3. The scarlet varieties, of which few are now
grown, belong to F. virginiana, a native of North America. The Old Scarlet has been
in cultivation over two and a half centuries and the Eosebery since 1808, Scone Scarlet
was raised in 1813 ; Grove End Scarlet and Keen's Seedling appeared together in 1820.
The last-named variety is, perhaps, the first strawberry, originated by natural or artificial
cross-fertilisation, that combined the scarlet with the pine race. 4. The pine varieties
STKA WBERRIES— VARIETIES.
221
were derived from the pine strawberry (F. chilensis grandiflora), a native of Surinam,
introduced in 1759. It was also brought from Carolina and from it sprang the Old
Pine or Carolina, British Queen, and other pine-flavoured strawberries. The species
(F. chilensis) was introduced in 1727, and furnished several sorts.
SELECT VARIETIES.
LARGE-FRUITED SCARLET AND PINE STRAWBERRIES FOR GARDEN AND FIELD CULTURE.
I. — EARLY VARIETIES.
ALICE MAUD. — Fruit medium-sized, ovate or coni-
cal, occasionally large and kidney-shaped ; skin
scarlet, deepening to crimson ; flesh scarlet
throughout, juicy, and with a brisk flavour ;
plant a compact grower and a good bearer,
largely grown 1'or market and valuable for field
culture.
AUGUSTE NICAISE. — Fruit very large, ovate, handsome
and evenly shaped ; skin deep glossy crimson ; flesh
reddish, tender, juicy, with a rich, brisk flavour ;
plant sturdy and compact, an excellent bearer,
and a good forcer.
COMPETITOR. — Fruit very large, ovate, inclining to
cockscomb-shape ; skin glossy, pinkish crimson ;
fle&h white, tender, juicy, and briskly flavoured ;
plant vigorous, healthy and a good bearer.
EMPRESS OF INDIA. — Fruit large, obtusely conical ;
skin bright scarlet, flesh firm, solid, juicy, w,ith
a rich British Queen flavour ; plant healthy,
compact growing and free bearing ; an excellent
second-early variety and good for forcing.
JOHN RTTSKIN. — Fruit medium-sized, obovate ; skin
glossy dark red ; flesh deep orange, brisk and richly
flavoured ; plant compact and a great bearer, early
and well adapted for forcing, but is liable to
mildew.
KEEN'S SEEDLING. — Fruit medium to large, ovate, in-
clining to cockscomb shape ; skin dark crimson ;
flesh reddish, rather firm, richly and briskly fla-
voured ; plant healthy and a'great bearer. An old
and still popular variety ; one of the best for
forcing.
KINO OF THE EARLIES. — Fruit small to medium,
conical, even and regular, with a glossy neck;
skin light crimson ; flesh firm, solid, juicy,
with a rich pine flavour ; plant moderately
vigorous, prolific and in some seasons the first to
ripen.
LA GROSSE STJCREE. — Fruit large, conical, or cocks-
comb-shaped, with an uneven surface when over-
grown, otherwise handsome ; skin glossy dark red ;
flesh pale red, tender, juicy, with a brisk and excel-
lent flavour ; plant a rather spare grower and a
moderate bearer outdoors, but a free setter when
early forced, for which purpose it is excellent.
MARGUERITE. — Fruit very large, often 3 to 4 ounces in
weight, conical, frequently cockscomb-shaped and
irregular ; skin bright shining red ; flesh bright
orange, tender, juicy, and briskly flavoured ; plant
a spare grower with small foliage and prolific ;
reliable only in good soils and situations.
NOBLE. — Fruit very large, conical or cockscomb-
shaped, handsome ; skin dull red ; flesh red, soft,
juicy, and pleasantly flavoured ; plant sturdy and
very prolific. A very early variety, excellent for large
cultures and succeeds well for second early forcing.
ROYAL SOVEREIGN. — Fruit very large, conical or
cockscomb-shaped, slightly furrowed ; skin bright
crimson, deeper on the sun, paler on the shaded, side;
flesh pink, firm, juicy, with a brisk yet rich and dis-
tinct pine flavour ; plant healthy and a free bearer.
SCARLET QUEEN. — Fmit medium, ovate, even and
symmetrical ; skin bright scarlet ; flesh pale red
throughout, firm, juicy, with a rich and excellent
flavour ; plant vigorous and a good bearer.
SIR HARRY. — Fruit large, roundish oblong or cockscomb-
shaped; skin dark crimson ; flesh red, juicy and
richly flavoured ; plant free-growing and prolific ;
excellent treated as a biennial in light soils and
good for second early forcing.
VICOMTESSE HERICART DE THURY. — Fruit medium to
large, conical ; skin bright red, becoming deeper
as it ripens ; flesh pale red, firm, juicy, brisk and
richly flavoured ; plant hardy and an abundant
bearer. Valuable for general cultivation and well
adapted for forcing.
222
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
II. — MlDSEASON
A. F. BARRON. — Fruit large, conical, handsome ; akin
bright red or glossy crimson ; flesh reddish, juicy
and richly flavoured ; plant sturdy, healthy and
a good bearer ; does not succeed on hot soils, but
thrives in good loams ; rather late.
BICTON PINE. — Fruit large, roundish ovate, even ;
skin clear yellowish white, faintly tinged with red
on the sun side ; flesh tender, juicy, sweet, with a
brisk pine flavour ; plant compact, healthy and a
good bearer on rather light soils.
BRITISH QUEEN.— Fruit very large, roundish, flattened,
or cockscomb-shaped, the smaller fruit conical ;
skin pale red, greenish white at the apex ; flesh
white, firm, melting, juicy, rich and exquisitely
flavoured ; plant tender and a moderate bearer ;
succeeds best in a warm climate on rather strong
ferruginous soil. 1 1 is the best flavoured of all
strawberries and admirable for late forcing.
CAROLINA SUPERBA. — Fruit large, ovate or cockscomb-
shaped ; sl;in pale red ; flesh white, firm, rich,
vinous and deliciously flavoured, with a fine pine
aroma ; plant sturdy, compact and prolific, often
succeeding where the British Queen fails.
COMMANDER. — Fruit large, oval or cockscomb-shaped ;
skin pale red ; flesh white, firm, juicy, vinous and
richly flavoured ; plant sturdy, hardy and a free
bearer.
COMTE DE PARIS.— Fruit large, obtusely heart-shaped ;
skin deep crimson when fully ripened ; flesh
pale red, solid and briskly flavoured ; plant vigo-
rous and an abundant bearer.
CRIMSON QDEEN.— Fruit very large, cockscomb-shaped ;
skin deep crimson ; flesh red, firm, solid, briskly
and well flavoured ; plant compact and a good
bearer, rather late.
DR. HOGO. — Fruit often very large, cockscomb-shaped ;
skin pale red with a greenish white tip ; flesh
almost white, rather firm, melting, juicy, with a
rich British Queen flavour ; plant moderately
vigorous, fairly hardy and a free bearer ; often
succeeds where the British Queen fails.
Due DK MALAKOPF. — Fruit very large, roundish or
cockscomb-shaped ; skin dull crimson ; flesh red,
soft, juicy, with a rich mellow flavour; plant
compact anil prolific ; forces well.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH. — Fruit large, cone or cocks-
comb-shaped ; skin deep crimson ; flesh dark, rather
firm, juicy and pleasantly flavoured ; plant vigo-
rous and an excellent bearer.
ECLIPSE. — Fruit large, ovate, inclining to cockscomb-
shape ; skin bright dark crimson ; flesh red, rather
firm, juicy and richly flavoured ; plant compact and
an abundant bearer ; it is of the Keen's Seedling race.
VARIETIES.
FILBERT PINE. — Fruit medium, conical, sometimes
cockscomb-shaped ; skin pale red, with a purplish
red flush on the sun side ; flesh pale pink, firm,
solid, juicy, with a rich, brisk flavour and a fine
aroma ; plant free and compact, hardy and prolific,
succeeding in light soils ; rather late.
GROVE END SCARLET. — Fruit medium, depressed,
roundish ; skin bright scarlet ; flesh firm, solid,
pale scarlet, brisk acid flavour ; plant free, com-
pact and an abundant bearer. It is chiefly valu-
able on account of its fine colour for preserving
whole and in ices.
GONTON PARK. — Fruit sometimes very large, conical,
or cockscomb-shaped, handsome ; skin bright,
dark crimson-scarlet ; flesh very firm, juicy, with
a rich yet pleasant brisk flavour, similar to British
Queen ; plant healthy, very prolific and likely to
become a favourite for marketing ; good for forcing.
JAMES VEITCH. — Fruit very large, ovate, even in
outline, handsome ; skin pale red or vermilion ;
ilesh rather firm, solid, juicy and well flavoured ;
plant vigorous, healthy and prolific ; good for mid-
season forcing ; somewhat early.
KITLKY'S GOLIATH.— Fruit very large, ovate, wedge-
shape, irregular ; skin bright red ; flesh white,
solid, with a brisk and rich flavour ; plant vigoious
and prolific, bearing successfully in good soil.
LA CONSTANTE. — Fruit large, conical, handsome ; skin
bright crimson ; flesh white tinged with rose, firm,
juicy, with a rich sprightly flavour ; plant dwarf
and prolific, best grown in pots in cool houses ;
rather late.
LUCAS. — Fruit large , conical, or obovate, and cocks-
comb-shaped, handsome ; skin bright scarlet to deep
crimson ; flesh pale, firm, juicy, with a rich flavour,
excellent ; plant compact, healthy and an abundant
bearer ; one of the best for the garden and for
midseason forcing.
MACMAHON. — Fruit very large, conical or cockscomb-
shaped ; skin glossy vermilion red ; flesh pale, solid,
juicy, briskly and exquisitely flavoured ; plant
vigorous, hardy and bears abundantly.
PRESIDENT. — Fruit large, roundish ovate to cockscomb-
shaped ; skin bright crimson; flesh firm, briglit
pale red, juicy and well flavoured; plant vigorous,
hardy and an excellent bearer ; succeeds well in
light soils with liberal treatment ; one of the best
for general cultivation and midseason forcing.
PRESIDENT DELACOUR. — Fruit large, heart-shaped ; skin
bright orange scarlet ; flesh pale, rather firm,
solid, juicy, briskly and excellently flavoured ;
plant vigorous and free bearing ; excellent for
general crop.
STRA WBERRIES— VARIETIES.
223
RIVERS' ELIZA. — Fruit medium, ovate or conical, with
a glossy neck ; skin bright red, with deeper red on
the sun side ; flesh pale red, firm, solid, juicy, rich
and exquisitely flavoured ; plant moderately vigo-
rous, healthy and productive, succeeding well in
pots.
SIR CHARLES NAPIER.— Fruit large, ovate, flattened,
and wedge-shaped, handsome ; skin bright shining
scarlet ; flesh white, firm, solid, briskly flavoured ;
plant tender, but a heavy cropper ; one of the best
for midseason and late forcing.
SIR JOSEPH PAXTON.— Fruit large, roundish ovate to
cockscomb-shaped, even and handsome ; skin bright
shining crimson ; flesh salmon, firm, solid and
richly flavoured ; plant vigorous, hardy, and pro-
lific ; one of the best for general cultivation, excel-
lent for midseason forcing, but liable to mildew.
SOUVENIR DE KIEPF.— Fruit large, flat cone-shaped ;
skin bright purplish crimson ; flesh white, firm,
juicy and highly flavoured ; plant vigorous, hardy
and prolific, continuing to bear a long time.
THE COUNTESS. — Fruit medium to large, cocks-
comb-shaped ; skin clear deep crimson ; flesh
firm, juicy, and finely flavoured, with a high per-
fume ; plant compact, healthy and a free bearer.
TRIOMPHE DE PARIS. — Fruit medium, roundish or coni-
cal ; skin bright glossy orange ; flesh pink, juicy
and richly flavoured ; plant moderately vigorous
and a good bearer ; one of the best.
WONDERFUL. — Fruit large, conical, sometimes ir-
regular and cockscomb-shaped ; skin pale red ;
flesh white, tender, juicy, brisk and richly
flavoured ; plant vigorous and a free bearer ;
forces well.
III. — LATE VARIETIES.
COCKSCOMB. — Fruit very large, ovate or cockscomb-
shaped, handsome ; skin pale red or scarlet ; flesh
white, with a rosy tinge, rather firm, solid, juicy,
and richly flavoured ; plant robust, hardy and an
excellent bearer, good for late forcing.
DE ROTHSCHILD. — Fruit large, conical or cockscomb-
shaped; skin bright scarlet; flesh white streaked with
red, solid, melting, well flavoured and perfumed ;
plant vigorous and a good bearer ; one of the finest.
ELEANOR or OXONIAN. — Fruit very large, conical or
wedge-shaped, hollow at the core, handsome ; skin
scarlet, crimson when ripe ; flesh red, juicy, witli
a brisk sub-acid flavour ; plant moderately vigo-
rous, healthy and a free bearer, withstanding
drought better than any other variety.
ELTON PINE.— Fruit large, ovate or cockscomb-shaped ;
skin bright crimson, shining ; flesh red, firm, solid,
with a brisk flavour, esteemed for preserving ; plant
vigorous, hardy and prolific.
ENCHANTRESS. — Fruit large, conical, with a glossy neck ;
skin scarlet, changing to crimson ; flc;sh red, solid,
juicy, with a fine pine flavour ; plant vigorous and
very prolific.
FROUMORE LATE PINE. — Fruit large, conical or cocks-
comb-shaped, with a glossy neck ; skin bright red,
becoming dark red when ripe ; flesh red, tender,
juicy and richly flavoured ; plant vigorous and
free-bearing.
HELENS GLOEDE. — Fruit large, conical or cockscomb-
shaped ; skin dark red, nearly bhick when ripe ; flesh
rud, tender and richly flavoured ; plant vigorous
and an abundant bearer ; later than Frogmore Late
Pine, but subject to mildew in dry seasons and soils.
JUBILEE. — Fruit large, conical, flattened cockscomb-
shaped ; skin crimson ; flesh firm, juicy and richly
flavoured ; plant vigorous, hardy and prolific.
LATEST OF ALL. — Fruit large, cockscomb-shaped, hand-
some ; skin crimson ; flesh firm, juicy and highly
flavoured ; plant vigorous, with good foliage, able
to resist drought and a good bearer.
LORD NAPIER. — Fruit large, conical, long, sometimes
flattened ; skin bright crimson ; flesh pinky white,
firm, juicy, richly flavoured and highly perfumed ;
plant sturdy, hardy and a free bearer.
LORD SUFFIELD. — Fruit large, conical, or cockscomb-
shaped, handsome ; skin dark glossy crimson ; flesh
very firm, juicy, deliciously sweet and luscious in
flavour — one of the most perfect flavoured straw-
berries ; plant healthy, free-bearing, and continues
with the latest kinds.
LOXFORD HALL SEEDLING. — Fruit large, conical or flat-
tened; skin bright deeperimson; flesh red, firm,juicy
and highly flavoured ; plant vigorous, foliage downy
and subject to red spider in dry soils and seasons.
MARIE NICAISE. — Fruit large, conical, sometimes flat-
tened and wedge-shaped ; skin bright vermilion ;
flesh white, solid, juicy, briskly and well flavoured;
plant moderately vigorous and a good bearer.
MR. RADCLYFFE. — Fruit large, obovate or cockscomb-
shaped ; skin bright red ; flesh pale, rather firm,
juicy, with a brisk high flavour; plant sturdy, hardy
and an excellent bearer; good for late forcing.
SAMUEL BRADLEY.— Fruit large, roundish or heart-
shaped ; skin bright red ; flesh firm, juicy, briskly
and highly flavoured; plant vigorous, hardy and a
free bearer ; an excellent variety-
224
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
UNZER FRITZ.— Fruit very large, conical or wedge-
shaped, handsome ; skin bright glossy crimson ;
flesh reddish, solid, juicy and richly flavoured ;
plant vigorous, h<;althy and an abundant bearer ;
a fine variety.
WATERLOO.— Fruit often -cry large, roundish or cocks-
comb-shaped, handsome ; skin smooth, dark glossy
vermilion or purplish crimson ; flesh red, solid,
juicy and richly flavoured ; one of the best late
sorts.
Hautbois and Alpine varieties will be mentioned in the cultural notes.
SELECTIONS IN THEIR ORDER OF RIPENING.
Twenty-four varieties.
John Ruskin.
King of the Earlies.
Scarlet Queen.
Noble.
Keen's Seedling.
"tVicomtesse Hericart de Thury.
"tRoyal Sovereign.
Competitor.
* La Grosse Sucre"e.
* Empress of India.
Auguste Nicaise.
*t President.
*tSir Joseph Pax ton.
'tLucas.
* Gunton Park.
Triomphe de Paris.
President Delacour.
* British Queen.
* Lord Suffield.
* Dr. Hogg.
Lord Napier.
Unzer Fritz.
•fWaterloo.
Latest of All.
* Twelve for quality.
t Six far quality and crop.
Twelve useful varieties.
Noble.
Empress of India.
"fVieomtesse Hericart de Thury.
* President.
* Sir Joseph Paxton.
Gunton Park.
*fLucas.
Triomphe de Paris.
* President Delacour.
Lord Napier.
"tWaterloo.
Lord Suffield.
* Six useful varieties.
t Three useful varieties.
Twc useful varieties.
Sir Joseph Paxton.
Waterloo.
Twelve large and handsome
varieties.
Noble.
Royal Sovereign.
Competitor.
Marguerite.
Auguste Nicaise.
President.
Sir Joseph Paxton.
President Delacour.
Sir Charles Napier.
Dr. Hogg.
Lord Napier.
Waterloo.
Varieties for preserving.
Grove End Scarlet.
Eleanor.
Vieomtesse Hericart de Thury.
VARIETIES FOR FORCING.
Verij curly.
John Ruskin.
La Grosse Sucree.
Vieomtesse Hericart de Thury.
Early.
Keen's Seedling.
Royal Sovereign.
Noble.
Empress of India.
Auguste Nicaise.
President.
Midseason.
Sir Joseph Paxton.
Gunton Park.
Sir Charles Napier.
Lucas.
Late.
British Queen.
Lord Suffield.
Cockscomb.
Waterloo.
PKOPAGATION OF STRAWBERRIES.
Propagation is effected from seeds, also by division and runners.
Seeds. —These arc only had recourse to for raising ne\v varieties, as seedlings cannot
be relied upon to reproduce the parent, except the Alpines, and these do best raised
from seeds. Mr. Knight was one of the first to experiment by cross-fertilisation in this
country, about 1818, and raised several varieties, one, Elton, being still grown. Messrs.
STRA WBERRIES—PROPA GA TION. 225
Keen, Myatt and others followed, with gratifying results. Mr. Douglas raised
Loxford Hall Seedling. Mr. Bradley raised several varieties, including the valuable
Sir Joseph Paxton. Subsequently Mr. Laxton produced Noble, Royal Sovereign, Latest
of All and others ; while Mr. W. Allan raised Empress of India, Lord Suffield, and
Gunton Park. These are proofs of what may be effected by cross-fertilisation and
selection.
To practise artificial impregnation successfully the stamens of the seed-bearing
flowers must be removed before the pollen is ripe, enclosing the flowers in gauze bags
to prevent natural fertilisation by bees, then applying pollen from the desired variety
to the stigmas with a camels' hair brush. Some hybridists grow the plants under glass
to isolate the seed-bearing plants. Where artificial impregnation is not resorted to, the
finest fruits should be selected for seeds.
"When the fruit is thoroughly ripe the seeds may be pared off, spread and dried on
thick paper ; or the berries may be crushed and the seeds separated from the pulp by
means of water, reserving those only which sink, and drying them. They may be sown
when taken from the fruit, or in February or March. A seed bed in a sheltered place
outside will answer well, attending carefully to watering. The soil should be light and
rich, say two parts loam and one part leaf mould, covering the seeds lightly. Seeds
may be advisedly sown in pans or boxes in a frame, placing panes of glass on them,
which remove as soon as the seedlings appear. When raised in a gentle hotbed in the
spring the seedlings will be ready to plant by midsummer and will fruit the following
year. Those from seed sown outdoors will bear fruit in the second year. As soon as the
plants have made two or three leaves, prick them out to gain strength and eventually
transfer to the fruiting quarters. If well attended in watering, keeping the beds free
from weeds and removing runners, some interesting results will be forthcoming in the
year of fruiting.
Division. — A plant consists of one crown at first, which increases to many as it
ages, and the stems of each become sufficiently long to be detached separately, some-
times with a small portion of root attached. Each crown that can be so secured will
generally grow if carefully planted in October or February, roots in either case being
emitted at once. It is a slow mode of increase, useful only in the case of scarce varieties
or where runners cannot be had.
Runners. — Most varieties push runners readily, but more freely, earlier and stronger
from young than old plants. Each runner is furnished with a bud which travels clear
VOL. III. G G
226
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
of the parent, pushes leaves, emits roots, then starts to run afresh, producing other
plants as it proceeds, and so continues until checked by the weather or the vigour of
the parent is spent. Unfruitful plants produce the most runners ; such should never
be selected for propagation, but only those from fruitful plants.
The runners are best layered in 3-inch pots, half plunged between every other row ;
this leaves space for gathering the fruit of the parents and watering the runners.
Fill the pots to within 5 inch of the rim with rough turfy loam, pressed firmly. Make
an indent in the centre of the pot about \ inch deep, place the first plantlet of the
runner therein, securing with a peg. Cut off the point of each runner just beyond
the plantlet, unless the variety is a scarce one or the second runner is strong, when it
u
U
Fig. 56. IiATtEBiNa STRAWBEHEY RUNNEES.
References :— U, one-year-old plants in fruit : iv, first runners of layering size ; x, second runners, only to lie used
wlien runners are scarce ; y, third runners ; z, runner wire extending ; a, point of cutting oil' runner wires ; b, runner
layered in 3-inch pot and secured with a wire peg ; c, runner layered in square of turf, pegged and emitting roots;
d, chopped straw for keeping the fruit clean ; e. soil.
may remain to produce two or more plants. If the soil is kept moist the runners
will be well rooted in about three weeks. When the pots are filled with roots and
before being closely matted, detach the runner from its parent and stand the pots on
ashes in a shady place, but the sooner they are planted (or potted, if for forcing) the
better. Another plan is to use pieces of turf cut into 3- or 4 -inch squares and placed
close together similar to the pots, layering a runner in the centre of each reversed
portion of turf. This should be free from the roots of perennial Aveeds. The runners
will root quickly and can be detached and planted at once. A third plan is to stir
the soil round the plants, water well if dry, press the plantlets into it about I inch,
securing with pegs or flat stones. With regular attention to watering, well-rooted
STRA WBERRIES—SOIL. 227
plants will be ready for removal by August, and these, if carefully lifted and planted
with soil attached, duly watered, runners and weeds removed, will bear a crop of
fruit the following season. They are not equal to plants raised in pots or turves,
probably from the latter having the advantage of fresh soil and fibrous root formation.
A fourth plan is to place the runners in rows early in the autumn, dividing them into
sizes, the largest being placed in rows a foot apart and 6 inches from plant to plant ;
the middle size about 5 inches apart in rows 9 inches asunder, and the small in rows
6 inches asunder and 4 inches from plant to plant, leaving out every seventh row, so
that the plants are in beds. In these nursery beds they remain until March, when
they are transferred to their fruiting quarters. The strong plants only will produce
fruit the first year ; the weaker shauld have the flower trusses pinched off, so that the
plants will become strong and produce a full crop of fruit the following season.
SOIL AND SITUATION.
Soil. — A strong loam is generally the most suitable, especially when of a limestone
nature, but any good friable medium liberally manured affords excellent crops of fruit.
Light and shallow brashy soils are the worst. They are either too loose or too hot and
dry. Such soils are improved by a dressing of clay marl, say 80 cartloads per acre, or
half a cartload per rod, applied in the winter, and dug in early in the spring. Gravelly
soils require clay, preferably dried and crushed ; chalk is also an excellent dressing for
light soils. The clay renders the gravel more retentive, chalk is moisture-holding ;
half a cartload per rod of either is a good dressing. Heavy loams, ditch scourings and
pond cleanings are admirable for light soils —anything, in fact, that increases the depth,
and is of a humus-forming or moisture-holding nature.
Very heavy soils are not good, but they may be made suitable by burning a
portion of the clay, incorporating it with the top soil and a portion of the stubborn pan.
Under-draining is necessary in wet land. Throwing up the ground roughly in the
winter, also adding charred refuse, old mortar rubbish, crushed brick-bats, anything
that assists the percolation of water improves heavy land. In dealing with strong
clayey loam, loosen the stubborn subsoil and leave it at the bottom, retaining all the
good ameliorated soil at the top, and lose no opportunity of bringing in parings and
scrapings of roads. Dustbin manure, freed of extraneous refuse, lightens heavy soils
wonderfully by furnishing the gritty matter they are deficient in.
Situation. — The strawberry is never found wild where water lodges, but always on
G G 2
2z8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
knolls or ground through which it passes freely, the soil being enriched by fallen leaves
and decaying vegetation. In cultivation we have to deal with different plants, but there
is a similarity in their requirements. Cultivated plants must not have water-logged
soil, but a fertile medium in a situation open to every ray of light from sunrise to
sunset. Field strawberries are always the most highly flavoured when grown in the
sun, those ripened in the shade being indifferent in quality. Shelter is good in bleak
exposures to break the violence of winds and prevent injury to the foliage, hedges or
lines of espalier fruit trees being better than walls.
Early fruits may be secured by planting in south borders or on warm banks, due
regard being had to the supply of water in hot weather. Plants in north borders or
inclines supply late fruit, and, in gardens especially, some such provision is desirable to
have strawberries over the longest possible period.
PLANTING STRAWBERRIES.
The earlier the runners can be planted after they become well rooted, the better chance
they have of getting established and forming good crowns for next season's bearing.
From the middle of July to early August is usually the summer planting season. If the
ground be light or cloddy, tread it, especially where the rows are to be, but only when
the ground is in good working order.
The rows in the rich soils of gardens should be 30 inches apart, and the plants 15
inches asunder in them. In very rich deep loams the rows may be 3 feet apart, and
the plants 18 inches asunder the first year, every other plant being taken out after the
first year's crop is gathered. Compact- growing varieties may be planted a little closer.
A convenient mode of cultivating strawberries in small gardens is by the side of paths,
inserting the plants 12 to 18 inches apart; a continuous marginal line is thus formed,
bearing bountiful crops handy for picking.
Some of the smaller-growing varieties, especially Grove End Scarlet, may be
grown in beds, planting the runners about 9 inches apart, leaving out every fifth row
for an alloy, allowing the others to grow into a mass. When thus cultivated, the fruit is
kept clean, as the dense leafage prevents the strawberries resting on the ground, and
blackbirds do not find them so readily as when the fruit is exposed. Alpines and Haut-
bois arc also best grown in beds about 4 feet wide, but the planting distances should be
12 inches for Alpines, and 15 to 18 inches for JIautbois.
In fields the plants are set at variable distances. At St. Mary Cray and Swanley
STRA WBERR1ES— PLANTING.
229
in Kent, where the soil is light and more or less mixed with stones and flints, they are
placed 16 inches apart in rows 32 inches asunder. In the Sandwich district, where the
soil is deeper and the finest British Queens are grown, 36 inches is allowed between
the rows and 18 inches from plant to plant. The practice in the Aberdeen and Eves-
Lam districts is to plant 30 inches by 18 inches. In Cornwall, Alice Maud is planted
20 inches by 14 inches, and Sir Joseph Paxton 26 inches by 16 inches. The end
of September is the usual time of planting when the soil and weather are favourable,
otherwise the work is done in March, though in the Aberdeen district it is deferred
until April. The plants should be carefully lifted, well and firmly planted, and watered
if the weather be dry.
Plant just level with the neck so as to cover the roots, and firm the soil well about
Fig. 57. CHARACTERISTIC PLANTS. PBOPBB AND IMPBOPEE METHODS OF PLANTING.
References : — V, plantlet from a 3-inch pot. If, plant from reversed turf. X, plant lifted from the ground with
a ball of soil. Y, plant lifted without soil and properly planted. Z, plant set too deeply. A, plant not deep enough.
V, plant the right depth but with the roots in a bundle — bad practice. C, plant with the roots doubled up in a
shallow excavation — slovenly work, shown because it exists and is to be condemned.
them. Plants from runners layered in pots, turves, or in the open ground and lifted
with a mass of roots and soil ( F, W, and X, Fig. 57), have a decided advantage over
those without soil. Plants with good roots but without soil should have them spread
out in a natural manner, the heart of the plant not being buried, while the neck is not
exposed to the air to become hard and dry. Correct procedure is shown in Y; improper
modes of planting are shown in Z, A, B, C. Where it is practicable give each plant a
shovelful of fresh soil— say, four parts turfy loam and one of well-pulverised manure,
spreading the roots out carefully, and work the compost amongst them. A slight
depression may be formed around each plant as a receptable for water whicli would bo
necessary if the season should prove dry. Moist weather is the time to plant. Watering
230 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
may not be necessary in the autumn arid spring. In summer planting, watering is
imperative, as the plants must be kept growing. If the soil is dry it should be well
moistened before planting. It is an excellent plan to invert flower-pots over the plants
in hot sunny weather, tilting them on the north side with a stone, removing the pots at
night and altogether when the plants become well established.
Fresh ground should always be chosen for new plantations, and if a portion of the old
plants are destroyed yearly, and a corresponding number of young plants established, a
full supply of the best fruit will be secured.
EOUTINE WORK.
Summer Treatment. — July or early August set plants should have all runners cut off
as soon as perceived, and the Dutch hoe employed, both to destroy weeds and keep
the surface open. By the end of the season the plants will be sturdy, with well-formed
crowns. On the eve of winter apply a top-dressing of short, dry, open manure, placing
it up to the plants, but not upon the leaves. Avoid heavy coatings of soapy manure,
for they have little protective value. The manure should contain straw, which after
being well washed by the winter's rains forms a clean bed for the fruit to lie on. Give
water copiously in dry weather, not allowing the roots to become dry from the flowering
time until the fruit has swelled. This practice can only be well carried out in gardens.
In large plantations, and especially when the plants are not sturdy and well rooted, it
is desirable to pick off all the flower trusses, also the runners as soon as they have
formed a bud or joint. The plants form strong crowns by this method, and they are
rendered stout by manuring when the runner propensity is spent in August or
September.
Second or Fruiting Season. — First runners from young fruitful plants put out as soon
as well rooted in pots or turves form a bold crown and some side buds by the close of the
summer, and afford large fruit the following season. Plants set in the autumn or spring
require a season's growth, and give a full crop of medium-sized fruit the second year.
About the time the flower scapes appear, a mulching of stable litter — the strawy portion
separated from the fine — should be given, 2 inches thick. In light soils it is advisable
to use the finer particles as well as the strawy portion of the litter. If not washed clean,
by rains add a little fresh straw.
Other methods of keeping the fruit clean have been devised, such as perforated tiles,
with 1-inch openings, which neither deprive the soil of air or rain. The fruit trusses
STRA WBERRIES— WA TERING— THINNING. »3 '
are propped up with forked twigs of birch or hazel thrust into the ground through the
tile apertures. The fruit thus exposed ripens evenly all over, and the quality is superb.
Wires or crinolines answer well provided a mulch is also given. The fruit is also raised
from the ground with forked twigs without tiles. All the plans named, except the litter,
are only applicable to gardens or small cultures. In market gardens and fields clean
barley straw is used at the rate of about 1^ ton per acre, laid down about the first week
in June, earlier or later according to the season and variety. Clean long straw, all
points considered, is, perhaps, the best for keeping the fruit clean.
Watering and Feeding. — If, as the plants advance into flower, the weather prove
dry, they must receive a thorough watering. Liquid manure, not too strong, may be
given at that time, and again after the fruit has set, repeating after it is half
swelled. If the mulching has been applied it must be drawn aside when the liquid is
applied, or it will be spoiled as a bed for the fruit. Water may be required twice a
week when the fruit is swelling, and on light soils every alternate day. Only thorough
soakings are serviceable ; driblets do little good. In a dry hot season neglected
strawberry plantations are almost valueless ; with mulching and proper supplies of water
they are profitable.
Thinning the Crop. — In ordinary practice the first fruits are the largest, those
from subsequent gatherings diminishing in size. The finest strawberries are used for
dessert or sent to market, whilst the small are utilised in the kitchen or jam manufactory.
When it is desired to have large fruits, sturdy plants of the previous July planting will
give them as no others do. Select the strongest flower trusses, leaving sufficient only to
afford nine to twelve fruits per plant, cutting the others away, and eventually remove
all the smaller secondary flowers as soon as those chosen for the crop are set. These
fruits will swell to a good even size. If very large specimens are wanted for exhibition,
only the " king " fruit on each peduncle should be retained. The lowest blossoms are
always the strongest, and these give the earliest and finest fruits. In wet weather each
plant should be covered with a hand-light resting on a brick at each corner, a current
of air being necessary to keep the fruit from spotting.
Protecting the Fruits. — Blackbirds and thrushes attack strawberries directly the
fruits change colour. Eepaired herring nets supported well above the plants foil
•the birds. This is readily done by driving stakes at about 6 feet apart up every second
or third row, the stakes being 3 feet out of the ground, and putting tarred string
from each crosswise, as well as in the line of stakes, for holding the nets, which
Z3" THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
must be kept down at the sides so that the birds cannot pass under. A gun must
be used in large cultures.
Gathering the Crops. — Strawberries for dessert should be gathered with as much of the
stalk as is sufficient for holding them. The morning is the best time, when the dew is
off, and the fruit is in the best condition when ripe to the tip. Too much care cannot be
exercised in gathering strawberries for dessert, one unripe, or over-ripe, or slug-eaten
specimen spoiling the dish. For preserving, the fruit is the most quickly and best
gathered with the calyx attached, but very much is picked without, and therefore soon
melts into a pulpy mass.
Trimming the Plantations. — When the crop is cleared, the runners, also the oldest and
most spreading leaves, should be cut away, and the strawy portion of the mulching
cleared off along with the old leaves, runners and weeds, leaving the shorter portions of
the mulching. If the ground has become very close it may be lightly stirred with a
fork, but not so deeply as to disturb the roots. It is a common practice to defer the
trimming until a late period. This is most unwise, as the spaces between the plants
become a mass of luxuriant runners, which are as exhaustive as a crop of fruit. In
fieldsthe runners and spare foliage are removed by hooks, the mulch taken off, the land
being then broken between the rows with a hand or horse hoe, and cleared from weeds.
Amateurs or specialists never permit the extension of runners on the plants except for
propagating purposes, and they only allow a few of the earliest and best to root in
pots .or turves to secure speedy detachment from the parents.
Manures. — Where there is a difficulty in procuring stable, farmyard, or town manure,
recourse must be had to soot, which is used as an auxiliary and as tending to keep slugs
down. It is good for all soils, applying in the spring at the rate of 40 bushels per acre,
increasing the amount when deemed necessary. On poor land it is desirable to apply
a mixture of equal parts bone meal and kainit in the autumn, say 3 pounds per rod,
and follow in the spring with 2 pounds per rod of nitrate of soda on dry soil, somewhat
less if the ground be damp. Nitrate of soda is peculiarly valuable on light and calcareous
soils and is wonderfully efficacious in dry seasons. It should be powdered and kept
from the crowns ; some growers use a second dressing about the time the flowers open,
and thus increase the yield of fruit.
Winter Treatment. — Digging between the rows with a spade is injurious. Some
growers, especially in the northern parts of the country, lightly turn over the soil with
a fork in the winter to bury annual weeds and secure a good tilth. In fields the plants
STJiA \VBERRJES — HAUTBOIS AND ALPINES. 23?
arc moulded up with a plough on each side to keep the crowns dry in winter. In
gardens compost, such as the debris of the rubhish heap mixed with lime, is placed close
round the plants as soon as the ground is frozen sufficiently to bear the wheelbarrow.
This invigorates those with elongated stems by inducing fresh roots. Plants in beds
are much benefited by a surface dressing of compost, leaf mould, or well-decayed manure
in February or March, covering the stems, then the embryo roots, finding stimulating
material, push freely and contribute to the health and continuance of the plantation.
Ilautbois Strawberries. — These thrive best on calcareous soil, and it must be firm to
prevent a superfluity of leaves. Eunners should only be taken from plants that bear
fruit freely, having the male and female organs of fructification in the same plant.
The sterile plants are the more vigorous and prone to produce leaves and runners.
Hautbois strawberries arc generally grown in beds and allowed to spread into an
entangled mass. To do them justice they require plenty of room and the high
cultivation accorded the large-fruited varieties. Fresh beds should be made every
season, as the old wear out in three or four years. The varieties generally grown are
Aromatic, Eoyal Hautbois, and Triomphc d' Orleans.
Alpines. — Plants of these are best raised from seed saved from the finest fruit and
the most prolific plants. Sow as soon as ripe, either in pans or a sheltered spot
outside, in drills about 3 inches apart, covering the seeds lightly with fine soil, which
keep moist. The plants will appear in about a month. Prick them off about 3 inches
apart, shading and keeping moist until established. Transfer them to their permanent
quarters when they have made four to six leaves.. Plant a foot apart in beds 4 feet wide.
Mulch with leaf soil before winter, and they will fruit abundantly the following year.
Seeds arc, however, mostly sown in February or March under glass, pricking off and
growing the seedlings in gentle heat, gradually hardening them for planting out early in
June. They will bear freely in the autumn, when the dainty fruits are often much
prized, especially at teas and juvenile parties. No runners should be allowed to grow;
only the first for stock, if wanted. Kunners planted in July or August bear fruit early
and freely the following summer. They are often grown on north borders with a view
to a late supply of fruit. Mulchings of partially decayed leaves or manure are necessary,
and copious supplies of water in dry weather. Plants grown and fruited in pots are
attractive for decoration, seedlings from a spring sowing bearing until a late period in a
cool house, but arc more satisfactory in gentle heat with a free circulation of air
Galande and Quatre Saisons are popular varieties.
VOL. III. H H
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
FORCING STRAWBERRIES.
Forced strawberries afford the first-ripe fruit of the year, and fine well-flavoured
specimens are much valued. Amateurs can secure good dishes from plants in frames or
on the shelves of a greenhouse. Free-cropping varieties must be selected. The fruit
should be large, highly coloured, bright and glossy. The handsomer the better, for
ill-shapen and dull-coloured fruits find no favour at table or market. The following are
approved varieties for affording early and successional crops under glass.
I. Varieties for starting before the new year for the early crops : — La Grosse Sucre*e,
Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury. Harris' Al and Princess Frederick William are also
bright and handsome ; the first requires time to develop flavour in a cooler house, and
the latter yields a strong perfume ; both are compact and prolific.
II. For starting with the new year for second early crops : — Keen's Seedling or Sir
Harry, and Noble.
III. For starting by the middle of February for midseason crops : —President,
Sir Joseph Paxton, Eoyal Sovereign, and Sir Charles Napier.
IV. For late crops requiring to be brought forward very gently and not
subjected to artificial heat before early March : — British Queen, Dr. Hogg, Cockscomb,
and Waterloo. Eivers' Eliza and Filbert Pine are exquisite in flavour when gently
forced.
V. For very large fruit in cool houses or wall cases : — Noble, Competitor, Marguerite,
James Veitch, Auguste Nicaise, Eoyal Sovereign, and Waterloo.
Plants. — Success in forcing strawberries depends greatly on strong and well-matured
plants. Two methods of providing them are adopted. 1. Layering in small pots and
subsequently transferring the plants to the sizes in which they are to bear. This method
has already been described up to the first stage, page 226, the runners being the
earliest borne by strong, fruitful plants one year old. 2. Layering the runners on the
fruiting pots in the first instance and so avoiding re-potting.
It is important by either method to leave the runners attached to the parents until
well rooted. Those layered in the fruiting pots may be left longer than those in 3-inch
pots, and some cultivators consider a better plant is secured ; but others favour the 3-inch
pot system on the ground that by the layering in the fruiting pots the roots pass to the
sides of the pot, leaving the central mass unoccupied, while the drainage is liable to
get clogged by worms. When the runners layered in 3-inch pots are well rooted,
detach them, and stand the pots on ashes on a north border, keeping the soil moist, and
STRAWBERRIES— COMPOST AND POTTING. 235
sprinkling the foliage morning and evening in dry weather ; then they will bo ready
for the fruiting pots in about a week.
Growers of forced strawberries for market, who have from 50,000 to 100,000 pots,
adopt a different and much quicker method, but do not obtain such fine plants. When
plantlets form on the runners and show incipient roots, they are cut off, with an inch or
a little more of the wire above and below each plautlet. Pots for fruiting the plants in
are previously filled with soil, made very firm, and watered. The portion of runner below
the plantlet is pressed down in the centre of the pot till the incipient roots are just within
the soil. The pots are stood in the open, frequent sprinklings through hose-pipes follow,
and in that way the plants are established.
Compost and Potting. — Five-inch pots are employed for plants to be started before
and with the new year, 6-inch pots for those to be started afterwards. These are known
as 48's and 32's arid vary somewhat from different makers, but they must not be less
in diameter £ inch below the rim than the measurements given. The pots should be
clean inside and out ; if new, soaked in water and drained before use. For drainage
place one large crock concave side downwards, so as to cover about one-third of
the bottom, with other pieces to form a layer over it, finishing with smaller pieces,
the whole to form a depth of \\ inch for 5-inch and \\ inch for 6-inch pots. Broken
oyster-shells are excellent for drainage; bones are best avoided as liable to become
pasty.
The best material for potting consists of loam from turves cut 2 inches thick where
the soil is of friable nature, neither light nor heavy, and stacked for two or three months.
To this, torn up roughly, or in pieces of 1 or 2 inches, add a fifth of well-decayed manure
free from worms, or sweetened horse -droppings, also a pint each of soot, bone meal, and
wood ashes to every bushel of the loam. Incorporate the whole well together, and have
the compost moist enough for ramming firmly. Heavy loams are improved by a fifth of
burned clay, and light loams by an admixture of marly clay, dried and pounded.
It is important that none of the plants are dry at the time of potting, but water must
be given in time to allow the surplus to drain away. Place some of the roughest
portions of the compost on the drainage, ram it and add enough so that when the plant
is introduced the base of the crown will be f inch below the rim of 5-inch, and 1 inch
of the 6-inch pots. The soil should be neither wet nor dry, extremes in either direction
being objectionable. Let each plant be exactly in the centre of the pot, ram the soil
hard, just covering all the roots, and having the whole of the plant to the base of
H H 2
236 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
the leaves above the soil. That is as it should be, the roots in the soil — no part of
the plant, not even its neck, buried, and with the space above named for holding water
in the pots.
Situation. — The site for the plants must be open to the sun and air, but sheltered
from winds, as the leaves are seriously injured when brushed to and fro against the pot
rims. A concrete or cement bottom is best, with some rough ashes or gravel to stand
the pots on. Ashes 6 to 9 inches thick form a good flooring for the plants. The pots
are often stood on garden paths, and worms are kept out of the pots by standing each
on a piece of slate. Gauze wire crocks are also used as worm excluders. Such positions
are suitable. The plants should stand just clear of each other, leaving space for watering.
As the plants increase in size, allow more space between them so that the leaves
do not overlap. The crowns should point to the south to get them stout and well
ripened. Plunging the pots is sometimes practised to save watering, and with the
plants 12 to 15 inches apart the foliage shields the pots sufficiently from the sun. Cut
off all runners as they appear, and remove weeds promptly.
Watering and Feeding. — Supply water carefully at first, just keeping the soil moist,
and on hot days sprinkle the plants in the evening. When they arc well established
in the pots copious supplies will be needed. Never allow the leaves to flag, yet do
not give water until the plants need it ; then a thorough supply. They should be
looked over in the morning, at mid-day, and late in the afternoon for watering. If in the
course of a month good crowns do not form, weak liquid manure may be given at
every alternate watering. Soot-water, a peck of soot to 60 gallons of water, using
the clear liquid, is excellent. Fresh horse-droppings rubbed through a p-inch sieve
and sprinkled on the soil in the pots encourage surface roots.
Removing Side Crowns. — One crown, a strong well-developed bud, is essential to
ensure fine fruits. As soon, therefore, as side buds become visible, remove them. The
early part of September is the proper time for the removal of side issues, continuing it
to October. Take care in removing the side buds from the axils of the leaves not
to injure the foliage or the central bud. This will then become more highly developed,
and push much stronger flower trusses than plants with many crowns can do when
placed in heat.
Wintering. — From the middle of October to November the earliest plants, which
should have been selected a month previously and given every advantage of place and
room to ripen their growths, must be plunged to the rims of the pots in pits or
STXA WBERRIES— STRUCTURES FOR FORCING.
237
frames, with the leaves just clear of the glass. The lights need only be used in the
case of heavy rains or snow, then tilted top and bottom. All that is wanted is pro-
tection from heavy rains, snow, and severe frost — complete rest without drought.
Therefore withdraw the lights whenever the weather is favourable. The site for the
frames must receive all the light possible. Plants for second early forcing should be
treated similarly. Midseason and late plants may remain outside, placing ashes
D
Pig. 58. SPAN, THBEE-QITABTEES SPAN, AND LEAN TO STBAWBEBEY HOUSES. (Scale : -fg inch = 1 foot.)
References : — D, span-roofed house : /, temporary stage, resting on brickwork ; rj, shelves 5J inches broad and
1J inch thick; h, top lights ; )', side lights; j, trellis; k, beds; I, 4-inch hot-water pipes; TO, hot-air chamber;
n, path ; o, water trough formed of cement, and covered with an iron grating. E, three-quarters span-roofed house :
p, movable stage ; 7, shelves ; r, lifting top ventilators ; s, front lights ; t, 4-inch hot-water pipes ; u, bed ; v, hot-
air chamber ; w, pathway. Dotted outlines, lean-to house: x, back wall; y, top roof lights; ~, pathway ; a, stage;
6, shelves ; c, front shelf. Another arrangement and better : continue the stage p and shelves q two tiers higher,
omit the stage a and shelves b, c, and q, and have the pathway at w ; other arrangements the same as for the
three-quarters span-roof house. The loan-to is then available for melons after forcing strawberries.
around the pots and over the rims. In severe weather they can be protected with a
little dry soft straw, removing it after the frost has gone.
Structures. — These must be light, well-ventilated, and with sufficient hot-water
pipes to maintain a temperature of 70° to 75° without hard firing. The plants should
be near the glass, yet not touching it. Shelves are provided in vineries, peacheries,
and other structures — at the sides, backs, and suspended from the roof over the paths or
where convenient for watering. Millions of plants are annually forced by such means,
but it is usual in large establishments to devote separate structures to forcing this fruit.
*j8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE,
Span (D, Fig. 58) and three-quarters span-roofed (E) cucumber or melon houses are
often utilised, and answer well when fitted with movable stages to bring the plants
to the light for strawberry forcing. This is imperative in early forcing. Later in the
season the plants succeed at 2 or 3 feet or more from the glass, provided they have
unobstructed light and abundance of air, but not in sharp currents.
A lean-to house is the best for early forcing. It should face south and be fitted
with shelves about 15 inches from the glass, allowing 1 foot horizontal space for each
row, and a similar distance between the shelves vertically. This allows of the plants
being easily examined, and watered from behind the stage. Three-quarters span-roofed
houses facing the south are also excellent for early forcing. Span-roofed houses with
the ends east and west only are good also, forcing on the south side. With the ends
north and south, span-roofed structures answer admirably for midseason and late forcing.
Starting. — Plants introduced about the middle of November will afford ripe frail
in March, sometimes in February, and to maintain a regular supply, successional plants
must follow at intervals of three weeks till May ; the latest of these ought to yield
splendid fruit till the outdoor crop is ready. The beginning of the year is, as a rule,
early enough to commence forcing with a view to full crops ; and, to insure an unbroken
supply of fruit, some of the second early plants should be introduced at the same time
as the first early sorts, and so on with the midseason and late varieties.
Before placing the plants in position remove decayed leaves, but retain all the
green foliage. Clear the surface of the soil from any mossy growths ; see to the drain-
age, and rectify it if necessary ; also expel worms with lime water. Wash the pots
clean, and top-dress with a little fresh loam with a quart each of soot and super-
phosphate added to every bushel, pressing down moderately and leave enough space
for holding water.
Temperature. — Commence forcing with 40° to 45° at night, and from 45° to 50° by
day. Continue this for ten days or a fortnight, or if there is no hurry until the crowns
push the embryo flower-stalks and leaves, then gradually raise the temperature to 50°
at night and 55° by day in mild weather ; in cold periods allow the night temperature
to fall 5°, raising the heat soon after daybreak, or if very dull and cold keep at 5° less
through the day. Allow an advance of 5° by day when cloudy, 10° with sun and
cloud alternating, and 15° with a clear sky, closing early to advance 5° on the tempera-
tures named. Continue these temperatures until the fruit is set ; then raise them 5°
in the course of a week, and 5° more in the course of another. This will bring the night
STRAWBERRIES' -TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION. 2*9
temperature up to 60°, and the day, by artificial means, to 65°. At this stage the
plants may be removed to a warmer and moister structure, or if the crop has to be
finished in the same house, maintain a night temperature of 60° to 65°, or 70° on warm
nights, 70° to 75° by day, artificially, and 80° to 90° through the day from sun heat.
In this the fruit will swell rapidly, and when the earliest are coloured, a temperature
of 60° to 65° at night and 70° to 75° by day is sufficient, a high day temperature
being kept down by admitting air more liberally. The fruit is found to have better
flavour than when ripened in a high and moist atmosphere.
Ventilation. — Until growth is commencing ventilation will not be required till
the temperature reaches the day limit ; then it must be given freely. Leave a little
air at the top of the house constantly, except when it is closed in the afternoon. This
procedure is to be adopted throughout the whole of the forcing process, admitting a
little air before nightfall, and gaining 5° each day on the maximum temperature
by early closing. There are two exceptions to the rule : (1) when the plants are
flowering, and (2) when the fruit is ripening.
1. The plants must have time to develop and form the organs of fructification. If
placed in strong heat and kept close, the flowers may appear perfect, but the stamens
turn black, and the pistils, instead of being a lively greenish yellow, become dark and
abortive. Gradual development is imperative under early and free ventilation, yet
avoid sudden fluctuations of temperature, cold currents of air and a moist atmosphere.
Moisture deposited on the flowers browns the corollas, converts the pollen into paste,
and destroys the pistils. Genial air in motion is essential to secure a good set, gently
rapping the trusses when the pollen is ripe, or brushing the flowers lightly on fine
day.s with a feather, or rabbit's tail mounted on a stick, and maintaining a moderately
dry atmosphere.
2. When the fruit is ripening a circulation of rather dry air must be maintained
constantly, ventilating freely when the days are sunny.
Syringing. — Practise this morning and evening until the flowering period, except when
the weather is dull and cold and the foliage does not get dry before night. In dull
weather damping avaikble surfaces in the morning and afternoon will be sufficient, as the
foliage must not be kept dripping with moisture. "When the flowers commence opening
a slight syringing will not do harm on fine days, but when fully expanded syringing
is generally discontinued. After flowering syringing may again be practised morning
and early afternoon, ceasing when the fruits give the first indications of ripening.
Ho THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Watering and Feeding. — Tho plants should be attended to once a day in the early
stages of growth, giving water to those in need of it, and those only, for a sodden
condition of the soil is injurious. As the plants advance in growth water will be
required more freely, examining them twice or three times a day. Liquid manure
is of great advantage while the fruits are swelling. A little chemical manure,
say a pinch between the thumb and two forefingers to each pot, sprinkled on the
soil once a week is equally efficient, ceasing the supply of both when the fruit changes
for ripening. The liquid manure and water should be used in a tepid state. After the
earliest fruits are coloured evenly, water must only be given to prevent the foliage
flagging.
Thinning the Flowers and Weights of Fruit. — The remarks on page 231 have equal
reference here. Cultivators must exercise judgment in thinning the flowers and fruit,
remembering that eight to twelve strawberries to a pound represent twice the value
of treble the number. If fine dishes are wanted for particular purposes the "king"
fruits only must be retained, cutting the others away. Choice specimens may weigh
as follows :— La Grosse Sucre'e f to 1 ounce, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury !£ ounce, Sir
Harry \\ ounce, President, Sir Joseph Paxton, Sir Charles Napier, and British Queen
1| to 2 ounces; Noble and Auguste Nicaise 2 to 2£ ounces, and Marguerite 3| to
4 ounces. Forked twigs of hazel or birch form good supports for the fruit, the lower
ends pointed and thrust into the soil at such an angle as will best keep the trusses in the
position desired above the foliage. Small stakes, and the fruit stems secured to them
with string, are useful in the case of large fruit.
Retarding the Fruit. — This is sometimes necessary in order to maintain the succession
or reserve fruit for a particular occasion. It must not bo attempted before the fruit
is well advanced in colour ; then the plants may be removed to a north house, where
abundance of air can be admitted, and a temperature of about 60° maintained. The
fruit when ripe, or nearly so, will also keep some time on the plants if moved to a cool
airy fruit room, admitting light. When the fruit ripens too fast, a single thickness
of tiffany shading retards the process, keeping the house cool and airy.
Strawberries in Autumn and Winter. — Forced plants ripening their fruit in March
will ripen another crop in late August and September, those fruited in April in October,
and the May-fruited plants in November. La Grosse Sucre'e, Vicomtesse Hericart
de Thury, and Sir Harry give the finest and best-coloured fruits. The plants must
be gradually hardened before being placed outdoors. They may be planted in an
STRA WBERRIES— ENEMIES. 141
open situation in good soil or be kept in pots. If the latter they should be turned out,
partially disrooted, removing the old drainage, and returned to the pots, using good
soil, and pressing it firmly. Stand the plants on ashes on a north border for a few
days, afterwards in a sunny position, and keep them well supplied with Avater. The
earliest forced plants should be potted early in June, the second plants by July, and
the third early in August. The first plants will set their fruit outdoors, and they will
ripen well in a cool house. The second may be placed in frames in September, with
air constantly, and be removed to a house by the middle of October, with a temperature
of 50° to 55°, affording abundance of air and a genial atmosphere. A temperature of
60° to 65° is necessary to swell the fruit properly. The latest plants should be in
the frames by early October, and in the house with a temperature of 50° to 55° by
November. From these fruit may be had in January. With suitable cultural con-
veniences ripe strawberries can be had every month in the year.
STRAWBERRY ENEMIES.
Parasitic funyi produce spots on the leaves, at first brownish-red, surrounded by
a brighter margin, after a time white in the centre, and in this area lie embedded various
black specks, peritheca, containing spores. When very abundant they injure the
leaves and weaken the plants. The most prevalent fungus of this group living on the
strawberry is the native Leptothyrium fragarise, and the exotic Sphcerella fragariae ;
Ascochyta fragariso and Septoria fragarise also occasionally infest the leaves, the spots
produced by all being much alike. Plants in clay soils are the most liable to attack.
Spraying with Bordeaux mixture before the flowers open, and young plants early in
August, is the only means likely to prove effective as a preventive, calculating the
strength of the mixture at 1 ounce of copper sulphate to 3J gallons of water.
Mildew.— This is peculiar to some varieties, notably Black Prince, John Euskin,
Pioneer, and Sir Joseph Paxton. Drought conduces to attacks outdoors, and a close
atmosphere, also sharp currents of air, to infestations under glass. The first is reme-
died by soakings of water, mulching, and abundance of food ; the latter by judicious
ventilation. Mildew grows from the spores of the strawberry blight fungus (O'idium
balsami) ; they are cleared away outdoors by a thorough rain or heavy watering ;
indoors by dusting with flowers of sulphur, and afterwards well washing with water
from the syringe.
The fruits, when commeuciug to ripen, are often attacked with " spot," especially
VOL. III. I I
J4* THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
the choicest specimens. It is induced by damp. The only preventive is ample
room outdoors, and a free admission of air to plants under glass.
Mice and Millipedes. — Mice will take the fruits and pile them in heaps, then eat
the seeds. Small steel spring traps baited with cheese will secure the depredators.
Slugs are very troublesome. Nitrate of soda is a good remedy and beneficial to
the coming crop ; so also is soot. Millipedes are destructive to the fruit. Pieces of
mangold-wurtzel placed in the mulching about the plants before the fruit ripens will
attract them, when they are readily destroyed.
Eelworm (Aphelenchus fragaria) attack produces a curious malformation of the
flower stems and buds ; it was given the name of the " cauliflower disease " by Miss
Ormerod, and is figured and described in her " Fourteenth Report of Injurious In-
sects." It was prevalent at St. Paul's Cray, Kent, in May, 1890. Occasional plants,
however, have been noticed in highly manured plantations for many years past.
Though considered to have been introduced with peat-moss litter, it was certainly
fostered by using manure from horses fed with clover hay. All infested plants should
be burned. Excessive applications, especially of unreduced stable manure, should be
avoided in presence of an attack, using a mixture of superphosphate and kainit in
equal parts in the autumn, and nitrate of soda in the spring instead of humus-forming
substances.
The grubs of the spotted garden gnat (Tipula maculosa) sometimes cut off the
flower-stalks close to the ground. Searching for the grubs, which usually hide in
the ground near the plants, is the surest remedy, but nitrate of soda dressings usually
paralyze them. Caterpillars occasionally prey on the foliage. They are removed by
hand-picking and squeezing. Weevils also prey on the foliage and the grubs on the
roots (see page 219, present volume). Cuckoo spit (Aphrophora spumai-ia) is sometimes
a nuisance on both outdoor and indoor plants, attacking the flower stems and young
leaflets. It is destroyed by crushing with the hand, or syringing with a solution of
soft-soap, 1 ounce dissolved in a gallon of hot water, adding a wineglassful of
tobacco juice, applying when lukewarm, and washing off with clean water an hour
afterwards.
Aphides are not particularly troublesome on outdoor plants, but if they appear
syringe them with tobacco juice diluted with six times the quantity of water. If this
is done before the flowers expand, and rain does not fall before the fruit is formed, the
tobacco must be washed off. When in frames aphides infest the scales of the crowns.
STRA WBERRJES— APHIDES AND RED SPIDER. 243
Dusting with tobacco powder is the best cure. Aphides multiply rapidly on the swelling
crowns of forced plants, and infest the trusses as soon as they appear. A sharp look-out
should be kept for them, and, when the first insect is seen, fumigate, and repeat if
necessary until the flowers are showing colour. The plants must be perfectly clean then
and at all times ; but fumigation must not be practised when the plants are in flower,
and only moderately after the fruit is set or it will not swell freely. The tender foliage
is also injured by an excess of tobacco smoke.
Red Spider (see page 269, Vol. I.) is most injurious outdoors on plants with downy
leaves, and is a consequence of drought, for when rains are forcible red spider cannot
thrive. The preventives are copious waterings, mulching, abundance of nourishment
and forcible syringings. Under glass, red spider will not cause trouble where the plants
are properly syringed, sufficient atmospheric moisture maintained, and the supplies of
liquid food adequate. If neglected in those respects the plants may be seriously injured.
Strong remedies cannot be applied on account of the fruit, but the plants may be well
syringed with clear water. Infested plants should be removed from peach houses and
vineries, for red spider on strawberries cannot be kept oil the peach trees or vines if
near them.
I i 2
ORCHAKD HOUSES.
A BOUT the year 1849, the late Mr. Thomas Kivcrs erected at Sawbridgeworth,
•*• _ Herts, a rough lean-to shed, supported by larch-poles sawn in half, boarded at the
back, front and ends, with sliding shutters at the front and back for ventilation, a door
at one end, and a fixed roof formed of rafters 20 inches apart, glazed with large
panes of sheet-glass, for the cultivation of peach trees in pots. This was the first
orchard house and it more than realised expectations. A span-roofed shed was next con-
structed 20 feet wide, 12 feet high in the centre to the ridge-pole, and 5 feet at the
sides. This house was provided with deal boards on hinges running the length of the
structure on both sides, and was a still greater success. The next house was a span-
roof, 14 feet at the ridge-pole, 24 feet wide, and 100 feet long. This size is considered
the most convenient. It was built in 1855, at a cost of £140, and has produced
annually for the last thirty-three years from 3,500 to 4,000 peaches and nectarines,
the harvest of fruit extending from the beginning of July to the first week in October.
This house contains of peaches and nectarines alone, 10 1 trees, 31 pyramids, from 8 to
10 feet high in 18-inch pots, ranged in three rows down the centre, and 76 half-
standards and bushes on both sides, ranged in two rows alternately, the pots 3 feet
apart. These trees comprise the permanent residents, but in addition, the house
will hold and protect against frost an equal number of pears, plums, and cherries, all
of which can be removed to the open air about the end of May. Up to this time no
difficulty will be felt in overcrowding, and the trees will not have made sufficient growth
to incommode each other. The advantage of thus utilising an orchard house will be
at once seen, as sometimes there is a general wreck of outdoor fruits from spring frosts,
and entire destitution can thus be escaped.
Such, in the words of Mr. T. F. Eivers, was the beginning, development, and advan-
tage of the orchard house. These structures are simple and, as compared with fruit houses
with brick walls and movable side and top lights, inexpensive. The orchard house is,
according to the original intention, a glass structure erected on the most economical scale
consistent with stability. The main object of orchard houses is that of providing
ORCHARD HOUSES— CONSTRUCTION OF A LEAN-TO. 245
accommodation for the culture of choice, but somewhat tender fruits, superior in
size and quality than it is possible to obtain from trees in the open ground, or out-
side walls. Since their introduction, orchard houses have been improved in appearance,
whilst combining economy in construction with efficiency. The following illustrations
and particulars of the conformation of the structures to which they apply have been
obligingly placed at our disposal by Mr. Rivers.
Lean-to House. — Suppose a structure 30 feet long is required. An outline 30
feet long and 12 feet 6 inches wide should be marked out. Then six posts of oak or
good yellow deal, 5 inches by 3 inches, and 11 feet 6 inches in length, or of larch-
poles 16 inches in girth, cut in two, and the flat sides placed outwards, must be firmly
fixed 2 feet in the ground ; the ground ends, before fixing, should be charred 2 feet
6 inches from the bottom, and then have a coat of boiling coal tar. These will form
the back line of posts, standing 9 feet 6 inches in height from the surface of the ground.
For the front six posts of the same thickness, 6 feet G inches long, must be firmly
fixed 18 inches in the ground, so that they stand 5 feet out. Two posts will be required
at each end ; these will form the door-posts. On the posts, both at the front and back, must
be nailed a plate 6 inches by 3 inches, on which the rafters are to rest. The rafters must
be 14 feet long. A 9-inch deal 3 inches thick will make four, each nearly 4^ inches by
1^ inch. The rebate for the glass is formed by nailing a slip of ^-inch board exactly
in the centre on the upper side of each rafter ; this will leave about ^ inch of the rafter
on each side for the glass to rest on. The rafters are fitted to the back and front plate
by cutting out a piece on the underside so that they lie level, and are securely nailed,
leaving a space of 20 inches between each rebate. A f -inch board, 6 inches wide, must
be nailed along the top to the end of each rafter, so as to be even with their upper
edges, and in this a groove formed to receive the upper ends of the glass. At the
bottom a piece of 1-inch board, 6 inches wide, must be let in for the glass to rest on
and to carry off" the water, sawing a piece out of each rafter, and filling the space
between the board and plate with l|-inch boarding fillets. British 16-ounce glass
answers, but 21-ounce thirds sheet is best for glazing, and the size 20 inches by 12 to
15 inches, placing it crosswise, bedded in good putty with §-inch laps and secured with
sprigs. Top putty is not necessary, but the rafters must be primed before and well
painted after glazing, cutting the putty off level with the glass. On and outside the
back posts f -inch well-seasoned deal boards should be nailed, and also sliding shutters
in grooves 3 feet by 1 foot provided — two close to the roof and two 18 inches from
t46
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
the ground. The front and ends (except the doorway) must also have f-inch boards
nailed on outside the posts, but the upper one in front should be on hinges so as to let
down the length of the house. This, with the back shutters, door, and shrinking of
the boards in the summer, provide efficient ventilation. The woodwork should be painted
with anti- corrosion paint. Such a house may be erected at a cost of about £30. If it
is intended for apricots, figs, nectarines, peaches, and vines a south aspect is necessary ;
if for apples, cherries, pears, and plums an east or west view will answer, except in cold
districts, where the most favourable aspects — that is, south-east or south-west, and
sheltered situations are essential.
An improved lean-to house, Fig. 59, differs only from the original in the posts
being fitted with cast-iron sockets for fixing in the ground, glass about one-third
down the front immediately beneath the eave and down the ends to the same, a boarded
ventilator just below the glass in front and
at the back on the same level opening the
length of the house, and four sliding
shutters, 3 feet by 1 foot, at equal distances
apart, close to the roof. The appearance
is as satisfactory as can be desired in the
garden, and the extra cost is but slight,
Fig. 59. SECTION OF MESSES. RIVEBS' IMPEOYED^LEAN-TO whilst the Structure possesses every essential
OEOHAED HOUSE. cultural advantage.
Where there is a wall or close boarded fence to serve as a back a lean-to house may
be built against it with a great saving in expense, but as sliding shutters cannot be
let into boundary walls or fences, a continuous wooden ventilator, 15 inches wide, in
lengths of 10 feet, on hinges at the top of the sloping roof, and opening upwards by
simple cranks, lever, and sash cord, will provide (in conjunction with the openings in
front) efficient ventilation. A framed and glazed ventilator is, however, better for
the top of the house than a wooden one.
Span-Roofed Houses. — Though a lean-to with a south aspect has the advantage of
the fruit ripening earlier, and affords facilities for erecting an open shed at the back,
the span-roof house has a more pleasing appearance, and being detached can be
thoroughly ventilated. In a span-roof house peaches and nectarines ripen about the
same time as on walls. It should run north and south, that is, the ends face those
points, or if a deviation is made it should be between north and north-east and south
ORCHARD HOUSES—CONSTRUCTION OF A SPAN-ROOF.
247
and south-west for the ends, so that the house may have the full benefit of the sun
throughout the year, and, though a sheltered situation is desirable, nothing must
interfere with the free access of light and air. The small span -roof house (Fig. 60) is
G feet high at the sides, 10 feet from the path to the ridge, and 14 feet wide. The roof
rests on oak posts 5 inches by 3 inches, 5 feet apart, but deal posts let into iron sockets
are preferable ; rafters 3 inches by 1^ inch, 20 inches apart, are tied together
at the apex of the roof by a light flat iron tie screwed to every fourth bar. The
path is down the centre, and the rows of trees may be placed on each border 3 feet
from stem to stem. The house can be of any length, and is an agreeable and economic
structure.
A cheap large ppan-roofed house, 20 feet wide and 12 feet from the ground to the
ridge, may be built as follows : Oak or deal
posts in cast-iron sockets, G inches by 4
inches and 7 feet long, should be placed
flatwise, so as to stand 5 feet 3 inches out of
the ground, and the soil well rammed round
them, or concrete poured in so that they
stand firmly. These posts should stand in
two rows 20 feet apart, 6 feet asunder in the
Fig. 60. SMALL SPAN-ROOPED ORCHARD HOUSE.
TOWS. On these nail the plates, 4 inches by References :—a, iron socket ; 6, boards to the ground ;
3 inches, to receive the rafters a inches by c\ ™ tilating shutters : d> glass 18 inches wide ; e> iron
tie bars.
1| inch, which must be nailed to the ridge-
board, 7 inches by lj inch, at the apex of the roof, placing the rafters 20 inches apart,
that is, to receive glass that width. The sides and ends should be formed of f -inch deal
boards. For ventilation a shutter 18 inches wide, made into 15-feet lengths and opening
on hinges downwards, the lower edge 18 inches from the ground, should be placed on
each side ; and for top ventilation an aperture 1 foot deep at each end just under the apex
of the roof, and to this a shutter on hinges should be fixed ; these shutters ought to be
kept open from the beginning of June till the end of September. The roof should be
supported and kept rigid either by light " collar beams " of wood to every sixth rafter,
by iron rods, so disposed as to tie the roof securely, or, best of all, by two rows of
iron pillars formed of 2-inch gas pipes, G feet from each side, the lower ends let into a
small square of brickwork and cement in the ground, the upper ends let into the
purlin. These pillars should be about 10 feet apart. A house built after this method
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
is a plain but useful structui'e, for its sides, ends, and doors (there should bo one at
each end in the centre) are all of boards, and its roof only of gla<s. This is the
original description of span-roofed orchard house, and will give fruit in as great abun-
dance as a house built ornamentally and at a great expense.
A house combining lightness with strength, cheapness and appropriateness, is
desirable in private gardens. Such (Fig. Gl) may be 24 feet wide, 12 feet high in
the centre, and 5 feet 3 inches at the sides. Part of the sides (if) and ends are glass,
and on each side and at both ends is a wooden shutter 18 inches wide, the lower edge
18 inches from the ground, on hinges opening downwards the length and width of the
house, and below that glass to the ground. At each end, just under the ridge, openings
down to and the width of the doors fitted with sashes, provide all the top ventilation
•
necessary, and these are to be open all the summer. The roof is formed of rafters.
3§ inches by 1^ inches, fixed 20 inches
apart from rebate to rebate, and are kept at
the proper distance and from sagging by a
purlin, which is supported on each side by
galvanised tubing (/), 1| inch in diameter,
let into the purlin and fixed in a stone slab
(//) or small square of brickwork and cement
Fig. 61. LARGE SPAN-ROOFED OIICHABD HotrsE.
at the ground. ]i,ach row 01 pillars is 6
References :—a, iron socket ; b, boards to the ground ;
c. ventilating shutters ; d, glass 18 inches wide ; e, iron tie feet from the sides of the house. T iron IS
bars ; /, iron tube pillars ; <j, stone slab or brickwork. , . , , , , a—, a. v
lighter and better than the wood purlins,
with a screw hole opposite each rafter, and a groove in the pillars clips the T iron bar
and is secured with a pin through the tube and T bar. The iron pillars and iron bars
(e) are placed to every sixth rafter, or about 10 feet asunder. With a pathway up
the centre and trees on each side this house forms a charming avenue, but side paths
are necessary for cultural purposes when the trees are in pots, then it is better to
arrange them in three lines down the centre, and in two rows on both sides.
The essential difference between a fruit house on orthodox principles and an orchard
house is in the former being provided with top and bottom ventilation and the latter with
front or side only (except the hot-air openings at the apices of the ends). The side
ventilators answer admirably in the summer, but in the spring it is not desirable at
times to admit air by them, or only on the side against which a cold sharp wind is not
blowing ; and this even is so liable to reduce the temperature that Mr. Rivers has devised
ORCHARD HOUSES— VENTILATING BY DRAIN PIPES.
249
a simple plan of admitting air through underground drain pipes, one end of these
air ducts passing outside and the other rising about the centre of the house or where
required, and covered with a movable lid for regulating the ingress of the air. This
system of ventilating by cold air drains has long boon practised in forcing operations,
and it is an excellent method for effecting a change of air in cold weather, when the
side ventilators of orchard houses or top-lights of other structures cannot be safely
opened.
Some orchard houses are as elaborate in design as peacheries and vineries, and are
sources of great interest to the owners of
them and their friends. Such houses,
however, are no better for the production
of fruit than the simple and inexpensive
structures before figured and described.
All may be made as tenant's fixtures, if
required, by arrangement with the horti-
cultural builder, and can be taken to
pieces in a few hours. A useful house is
shown in the section (Fig. 62). It can be
used for an autumn display of chrysanthe- References .•— a, 3-inch drain tiles, with proper full
., „ ., ., TIT and outlet ; b, rubble for drainage ; c, border for peach
mums, as the fruit trees on the central bed , ,,, , , .„ ,
and nectarine trees ; «, rubble bed, with ashes on top ;
Will then have perfected their Crops and «, gravel or ash paths ; /, peach or nectarine trees ; g,
trellis ; h, standard and pyramid apple, apricot, cherry,
may be placed Outdoors. If the house be muiberry, pear, and plum trees in pots ; i, bottom ;
heated, the temperature must not exceed •?' ccntral> and k> toP veiltilation-
40° by artificial means in the winter, or the peach and nectarine trees will be
prejudiced.
CULTURE IN ORCHARD HOUSES.
There are two modes : 1, planted-out trees ; 2, potted trees. By planted-out trees
is not meant those trained to trellises, but trees in bush, pyramid, or standard form,
similar to plantation and orchard trees, the latter giving the name to this system through
the first trees being grown as low standards in pots and allowed to form round heads.
Trees in the centre of a house 12 feet from the surface to the ridge should have the
branches start from the stem 4 feet 6 inches from the ground ; this will give about
6 feet for the head, which should always be kept 12 to 18 inches below the glass. Half-
VOT,. III. K K
a a a
Fig. 62. AMATEUB'S OECSABD HOUSE. (Scale J inch = 1 foot.)
25o THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
standards (3 feet stems) answer for the next row on each side, and quarter- standards
(18 inch stemsj for the sides.
Peaches and nectarines succeed admirably in this form, but the roots of the trees
must be restricted to borders of firm soil over thorough drainage, for the tendency of
planted-out trees is to excessive growth, until checked by fruit production. Judicious
root -pruning is better for accelerating fruitfulness than rigorously stopping exu-
berant shoots. The great point is to prune so as to admit sun and air through the
trees, then sturdy, well-ripened wood will be secured, and fruit follow in abundance.
The soil for the trees should be a calcareous clay, and firm, then a surface dressing of
manure in the spring, supplemented by chemical manures, with a sufficiency of water,
and the usual syringing will meet their requirements. Potted trees have the advantage
of providing a great variety of fruit from a given space. A supply of apples, apricots,
cherries, figs, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums can be produced by trees
in pots in one house, that is suitable for the purpose ; but this cannot be effected in
similar space by planted- out trees.
Moreover trees in pots are portable and can be removed whenever desired. When the
pots are stood on bricks placed flat, and a little distance apart to leave the drainage
openings clear, the trees have the advantage of the warm air of the house for the
roots and are completely under control. Success or failure with these trees depends
entirely on the management— due attention to watering, syringing, and applying top-
dressings of rich compost, supplemented by chemical or liquid manure, in order to
sustain health and fertility. In these respects potted trees entail much work as
compared with those planted out. The latter, however, are not suitable for the majority
of amateurs, who must confine their cultures to the least room, and many of these enjoy
the occupation of growing fruit trees in pots.
A few cultural remarks on the mixed house system of growing fruit will be useful.
The trees may consist partly of fruits requiring to be kept constantly in the house,
such as apricots, figs, grape-vines, nectarines, and peaches; and partly of those only
needing to be placed in the house for the security of the blossoms and young fruits
from spring frosts, such as apples, pears, and plums, these being given a favourable
position outdoors from June to February inclusive. Cherries come within the latter
category of fruits, but the trees must be continued under glass until the fruit is ripe
and till removed from them, then they may be stood outdoors. This will admit more
light and air to the kinds first named. Early varieties of the apricot, nectarine, and
ORCHARD HOUSES— FRUITS FOR, AND PROCEDURE. 251
peach may be removed to a warm situation outdoors as the trees are cleared of their
crops, and the wood becomes sufficiently firm. By this procedure room will be provided
for any plums or other fruits which it may be desirable to return to the house for
perfecting and preservation in unfavourable weather. A great variety of fruits may,
therefore, be successfully grown in one house, by good judgment and attention. After
the blossoming is over, and the fruit set, the trees must have light and air right down
to their base by standing them sufficiently distant from each other.
Other fruits may be grown in the orchard house. Wilson Junior blackberry grown
in pots and placed in the house after its fruits are set outdoors ripens fruit of large size,
which is delicious with cream. The bushes may be placed outdoors after the fruit is
gathered. Lady apple, a small-fruited and highly-coloured variety, is very prolific and
ornamental ; it is esteemed for dessert, and may be used as a table plant on the French
paradise stock, either as a pyramid or low standard. Crab apples, such as the Dart-
mouth, John Downie, Siberian, and Tradescant, produce attractive blossoms and fruits in
profusion, which are highly ornamental, and make a delicious preserve. All kinds of
bush fruits succeed admirably in pots, as also do medlars and quinces, while straw-
berries of the first size and quality may be grown on shelves or stood on the border
where they receive abundance of light, introducing them to the house in March and
clearing them out directly the fruit is taken from them.
All the fruits named have been grown in orchard houses near towns, and have been
of such appearance and quality as to secure premier awards at exhibitions. Some
business men find relaxation in cultivating fruit trees in pots, and derive considerable
advantage from the pursuit. With no more ground in a sunny position than suffices for
the erection of an orchard house, and a corresponding space left outside whereon to stand
plants, persons may secure a supply of fruit of their own growing, and a display of
chrysanthemums in the autumn from one house. The fruit trees in this case being placed
in the house at the end of February, or when the buds commence swelling, and remain
until October, when they may be placed outdoors, except such as are specified to be
kept inside, and with the pots protected they will be perfectly safe for the winter,
especially if a wire cage is provided to exclude birds. The chrysanthemums grown
outdoors during the summer will take the place of the fruit trees in October, and afford
a display of bloom of great interest until Christmas.
The arrangement for using the orchard house for chrysanthemums as well as fruit trees
necessitates provision for artificial heat. This is not really necessary for fruit trees in
K. K 2
»5* THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
favoured localities, but it is imperative in cold districts to insure safety for the blossoms
and young fruit in the spring, as well as for the ripening of late fruits and the matura-
tion of the wood. The need for heating is much greater in small or narrow houses than
in large and wide ones, but a 4-inch hot-water pipe in front and at the back of a lean-to,
or both sides of a span-roof house, will suffice for widths of 12 to 18 feet, and
two rows of similar piping are ample for houses of 24 feet breadth. This command of
artificial heat is a great advantage in the spring, especially when the blossoms in an early
season may not be sufficiently protected by a glass roof should severe frosts occur. A
little warmth, moreover, assists the setting of the fruit and the swelling of the crop.
Artificial heat ought not, however, to be used for more than the exclusion of frost at
night, and a day temperature of 50° ought not to be exceeded by artificial means, with a
free circulation of air. An attempt at forcing a number of fruits in one house means the
failure of some, but absolute safety only from frost, cold, and damp, will ensure the success
of all. Abundance of heat is furnished by the sun in the summer ; it should be utilised
in cold districts by closing the ventilators somewhat early on fine afternoons after the
fruit is set, and fire heat ought only to be employed when it becomes really necessary,
and then a little air at the same time is desirable, except when severe frost prevails.
Artificial heat to the extent of excluding frost is advised for orchard houses in all but
the warm, parts of this country ; in the north or cold localities it is absolutely essential
for securing crops of fruit. Routine treatment has been given under the respective fruits,
but a few further hints applicable to trees in orchard houses will be useful to
beginners.
Potting and Re-potting. — The pots may range in size from 10 to 18 inches, according
to the age and size of the trees. The necessary compost should be prepared beforehand,
and allowed to remain several days or weeks after it has been well mixed. Two-thirds
rather tenacious loam, and one-third well-decomposed manure answers for all the fruits.
Some sifted brick and mortar rubbish or chalk may be added for stone fruits. A 9 -inch
potful of bone meal may be added to each barrowload of the compost ; if the loam be
turfy, use Thomas's phosphate instead of bone dust. The compost shouhl be placed under
cover to become workable — that is, neither too wet nor too dry. Trees in a healthy con-
dition only need the removal of loose surface soil and a little from the sides of the ball with
a pointed stick, placing in fresh compost and ramming it firmly. This should be performed
in October. Trees that require a shift should be taken out of the pots, have the drainage
removed, the sides of the ball loosened, long roots shortened, and be placed in clean
ORCHARD HOUSES— POTTING THE TREES. 253
properly drained pots a size larger, making the soil firm with a hand rammer. When
trees are in an ill-conditioned state through defective drainage, and consequently sour soil,
they should be taken out of the pots, the drainage and soil cleared away, and placed in
clean well-drained pots of the same size or smaller. Sufficient space must in all cases
be left below the rims of the pots for holding water. This must be given sparingly
until the roots are working freely in the new soil ; yet this must be properly moist until
the leaves fall, and during the next season not allowed to become parchingly dry.
Ventilating. — The trees must be stood apart from each other in the spring, before the
blossoms unfold, for it is impossible to separate entangled branches without destroying
many flowers. In the winter, the house should have the ventilators wide open whenever
the temperature is above the freezing point, but a still air is desirable when the weather
is severe. This will cause the trees to start naturally in the spring, even when they are
kept in the house during the winter, yet somewhat earlier than those which are outside ;
these being introduced before the flower buds have cast their scales, and they must not
be unduly excited. From the first indication of growth a circulation of air should be
maintained day and night by leaving the ventilators open more or less, according to the
weather. After the blossoms show colour they are susceptible of injury from frost, and
fire heat, if at command, should be used to exclude it, but a temperature of 40° is ample,
or even less in severe weather ; the chief essentials are a dry atmosphere, free ventilation,
and safety from frost. If the weather be cold and dull, a little fire heat will prove of
great advantage by day, if only to ensure a circulation of air, yet it must be applied
carefully, say to maintain the temperature at 40° to 45° — never more than 50° without
full ventilation. After the fruit is set, and the weather becomes warmer, growth may
be accelerated by closing early in the afternoon, but too much air cannot be given in the
early part of the day, avoiding sharp currents, and a little should always be admitted at
night. In the summer the ventilation must be attended to early, and be full during the
hotter part of the day, modifying the amount where it is desired to make the most of
sun heat. These remarks apply to orchard houses in cold localities, and for the tenderer
fruits, such as nectarines and peaches ; in favourable localities and for the hardier fruits
full ventilation is required day and night during the summer months, or from the end of
May to the close of September, but the cultivator must exercise judgment in the
admission of air at all times. No fixed rules can be laid down for following under all
circumstances.
What each kind of fruit requires has been given under its heading, and the only
254 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
general maxims for ventilating a house of mixed fruits are : — 1, during the winter—
from the leaves falling to the buds commencing to swell — ventilate fully day and night,
closing only in severe weather ; 2, from the blossoms being visible to the fruit setting,
allow a little air constantly between 40° and 45°, then admit full ventilation at 50°,
closing for the day at that temperature, subject to the condition just named, and close
the house entirely only in case of a prospect of frost and during its prevalence ; 3, from
the fruit setting and to the early part of June observe 50° as the point at which to open
and close the house, always subject to leaving a little air on constantly, except when
frost prevails, and modify the amount of ventilation to prevent the temperature falling
below 50° during the daytime ; 4, from the early part of June the ventilators may
remain wide open day and night till October, when it will be necessary to moderate the
ventilation for the benefit of late fruits, and prevent the sudden collapse of the foliage
in case of sudden and severe frost, otherwise ventilating freely in order to secure the
thorough ripening of the wood.
Syringing. — This must be practised from the time the fruits are safely set until they
commence ripening, each tree receiving attention, both early in the morning and in the after-
noon, except when the weather is cold and dull, for the trees must not be kept constantly
dripping with water. One good syringing does more to free the trees of insect pests
than many light dampings, therefore apply the water with force after the foliage becomes
able to bear it, but the leaves must not be damaged by applying the water too forcibly.
The water used should be of a similar temperature to that of the house. When it is not
possible to syringe the trees, the application of water about the house will maintain a
genial atmosphere, provided the floor be of earth and the pathway ashes or gravel, which
are not only more economical but far better than flagged or cemented floors, on account
of the constant evaporation of moisture and gases escaping from the soil charged with
liquid passed through the pots. After the fruits are gathered the trees must receive
proper attention in respect of syringing as before, but it suffices to keep them free from
insects and dust.
In smoky and dusty localities the glass should be frequently washed, keeping it as
clear as possible during the growth of the trees, and some woollen netting, 4-inch mesh,
tacked tightly over the ventilating openings, will sift the air, and collect sooty and
dusty matter that would otherwise enter the house and settle on the trees.
FRUIT-GROWING FOR PROFIT.
"1 TE. WILLIAM PAUL, F.L.S., in a paper read at a meeting of the Society of Arts,
truly says: "Fruit-growing as a recreation, or for one's own use, is one of the
most fascinating and diverting of occupations, and may be pursued with satisfaction by
the uninitiated. But fruit-growing for profit is a different thing. Here knowledge is
wanted. The possession of it, rightly applied, will be attended with success ; the
absence of it with failure." This knowledge it has been our endeavour to impart in
the preceding pages, so as to meet the requirements of different classes — 1, growers of
fruit mainly for private consumption ; 2, growers for exhibition ; 3, growers for
market.
In the first-named section tastes differ, yet all agree in wanting the best variety
of fruits to last in succession over as long a season as possible, and to meet all require-
ments for dessert or cooking. Many persons do not look at the cost of production so
long as they can have fruit of their own growth ; but some grow more fruit than is
required for family use, and dispose of the surplus in the markets. This class
includes amateurs, cottagers, farmers, tradesmen, private gentlemen, and noblemen, all
of whom possess, either personally or through those employed, some preliminary instruc-
tion and training.
Growers for Exhibition or Pleasure. — These like to have (and will have at any cost)
handsome dishes or collections of fruit for showing at exhibitions or on their tables,
whether the trees are good croppers or not, or the fruit of the first quality for dessert
or cooking. Beautiful fruit gives much pleasure to this class of individuals, who advance
the art of fruit-growing more than is generally credited by testing new or little-known
varieties, and so bring their qualities to light. The growers who make a hobby of fruit-
growing, and take pleasure in seeing the variations in colour, size, and quality of the
different varieties, who like to test sorts which arc new or unknown to them, and find
out their suitability for their soil or climate, without thought of profit, are the most
advanced pomologists. These, as a rule, pronounce fruit-growing a failure. Mr. R. D.
Blackmore's testimony is significant upon this point. He says : " I have been engaged
256 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
iii that pleasant pastime [fruit-growing] since the year 1857, having bought some 12
acres of land for the purpose. Tor many years I gave my entire attention to it, sparing
neither money nor labour. But during all those years I have not succeeded in securing
proceeds enough to cover the wages alone, except for two golden seasons, and those two
just met their expenses. The land is well suited for the purpose, but I have lost many
thousands [of pounds] by this insane investment."
Groivers for Market must have knowledge and something more. Henry Dethicke, in
the "Gardeners' Labyrinth," published more than 300 years ago, says: " Not sufficient
is it to a gardener that he knoweth, or would the furtherance of the garden, without
any cost bestowed, which the works and labour of the same require. No. The will,
again, of the workman, in doing and bestowing of charges, shall small avail, without he
have both art and skill in the same. For that cause it is the ohiefest point in every
faculty and business, to understand and know what to begin and follow." This view
has been endorsed by every subsequent writer up to the present time, and implies that
no vocation or profession can be made profitable without special knowledge, industry,
and business aptitude. True it is that some men appear to be natural fruit-growers,
because they see " what to begin and follow." But Avhoever may fail in the attempt it
is a great mistake to suppose that intelligent farmers, labourers, or mechanics cannot
grow fruit profitably, for many grow sufficient to supply their own needs, and the sale
of the surplus pays the cost of production ; whilst most owners of land, good in staple
and location, find the returns in rents considerably more from land under a well-conducted
system of fruit culture than from that under ordinary agricultural tillage. This signifies
knowledge of a particular order, for all fruit growers must be good cultivators, also
characterised by " patient perseverance, untiring application, a timely seizure of offered
opportunities, and thrifty regard for occasions upon which available resources should be
called into united co-operative activity." — (Mr. E. J. Baillie, F.L.S.) Work, business
tact, commercial enterprise, and intuitive or acquired market methods, are the essentials
required in fruit growing for profit. The opposites of these — dread of work, inaptitude
•for business, lack of energy and perseverance, and ignorance in growing and marketing
produce — lead to nothing but failure. Mr. Blackmore indulged in fruit-growing as a
" pleasant pastime," and paid for it ; he did not work on commercial lines, but hundreds
who did so work have succeeded and extended their operations enormously.
Labourers and Fruit. — Practical knowledge of the land and its working fits the
agricultural labourer for growing fruit. Many cottages have gardens attached, and in
FRUIT-GROWING FOR PROFIT—LABOURERS AND FRUIT. 757
these fruit of a quality suitable for home consumption and for sale has been grown from
time immemorial. Yet these gardens are often cumbered with old worn-out trees, and
produce inferior fruit scarcely worth carriage to market. This state of things is unfortu-
nately the rule rather than the exception, and demands a remedy. In some instances this
can be effected by judicious pruning, thinning, and cleansing the branches of varieties
worth retaining, by dusting them while damp with quicklime, also scraping the stems,
but not into the live bark, and coating them with a mixture of quicklime and soot formed
into a wash ; also extracting and burning perennial weeds with the prunings, spreading
the ashes beneath the fruit trees; supplying solid manures, if obtainable, otherwise a
mixture of bone meal and kainit in equal parts, 3| pounds per rod, in the autumn after the
trees have been trimmed, pointing in lightly, and supplementing in the spring, when the
buds unfold, with powdered nitrate of soda, 2 pounds per rod. If the varieties are not
good, and the trees have healthy stems, the remedy is grafting with better kinds in the
spring. This may be carried out so as not to interfere materially with the supply of fruit
by operating on the least profitable trees first, following with others in two or three
years, and so on until the whole are transformed into producers of excellent fruit.
Many gardens that bring little profit to their occupiers may by the practices indicated
be made remunerative.
But some trees are so antiquated, and the varieties so inferior, as to be practically beyond
useful renovation. It then becomes a question of having fresh land and trees, or going
without fruit, and where new ground can be acquired in suitable positions, cottagers should
be encouraged and taught to grow fruit for home use, also for their neighbours who have no
trees. This would be from every point of view better than introducing so much foreign
produce into country towns and rural villages. For small holdings, if not large, low
standards on dwarfing stocks are the trees of the future, with currants, gooseberries,
raspberries, and strawberries between the rows and in the lines, to secure a maximum of
profit from the ground in the shortest time.
Farm Gardens and Orchards. — The remarks on cottage gardens apply to farm
gardens, in which 90 per cent, of the trees are comparatively worthless through age
or variety. But the farmer has not the same difficulty in securing ground for a new
garden or orchard, as land in most cases is available in near proximity to the home-
stead. The great impediment to farmers becoming fruit growers for market is not
so much lack of commercial enterprise as laying out capital from which they have
only a remote prospect of securing a fair return. The farmer, under a yearly tenancy,
VOL. III. L L
*5* THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
•wisely refrains from fruit-growing as ,an industry. Even when the landlord provides
the garden or orchard properly stocked, it is questionable whether he does not even-
tually derive more benefit from it than does the tenant. But the advantages should
be mutual. Much land has doubled and trebled in value for letting in fifteen years
after planting it with fruit trees, and many landlords have shown a laudable desire to
improve the circumstances of their tenants by adding orchards to farmsteads, often
draining and fencing the land, finding, planting, staking, also pruning the trees for a
year or two till well formed and established. Several instances could be pointed to
where this has been done to the mutual benefit of landlord and tenant, both on large
and small holdings. The large holder of land has perhaps been shown the more favour,
though it is not such a vital question with him as it is to the small holder whether
fruit-growing is made to pay or not, and the latter will perhaps have more attention
in the future.
Small Holdings. — Up to the middle of the present century, the principal supply of
hardy fruits for the British markets was derived from market gardens near towns and
small holdings in the country. This was mainly due to the efforts of the late Mr. T.
A. Knight, and the Horticultural Society of London, in farthering the fruit-growing
industry by experiments with varieties, and diffusing valuable information. The result
was a full supply of fruit for a time, but the increased population demanded an enlarge-
ment of the towns. Buildings took the place of market gardens, and the value of
land was so enhanced that fresh plantations of fruit trees were practically prohibited in
the vicinity of towns. Manufacturing industries also made such rapid strides as to
render fruit-growing near them uncertain, and few fruit plantations were established to
meet an increased demand. This made it possible and profitable to import fruit for
the supply of the masses. The rural districts profited for a time by the obliteration
of suburban fruit gardens, but eventually became inadequate, through neglect in form-
ing new plantations for affording a supply of the best fruit in proportion to the
requirements of the population. This lack of forethought marked the decadence of
small holdings in many districts, and they were at length added to the adjoining
farms.
But the supply of home-grown fruit to the markets was only temporarily interfered
with by the engulfing of small by large farms, for some enterprising persons secured
land favourably situated for fruit-growing, and in plots proportionate to their capital.
These have been the principal suppliers of fruit to the British markets in recent times.
FRUIT-GROWING FOR PROFIT— SMALL HOLDINGS. 259
The situation of fruit gardens, farms, or orchards mainly in districts favouring produc-
tion, points to the importance of being guided chiefly by the placing of the best produce
in the markets at the least expense. Growers must consider that, because if they choose
to raise more fruit in any locality than is needed by the towns in the immediate neigh-
bourhood, the expense in disposing of the surplus must fall upon them. Eailway
companies will not carry fruit at specially low rates to populous districts inadequately
supplied by the gardens and orchards in their immediate neighbourhood. They act on
commercial principles, so must growers of fruit, and if too much is produced in a locality
to bo disposed of at a profit in its raw state, it must be dried or converted into jam,
or otherwise dealt with. The railway companies have not produced the glut, and they
will not clear it away for nothing.
In the large fruit-growing counties — Hereford, Kent, Devon, Somerset, Worcester,
Gloucester, and Cornwall, it may be a question whether it will be profitable to materially
increase the acreage under fruit, though new plantations must be made from time to
time, to maintain the efficiency of the supply of fruit as the older trees fail. In all the
other counties of England and "Wales, except Shropshire, Dorset, Middlesex, Monmouth,
Berkshire, and Buckingham, the area under fruit is totally inadequate to supply the
needs of the towns within easy marketing distances, and it is in these that the best
openings for the establishment of small holdings or fruit farms present themselves to
those with capital. This decentralization — the re -establishment of small holdings,
partly on fruit-growing lines primarily for the supply of the markets nearest them,
would alike settle the questions relating to railway rates and importations of hardy
fruits. In the counties north of the Humber and Mersey, it may not be possible to grow
fruit in the immediate neighbourhood of the great centres of industry on account of the
deleterious conditions of the atmosphere, but in most rural districts enough fruit could
be grown to meet the demands of the consuming community of a quality and at a price
securing for it preference over the imported. This is really the one thing needful to
enable the British fruit-grower to regain and maintain command of the markets.
Landowners' Gardens and Fruit Farms.— Many of the gardens of the nobility and gentry
supply fruit for the market, though few of them produce sufficient to cover the cost of pro-
duction, unless the large amount which is often required for home use is properly valued.
In some cases, however, the ostensible private gardens are really fruit manufactories,
especially as regards the output of choice fruits grown under glass. The superinten-
dents of such establishments receive encouragement through being allowed to exhibit
LI. 2
260 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
their choicest productions and gain prizes, if they can, at exhibitions. The growers
are still further encouraged by commission on sales of produce, and the result is high-
class fruit commanding remunerative prices, for there is always a demand for choice
samples in moderate quantities.
Some landowners devote a portion of their domains to growing hardy fruit for market.
These fruit farms are occasionally managed in combination with, but, as a rule, separate
from the private establishment. In the latter case the management devolves on men
experienced in marketing methods, and who have been engaged in the cultivation of crops
from youth upwards exclusively from a pounds, shillings, and pence point of view. It
is simply transferring industrial energy and cultural skill from herbage, cereal, and root
crops to fruit production. This class of cultivators — enterprising fruit farmers — have an
immense advantage over small growers through their connections with tradesmen and
salesmen, and thus effecting sales on the most advantageous terms. "What large growers
do for themselves, small must do by co-operation, that is, combine in the purchase
of trees, manures, and the conveyance of goods, so as to involve the least expense in
production and distribution, and secure the best profits on the work.
Tradesmen and Mechanics. — These classes of cultivators mainly devote their attention to
growing fruit for their households. It would be a mistake, however, to conclude that their
cultures have not some influence on the supply of the markets. Many buy a piece of
land, build a residence, plant fruit trees against the walls, assign a portion of ground to
bush and other kinds, with the result that more fruit is grown than the occupier requires
for his own use. If the produce is high-class it is readily disposed of at good prices
for fruiterers' windows, but if the grower keeps the best for himself and friends, and
disposes only of the worst, he must be content with costermongers' prices, while he, at
the same time, lowers the prestige of the home produce. These remarks apply chiefly to
tradesmen and mechanics near towns with few manufacturing industries, where the soil and
climate are as well suited for fruit production as in many rural districts where fruit is
successfully grown.
There are individuals in various stations of life, who may derive both pleasure and
profit in fruit-growing, if they acquire knowledge to bring the land into a high state of
cultivation, and send the result of their labours into the markets in an attractive and appe-
tising manner, leading to the freer use of fruit as food to the improvement of the national
health. What the sons and daughters of Britain effect in the lands of the West, and at
the Antipodes, they may do at home by the exercise of musclos and brains ; but nothing
FRUIT-GROWING FOR PROFIT— SUPPLY AND DEMAND.
261
short of educated heads and hands — business tact with intelligent persevering habits— will
bring success in the fruit-growing industry.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND.
The natural outcome of the cultivation of the soil is food produce. Its value depends
mainly on the demand. If the markets are overstocked the prices rule low ; if the supplies
are short, prices rise in proportion. But under all circumstances there is a difference
in the prices obtainable, and this is regulated by the quality of the article. Fruit may
be divided into three grades — 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and these apply to every kind, variety, and
the purpose it is to serve — dessert, kitchen, or preserving. These three grades represent
all the qualities required by consumers — 1st, for those able to pay the highest price for a
select article ; 2nd, for the use of the middle class, a good all-round commodity gener-
ally acceptable at reasonable prices ; 3rd, for the lower classes requiring a combination
of amount with quality on the easiest terms. In addition to these grades we have a vast
quantity of inferior fruit that never ought to be offered in the markets, but kept at home
and used for feeding pigs. The British fruit-grower must grade his produce and sell by
sample. Improved market methods, central agencies, and increased facilities of convey-
ance, with organisation, are the essential points upon which those connected with the
fruit-growing industry must concentrate attention. Government aid is useful so far as it
relates to statistics of importations of fruit, and might be of service in certain cases of fungal
and insect-infested districts for limiting the plagues. But the fruit-growing industry must
be founded on self-reliance. The population is ever-increasing and the demand for fruit
is always growing. If home growers do not satisfy this demand, supplies must be drawn
from beyond the sea. It is a question of the best article at the lowest price. Foreign
competition must not be feared but faced. It need not cause alarm to cultivators in this
country though it is formidable, as will be seen from the following summary: —
IMPOETS IN 1892 AND 1893 OF FOREIGN AND COLONIAL FRUIT.
January.
February
March.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
Apples . . .
Cherries . . .
Plums . . .
Pears ....
Bushels.
326,826
3
3 742
Bushels.
209,262
"l04
2 518
BuBhels.
-117,564
'+101
1 224
Bushels
345,885
2 585
Bushels.
246,728
1 979
Bushela.
-99,127
-606
Bushels.
351,814
i',754
Bushels.
332,724
1,100
Bushels.
- 19,090
-654
O rapes . . .
Unenumerated
334
10,995
523
16,852
+ 189
-143
548
23,022
430
22,448
-118
-674
777
19,528
2,134
34,970
+ 1,357
+ 15,442
262
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
April.
May.
June.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
Apples ....
Cherries ....
Plums ....
Pears
Bushels.
147,635
5
1,096
Bushels.
198,351
8
10
660
Bushels.
+ 50,716
+ 8
+ 5
-436
Bushels.
01,608
8,613
125
143
Bushels.
98,442
92,126
1,036
3
Bushela.
+ 6,834
+ 83,513
+ 911
-140
Bushels.
71,672
115,918
6,103
23
Bushels.
39,857
196,213
28,053
4,732
Bushels.
-31,815
+ 80,295
+ 21,950
+ 4,709
Grapes ....
Unenumerated
628
19,487
2,448
34,559
+ 1,820
+ 15,072
1,720
39,710
2,672
79,217
+ 952
+ 39,507
3,398
93,535
5,186
236,708
+ 1,788
+ 143,173
Imports.
July.
August.
September.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
Apples . . .
Cherries . . .
Plums . . .
Pears ....
Bushel-.
83,914
60,948
70,721
58,559
7,406
205,873
Bushels.
114,589
52,928
337,755
221,884
34,051
245,749
BusheK
+ 30,665
-8,020
+ 267,034
+ 163,325
+ 26,648
+ 39,824
Bushels.
339,281
31,356
226,077
272,152
174,928
164,582
Bushels.
220,923
4,613
247,142
271,827
148,844
232,209
Bushels.
- 118,358
-26,743
+ 21,065
-325
-26,084
+ 67,627
Bushels.
405,825
150
109,009
197,493
195,135
122,137
Bushels.
307,642
115,786
207,303
214,299
107,149
Bushels.
-98,183
- 150
+ 6,687
+ 9,810
+ 19,164
- 14,988
Grapes . . .
Unenumerated
October.
Novembei
December
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
1892.
1893.
Difference.
Apples ....
Cherries ....
Bushels.
859,658
.:.
Bushels.
642,279
• »•
Bushels.
-217,379
Bushels.
901,959
Bushels.
602,210
Bushela.
-299,749
Bushels.
558,653
BusheK
447,530
Bushels.
-141,123
Plums ....
1,181
12,362
+ 11,180
• ••
2
+ 2
. ,.
90
+ 90
Pears
72,776
107,715
+ 34,939
19,268
43,170
+ 23,902
7,620
14,075
+ 6,455
Grapes ....
277,852
380,616
+ 102,764
99,012
173,971
+ 74,959
2,694
13,328
+ 10,634
Unenumerated
78,671
71,076
-7,595
29,584
36,051
+ 6,467
27,898
32,799
+ 4,901
The figures show: 1, that we are laying out an immense sum every month on
colonial and foreign fruits ; 2, that our home supply of such produce as the public
needs is inadequate for consumptive demands. In favourable seasons our harvest of
hardy fruits ought not only to meet the requirements of our own people, but we ought to
have a large surplus of preserved fruit for shipping to other parts. In no country in the
world can soft fruits be grown so well and preserved so cheaply as the United Kingdom.
But it may be urged that our climate is fickle and full crops cannot always be relied on.
Neither can they in other countries, as every year's statistics abundantly demonstrate.
We are not handicapped by the weather to half the extent that is popularly supposed,
and not nearly so much so as by habitual negligence or faulty routine in cultivation,
FRUIT-GROWING FOR PROFIT— IMPORTATION OF FRUIT.
363
preservation, and distribution. Experienced and enlightened growers know the truth of
this, and it is, in fact, proved by their successful practice and extensions of culture.
Seasons affect the fruit-yield undoubtedly all over Europe and in America, as well as in
England.
In 1893 the fruit crops in England and most other countries were full, and produce
of the larger kinds clear in the skin, highly coloured, and excellent in quality. Bush fruits
generally suffered by the extreme heat and drought ; strawberries from Hampshire were
in the London markets on the 4th May, fruits small, and crops of short duration.
"Where strawberries occupied trenched and enriched land they gave good results, while
the crop from old plants in exhausted soil was hardly worth gathering.
The lessons to be drawn from the fruit crops of 1893 are: 1, neglected orchards do
not produce profitable crops ; 2, only well-managed trees on cultivated land bear fruit
fitted for present-day competition ; and 3, when the supply to the markets is inadequate
or inferior, foreign fruit is largely imported.
For comparison with 1893 — an unprecedentedly hot and dry season — the Board of
Trade returns of raw fruits for 1889 and 1890 — a wet year — are subjoined : —
Imports.
January.
February.
March.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
1889. 1890.
Difference.
1889,
1890.
Difference.
Apples ....
Bushels.
243,265
Bushels.
201,880
Bushels.
-41,385
Bushels. Bushels.
370,785 192,866
Bushels.
-177,919
Bushels.
347,398
Bushels.
89,746
Bushels.
-257,652
Unenumerated
11,804
14,410
+ 2,606
9,921 10,607
+ 686
10,069
16,269
+ 6,200
Imports.
April.
May.
June.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
Apples ....
Bushels.
272,258
Bushels.
40,059
Bushels.
-232,199
Bushels.
63,554
Bushels.
29,148
Bushels.
- 34,406
Bushels.
15,552
Bushels.
8,798
Bushels.
-6,745
Unenumerated .
9,584
17,838
+ 7,984
14,455
31,574
+ 17,119
183,774
251,874
+ 68,100
—
July.
August.
September.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
1689.
1890.
Difference.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
Apples ....
Bushels.
12,968
Bushels.
12,453
Bushels.
-515
Bushels.
202,972
Bushels.
126,270
Bushels.
-66,702
Bushels.
289,736
Bushels.
393,020
Bushels.
+ 103,284
Unenumerated .
345,697
402,392
+ 56,695
656,592
675,893
+ 19,301
358,216
1,181,256
+ 823,040
264
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Imports.
October.
November.
December.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
1889.
1890.
Difference.
1889.
1690.
Difference.
Apples ....
Bushels.
684,812
Bushels.
586,832
Bushels
-97,980
Bushels.
688,068
Bushels.
600,648
Bushels.
-87,420
Bushels.
426,629
Bushels.
283,237
Bushels.
- 143,392
Unenumerated .
409,638
686,262
+ 276,624
134,428
334,833
+ 218,405
45,060
51,460
+ 6,400
The apple and plum crops were almost everywhere deficient in England in 1890,
also in America, yet 1,450,000 bai'rels of American and Canadian apples were imported
into Great Britain in 1891.
Fruit, like every other product, is consumed in proportion to its price. The advent
of Free Trade somewhat lowered prices, and enormously increased importations of fruit,
yet the supply did not keep pace with the demand for fruit of fine colour, shape, and
quality. This is clearly shown both by the importations and the increase of the fruit-
growing area in this country. In 1839 it was 90,000 acres; in 1872 it was 169,808
acres. In 1891 the fruit area had risen to 268,000 acres, 58,700 acres being devoted
to small fruits, or double what it was five years previously. Notwithstanding the great
increase, the demand, for apples especially, has exceeded the supply, for we find that
during the ten years (1881—1891) the average quantity of apples annually imported into
this country considerably exceeded 2,000,000 bushels, and in 1891 the quantity was
3,1 47,373 bushels.
Statistics of the fruit acreage and importations as issued by the Board of Trade
should be studied by British fruit growers. Exaggerated views as to the advantages
to be gained by the extended cultivation of fruit would not then mislead on the one
hand, nor pessimistic utterance on the British fruit grower's occupation being gone
on the other. Fruit-growing in this country is profitable, or the area would not increase
annually, while the importations show that the home produce has not yet reached suffi-
cient development to satisfy the advancing taste and increased demand for fruit by the
population of this country. Fruit culture under favourable circumstances by com-
petent persons is likely, for some time to come, to be profitable on an average of seasons ;
but we advise it to be commenced in a small way— in the garden of the cottage, small
holding, and farm — and gradually extended as opportunities offer and experience
warrants. This caution is imperative to prevent novices embarking on rash ventures
in the hope of making fortunes in growing fruit.
FRUIT-GROWING FOR PROFIT— CLIMATE AND SOIL. 265
LAND AND LOCATION.
Certain districts are better suited by soil and climate for fruit production for profit
than others, and it is by having regard to these conditions — the fitness of things — that
success is achievable. Cultivators, therefore, who pay the most regard to the natural
adaptability of fruits to the soil and position, obtain the best results with the least
expenditure of labour and manures. It is not wise to assume that because there are
thousands of acres of land, bringing little or no profit to owners or occupiers under
ordinary agricultural crops, that such land, if planted with fruit trees, might be made to
return good profit. Everything in cases of this kind depends upon circumstances —
climate or location and soil.
Climate. — A locality somewhat high, yet the site sheltered, and a pure atmosphere,
should be chosen for fruit-growing. The bottoms of valleys offer great inducements in
respect of soil, moisture, and shelter, but the blossom and young fruits are frequently
destroyed in low situations by spring frosts, while they escape on slopes and uplands. In
selecting a site give preference, therefore^ to ground above the line of fog and sheltered
by hills or trees. Those conditions are absolutely essential for the production of apples,
cherries, pears, and plums with certainty, and saleable at good prices. In many rural
districts, there are parishes, estates, and farms — even those of 100 acres or less —
which offer suitable sites for planting the trees. (See climate, page 58 ; situation and
shelter, page 65 ; Vol. I.)
Soil. — Aim at a good soil in a favourable situation, as these advantages secure an
abundance of good fruit over a long period at the least outlay in manures and culture.
A medium loam of good depth (2j to 3J feet), with a calcareous gravelly-clay subsoil, on
gravel or rock, and naturally drained, is the most suitable for fruit trees. Such soil
may only be found here and there, but there is far more fitted for fruit-growing than
is generally credited. A good idea of the fitness of a site and soil may be gathered
from the condition of fruit trees in the immediate locality. By taking note of those
growing in gardens or orchards, and of the kinds of fruits best succeeding, useful
information is obtained. Where there are no gardens or orchards, the condition of the
herbage, crops, and forest trees form a good criterion of fitness for fruit-growing.
Eich pasture land and that growing good crops of wheat will suit apples and pears ;
clover land is suitable for cherries, plums, and other stone fruits. If elm trees flourish
the soil and climate are not bad for fruit trees generally, whilst an apple soil is indicated
by thriving crab trees, a cherry soil by gumless wildings, a pear soil by fruitful thorns,
VOL. in. M M
266 THE FRl'IT GROWER'S GUIDE.
and a plum soil by the vigour and productiveness of blackthorns and bullaces. Take
all these things into consideration— make careful inquiry, secure the opinion of experts,
and serious initial mistakes may be avoided. Further particulars in respect of the
suitability of soils for fruit trees will be found under soils and subsoils, Vol. L, page 21,
and a succinct account of the soils of this country for apple and fruit-growing generally
on pages 340—343, Vol. I.
Tenure. — As a rule, the fruit grower for profit ought to own the land, or hold it on
a long lease, under definite and equitable terms. Practical landlords are as ready to
grant as good tenants are to acquire long leases. In many cases trees are found by the
landlord, the tenant paying for planting, but no compensation is allowed for unexhausted
improvements. In several instances confiding tenants have engaged in fruit-growing
without any security beyond that accorded by the extension of the Compensation for
Improvements Act to fruit trees and glass structures. This should not be considered
satisfactory. A special agreement is the best for both parties, as the cost involved in
recovering compensation under Acts of Parliament chiefly benefits assessors at the
expense of both landlord and tenant.
There is no question of ownership being the surest guarantee of deriving profit
from land by the growing of fruit, and it should be sought near railway stations or towns
where produce may be disposed off and manure obtained on easy terms.
Leases are generally framed in the interests of land-owners, as they naturally expect
the land to be as good at the end of the lease as it was at the beginning. The tenant
must act accordingly, and not indulge in expenditure from which he cannot benefit
during the term. For orcharding standard trees on free stocks, with or without bush
fruits between them, a thirty years' lease of good land is absolutely necessary to enable
the tenant to derive a fair share of the profit, and even then he cannot benefit to any-
thing like the same extent as the landlord, for when the term expires, the trees, in good
fruit years, will yield as much as the land is worth. Ownership is the only condition
of safety in orcharding, unless the tenant can command a renewal of the lease upon terms
equitable alike to himself and the landlord.
Land for planting with fruit trees on the dwarfing system — apple, cherry, pear, and
plum trees in low standard, pyramid, or bush form — should be acquired under a twenty-
one years' lease, and the cultures restricted to early and free-bearing varieties. This, or an
agreement guaranteeing compensation for improvements, is essential, as the capital laid
out is much greater than by either mixed culture or ordinary orcharding. Ground for
FRUIT-GROWING FOR PROFIT— TENURE OF LAND. 267
bush fruits — currants, gooseberries, and raspberries — ought not to be taken for a less
term than fourteen years. For a strawberry plantation a three years' terra for light
soil, five years for medium, and seven years for heavy land will safeguard the grower.
The conditions sketched may appear more favourable to tenants than to landlords.
Such is not the case, for a landlord would secure a higher rental for land on lease for
fruit-growing, and have ample security for his rent in the value of the trees, whilst the
condition of the land is assured by the manures applied. Persons entering on fruit-
growing as an industry must act strictly on sound commercial principles. Occupants
of large fruit farms hold them on lease, and the same security must be extended to
small holdings before fruit-growing for profit can be considered a safe investment, as it
certainly is a source of income to those fortunate enough to obtain plots of good fruit-
laud at a reasonable rent.
M M 2
SYSTEMS OF CULTURE-ORCHARDING.
rjlHBEE methods of growing hardy fruits for profit are practised in this country : — 1,
simple orcharding: tall standard trees planted on grass; 2, similar trees planted on
tilled ground with bush fruits as an undercrop, the ultimate object being an orchard
on grass ; 3, cultivated plantations : low standard trees on dwarfing stocks, also pyramid
or bush form, in association, or each fruit allotted a portion of ground to itself; no grass.
Simple Orcharding. — This system is the oldest and still has its advocates, but it cannot
be recommended to any but those owning land or holding it under long and renewable
leases, in favoured situations and naturally good soils. Under these circumstances the
fruit grown by cared-for trees is good and the crops often abundant. Each grower
claims superiority ; the orchardist for fruit grown on grassland, the plantationist for fruit
produced on cultivated land. Orcharding suits the farmer, as it entails the least first
cost and subsequent maintenance ; while grass land has special attractions for poultry,
the orchard being also useful for pigs, sheep (at lambing time) and young cattle ; the
grassy bed is, moreover, favourable for wind-fallen fruit.
The formation of an orchard of mixed fruits for home use or market having received
attention in Vol. I. (pages 82 — 90), with a plan (Fig. 14, page 89), showing arrangement :
also planting, pruning, and staking being illustrated (Fig. 31, page 149), it only remains to
treat of orcharding solely for profit. The chief points to be kept in view are appropriate
situations and good soil, making sure of tenure by purchase or lease, and proceeding on
lines calculated to insure a fair remuneration on the sum originally invested, also in
working the concern. If in a tenancy drainage, fencing, preparing the ground, purchasing
trees, planting and protecting them be done by the landlord, he will be justified in
advancing the agricultural rent 6 per cent., and letting it on a fourteen years' lease; at
the expiration of the lease it may be equitably renewed for another fourteen or
twenty-one years at a further advance of 6 per cent, on the rental. If the landlord fore-
close at any time within the first term, or at the end of it, the tenant should be entitled
to compensation for the full term (fourteen years) at the rate of 12 per cent. Simple
conditions of this character are better for landlord and tenant thau the quibbling and
SFSTEMS OF CULTURE— ORCHARDING— PREPARING THE LAND. 269
expenses attending valuation for unexhausted improvements. In making agreements it
must be remembered that the interest of the tenant in the land exceeds that of the
landlord, for the tenant has all risks to bear whilst the landlord is practically secured
against loss.
Draining.— The necessity or otherwise for this must be determined by the instructions
given on page 33, Vol. I., and, if found necessary, be carried out according to the con-
ditions there advised. The expense varies with the nature of the soil and subsoil,
distance between the drains, price of pipes, and distance of carriage, the total outlay per
acre for draining heavy soils ranging from £5 5s. to £8 ; medium soils from £4 5s.
to £5 10s. ; and light soils from £3 5s. to £5 per acre.
Fencing. — Quickset hedges are formed by planting strong thorns or quicks 4J inches
apart ; price for strong quicks, £1 10s. to £1 15s. ; extra strong, £2 to £2 10s. per
thousand. The ground for the hedge must be well prepared by trenching and levelling,
this costing about 3d. per yard run. Forming a bank for the quicks, including ditch,
costs about 6d. per yard run. Guard fences for quickset : 2 oak cleft rails with posts
9 feet apart, and a stake between, 4s. per rod ; 3 oak rails, 6s. per rod ; 3 oak rails
and extra stout posts, 9s. per rod. Birds, insects, and fungi are encouraged by thorn
hedges, which also abstract nourishment from the soil to a distance corresponding to
their height. Pale fencing is durable and requires no attention; cleft oak pales,
with 2 arris rails and oak posts 9 feet apart, fixed complete, per rod, 4 feet high,
£1 17s. ; 5 feet, £2 6s. ; 6 feet, with 3 arris rails, £2 10s. 13arbed wire is employed
in legitimate positions.
Preparing for Planting. — Correct methods for this are given under Orchards, Vol. I.,
pages 82 — 90. Planting in grass land is often contracted for, and varies according to
the size of the excavations and nature of the ground, as well as the rate of wages in
different parts. In friable soils and for small trees the holes are frequently only 2 or
3 feet over, about l£ to 2 feet deep, and the bottom broken with a pick or mattock ; for
good planting, the holes should be at least 3J feet in diameter, even where the soil is of
a free nature, and not less than 6 feet across where the medium is close and stiff. The
preparation of the stations is important and imist be well done (sec page 85, Vol. I.).
It is false economy to make the holes so small that a cut with the spade has to be
made to receive the roots extending beyond the excavations. The total cost of holing,
planting, staking, protecting, and manure for mulching over the roots is per acre : — Small
holes and mellow soil, £4 ; medium-sized holes and friable loam, £6 ; large holes and
*7° THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
stubborn soil, £8. The respective sums have reference to apple trees planted 24 feet
apart = 75 per acre.
If the land to be employed for an orchard be in "seeds " or clover ley, or following
a cereal crop, it should be well broken up and pulverised to an even depth. This may be
effected by trenching two spits deep where the soil is good to that depth, or by double
digging where the second spit of soil is much poorer and more stubborn than the top, for
in this case the bottom spit should be merely turned over in its position, and the top spit
turned over on it. Trenching or double digging adverse soils costs, per rod : Light
soils, from lOd. to Is.; medium soils, from Is. to Is. 3d. ; heavy soils, from Is. 3d. to
Is. 6d. Trenching strong gravelly loam, two spits deep, and loosening the bottom 10 to
12 inches deep with a fork or pick, f d. to Id. per square yard. General trenching in
favourable fruit soils costs ^d. per square yard = £10 Is. 8d. per acre ; in heavy soil,
f d. per square yard =: £15 2s. 6d. ; extra preparation by trenching 2 feet deep, loosening
the bottom to a depth of 12 inches, and forming a level or even-inclining surface, Id. per
square yard = £20 3s. 4d. an acre.
Turning a deep furrow by an ordinary plough costs 10s. to 15s. or £1 per acre ;
followed along each furrow by a subsoil plough cost 15s. per acre; total expense of pre-
paring the land by subsoiling, £1 5s. to £1 10s. per acre. Breaking up land with the
steam cultivator, passed twice through it in opposite directions to a depth of 15 to 18
inches, costs £1 5s. to £1 10s. per acre.
The object of trenching, double digging, subsoiling, and steam cultivating land is to
secure an open condition to allow the free filtration of water through the soil, followed
by air with all its beneficial effects. Harrowing is necessary after subsoiling and steam
cultivating to produce a level surface. A dressing of manure may also be required, say
20 tons per acre. When adequately manured and a root crop taken, the land is left in
good condition for planting. Otherwise a moderate amount of manure may be thoroughly
mixed with the soil, then after just covering the roots of the tree in planting, apply a
thin layer of manure, and fill in with the remaining soil. The land may be cultivated
beneficially for five years, not interfering with the roots of the trees, then be sown with
grass seeds for permanent pasture, cost : £1 5s. to £1 10s. per acre. (See page 87,
Vol. I.)
Instructions on planting, pruning, and staking will be found on pages 147 — 153,
with illustrations, Fig. 31, page 149, Vol. I. Staking is important; putting the stakes
to the young trees at once and protecting them with straw or sacking from injury by the
SYSTEMS OF CULTURE— ORCHARDING— APPLES.
ligatures tied round them. These require to be examined at midsummer and in the
autumn, to see that they are not too tight. Protection from sheep, hares, and rabbits
is afforded by placing galvanised wire netting, 1^-inch mesh, 4 feet high and 8 inches
in diameter, close round the trees at a cost of about Is. each. Thorn or briar boughs
thrust into the ground and securely fastened around each tree, form a cheap protection
against sheep and calves. Hares and rabbits will not touch the trees if the stems are
coated with Tree Protective Composition (Dickson's Chester). Where cattle and horses
are grazed a fence around each tree is imperative. It may be formed in two ways : — 1,
setting larch posts to form a square, then nailing " slats " of split fence-rails horizontally,
close enough at the lower part to exclude sheep and, higher up, the heads of cattle or
Fig. 63. HOBIZONTAL AND UPEIOHT WoODEN GuABDS FOE FEUIT TKEE8.
horses ; 2, driving 7-feet lengths of split fence rails, about 2 inches in thickness, into
the ground, that part creosoted, and fastening them at the top with braces. The pro-
tecting fences (Fig. 63) should be 5 feet high, and fixed about 3 feet from the tree.
The remarks in respect of preparing the land, planting, staking, and protecting
apply to all kinds of standard fruit trees for orcharding ; differing, however, in certain
particulars. Eemarks on each fruit as regards soil, cost of trees, expense of main-
tenance, and certain returns in produce or profit, are subjoined.
Apples. — Standard apple trees require a good loamy medium and a deep subsoil.
They do not thrive upon land a few inches deep even of fairly-good soil resting on chalk,
gravel, sand, or stubborn clay. The trees should be on stocks raised from pips of apple
^^^ THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE.
trees, or on crab stocks. Crabs are the hardiest and best stocks for orchard trees. At
four to six years old from the bud or graft the trees are fit for planting. They should
have straight, stout, clear stems, 0 to C| feet from the ground to the commencement
of the head. This applies to all standard trees for orcharding. Standard apple trees,
range in price from Is. to 2s. 6d. each. Stout, but not gross, trees with well-formed
heads are the best, and can be purchased at Is. 6d. to 2s. each, 15s. to 21s. per
dozen, £5 to £7 10s. per hundred. The distances they should be planted apart depends
upon the variety and soil, and are given on page 336, Vol. I. In particularly favourable
soils 3 feet more distance should be allowed for the "small growers"; C feet for the
" medium " and " large growers." Good varieties for marketing purposes arc :—
For planting at 18 feet apart = 134 trees per acre: dessert— Beauty of Bath,
Devonshire Quarrenden, Benoni, Cox's Orange Pippin, Baumann's Red Winter
Eeinette, and Braddick's Nonpareil ; dessert or culinary — Duchess of Oldenburg, Dutch
Mignonne, and Lemon Pippin ; culinary — Domino, Potts' Seedling, Stirling Castle,
Yorkshire Beauty, Winter Hawthornden, Betty Geeson, and Lane's Prince Albert.
For planting at 24 feet apart = 75 trees per acre : dessert — Devonshire Quarrenden,
Benoni, King of the Pippins, Cox's Orange Pippin, Brownlecs's Russet, and Scarlet
Nonparicl ; dessert or culinary — Worcester Pearmain, Beauty of Hants, and Cox's
Pomona ; culinary— Keswick Codlin, Warner's King, Grenadier, Lord Derby, Bismarck,
Sandringham, Lane's Prince Albert, Alfriston, Newton Wonder and Dumelow's Seedling.
For planting 30 feet apart = 48 trees per acre, if good pasture is desired : dessert—
King of the Pippins, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Goldon Russet ; dessert or culinary —
Gascoigne's Seedling, Blenheim Orange, and Ilormead Pearmain ; culinary— Lord
Grosvenor, Warner's King, Tower of Glamis, Bedfordshire Foundling, Golden Noble,
Tyler's Kernel, Merc de Menage, and Bramley's Seedling.
A dozen good varieties for general orcharding are : — Lord Grosvenor, Duchess of
Oldenburg, Worcester Pearmain, Warner's King, King of the Pippins, Gascoigne's
Seedling, Cox's Orange Pippin, Blenheim Orange, Beauty of Kent, Lane's Prince
Albert, Newton Wonder/and Bramley's Seedling.
The average expense of forming an acre of apple-orchard in grass is — including 75
trees at Is. 6d. each (£5 12s. 6d,), holing, manuring, planting, staking, and bush pro-
tecting (£5 18s. 6d.) = £ll lls. Trees and labour only : — Lowest — 75 trees at ls.=
£3 15s., planting and staking 75 trees at 7id. = £2 6s. lO^d., total £6 Is. 10|d. ; medium
—75 trees at Is. 6d. = £5 12s. 6d., planting and staking 75 trees at !)d. = £2 16s. 3d.,
SFSTEMS OF CULTURE— ORCHARDING— APPLES. 273
total £8 8s. 9d. ; highest — 75 trees at 2s. = £7 10s., planting and staking 75 trees at Is.
= £3 15s., total £11 5s. The lowest price is for small trees and 3-feet holes ; medium
for good trees and 4|-feet holes, and the highest for strong picked trees, 6-feet diameter
holes, and double staking. Draining, subsoiling, and manuring costs about £10 per
acre, and the total expense of forming an apple-orchard, on the most approved agri-
cultural principles, ranges from £15 to £21 per acre.
In some cases the orchard is formed of apple and plum trees at equal distances
apart — 17 feet = 150 trees per acre; and the cost of manuring, ploughing, subsoiling,
harrowing, trees, planting and staking amounts to £21 per acre. The trees are set in
squares, apples and plums alternately in the row, and in the alternate rows the plums
are placed opposite the apples in the adjoining rows. By this plan the returns are
increased during the early part of the bearing period, the ground being cultivated for
the first five years, then laid down in grass, and at fourteen years from planting the
produce of the whole has realised £40 per acre. The plums are ultimately removed and
the apple trees left 34 feet apart — not too great distance for strong-growing kinds, such
as the Blenheim Orange, Newton "Wonder, and Bramley's Seedling— in good deep soils.
Large trees at the distance named bear heavily at thirty to forty-five years from
planting, sometimes producing 10 bushels of good fruit per tree = 370 bushels per
acre, and have fetched 3s. 6d. per bushel, packed in buyers' baskets and put on rails
= £64 15s. A tree at Faversham, in Kent, produced 60 bushels of apples in 1893.
Standard apple trees on grass produce little fruit until the fifth season, and, as a
rule, do not prove remunerative before the seventh year. Blenheim Orange requires
ten to twelve years to arrive at profitable bearing. The direct loss of herbage is recouped
by the fruit produced up to the seventh year, and the value of the grass about equals
the rent of the land during the seven years. The cost of pruning, protecting the
stems, adjusting the ties, and sticky banding, amounts to about £1 10s. a year = £10 10s.
an acre; this, added to the cost of forming an apple-orchard of 75 trees, £11 11s.,
amounts to £22 Is., the total outlay up to the commencement of the remunerative
returns.
The value of the crop in the eighth year, season being favourable, is 2s. 6d. per
tree = £9 7s. 6d. ; tenth year, 5s. = £18 15s. ; and in the fourteenth year, 7s. 6d. to 10s.
= £28 2s. 6d. to £37 10s. per acre. If the site, soil, and varieties have been well
chosen, and the cultivation good, the orchard will consist of 75 thriving trees per
acre, each producing, in the fifteenth year from planting, 2£ bushels of good fruit =«=
VOL. III. N S
»7* THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
168| bushels per acre. The average value of this quantity of first-class apples disposed
off direct to consumers is, per bushel : Kitchen, 3s. 6d. = £29 10s. 7£d. ; cooking or
table, 4s. 6d. = £37 19s. 4jd. ; dessert, 6s. = £50 12s. 6d. ; mean of gross returns,
= £39 7s. 6d. per acre. Expenditure : pruning, sticky banding, and spraying trees,
£3 15. ; gathering, storing, packing, and delivering fruit in grower's baskets, £8 15s. ;
rent, £4 ; tithe and rates, £1 5s. ; interest (5 per cent, on outlay up to period of profit-
able bearing, and constituting a vested interest in the land of £22 ls.)£l Is. = £18 16s.
This, deducted from the gross returns, shows a profit of £20 11s. 6d. per acre for apples
sold locally by a cottager, small holder, or farmer.
When the apples are sold and delivered to fruiterers in the growers' baskets, the
prices average, per bushel: kitchen, 2s. 6d. = £21 Is. 10|d. ; culinary or dessert,
3s. 6d. = £29 10s. 7£d. per acre. Expenditure (as above), £18 16s. = £10 14s. 7|d.
profit per acre. The expenses allow for delivery to from 4 to 7 miles from the place of
production ; if within 3 miles, add £1 10s. to the profit per acre.
Sending produce packed in salesmen's baskets by road, water, or railway, has a
varying result. Taking an average and transmitting by railway a distance of 50 to 100
miles, the returns (clear of railway, market, and salesman's charges) are, per bushel :
Kitchen, 2s. = £16 17s. 6d.; cooking or eating, 3s. = £25 6s. 3d. ; dessert, 4s. = £33 15s. ;
mean of gross returns, £25 6s. 3d. per acre. Expenditure, as before, less £1 10s. for
baskets = £17 6s. ; and the profit is £8 Os. 3d. per acre.
The rent, tithe and rates, cost of production and marketing in the cases cited are on
the highest scale, and are necessary to secure the best returns, for low rents and out-
goings signify indifferent land, and the returns are extremely variable. Nevertheless,
fairly good profit is derived from land rented at £2 (including outgoings) per acre,
planted with useful varieties of apple trees on grass, and left (beyond protection) to take
care of themselves. Such trees in the fifteenth year have produced the quantity of apples
before named — 75 trees, 2£ bushels each = 168f bushels per acre ; and been gathered,
packed in salesman's baskets, and delivered on rail at a distance of 7 miles at a cost
of £6 1 5s. (no-purpose journeys being made and only delays allowed for, as other goods
were laden with on the return journeys). Sent 150 miles by rail, delivered in the market,
sold by salesman, and after paying all charges for transit, toll and commission (this being
done by the salesman), the returns averaged, per bushel: Kitchen, Is. 6d,=
£12 13s. l|d.; cooking or eating, 2s. Od. = £21 Is. 10£d. ; dessert, 3s. \5d. =
£29 10s. 7|d.; mean, £21 Is. 10£d. per acre. Expenditure, £8 15s.; profit,
SYSTEMS OF CULTURE— ORCHARDING— APPLES. 775
£12 6s. lOjd. per acre. This is given as an example of how the profits to be derived
from fruit-growing are sometimes calculated — that is, from the returns, as in this case
from a good year, which only occurs, in most instances, every other season; and
taking an average, as in the preceding cases, the profit is not more than half =
£6 3s. 6^d. per acre, under the most favourable circumstances, and the crop is often
seriously prejudiced by insect attacks, so that great risks are run by those planting
fruit trees and leaving everything to chance.
From the fifteenth to the thirtieth year the profits accruing from an apple-orchard in
grass have been returned at £10 — £30 a year per acre. These variable amounts are
seldom explained, but they may be accounted for by (1) indifferent land or situation,
soft-fruited or inferior varieties = £10 ; (2) fairly good land and site, serviceable varieties
= £20 ; (3) specially favouring soil and aspect, and choice varieties = £30 per acre.
The actual produce of 75 trees on an acre of good land in grass is 240 bushels per
annum between fifteen and thirty years from planting, and sound-keeping apples average
3s. 6d. per bushel = £42 per acre. But the expenditure increases proportionately with
the bearin?, being one-third more ^£1 5s.) for pruning, sticky banding, and spraying ;
similar addition (£2 18s. 4d.) being made to the gathering, storing, and packing account
annually. Manure must also be applied to sustain the trees in profitable bearing, say, the
following mixture early in the spring : — Pure dissolved bones (ammonia 2^-3, phosphate
30-35 per cent.), 5 cwt., £1 10s. ; kainit (potash 24 26 per cent.), 3 cwt., 6s.; nitrate
of soda, 2 cwt., 18s. = £2 14s. Every third year twenty tons of stable or farmyard
manure may be required, worth on the ground, £7 10s. ; one-third, £2 10s. ; collectively
= £9 7s. 4d. This, added to the prior full expenditure (£18 16s.) = £28 5s. 4d. ; and
the net profit is £13 14s. 8d. per acre annually.
Standard apple trees on grass often give much better returns than those furnished in
the preceding averages, both before and after thirty years from planting. The yield per
acre for full-bearing apple trees is given at six tons for Kent, and the price per ton at
£10 =£00 gross return. The period of best production in the apple as a standard in
Kent is stated by Mr. Cecil Hooper to be the fifteenth year, 34/ bushels per tree = 240
bushels from 75 trees, and must realise 5s. per bushel to afford a gross return of £60 a
year per acre. The best record in the Midlands at that age is £46 13s. 4d. in one year
per acre, the purchaser gathering the crop. The trees in question do not attain their
best period of production generally until the twenty-fifth year, and under judicious
management they will continue to bear profitable crops until the fiftieth year, or longer.
N N 2
*76 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
At twenty-five years from planting, a tree here and there may produce eight bushels of
fruit in a year = 600 bushels, and be sold at 8s. per bushel = <£240 per acre. It must be
remembered, however, that profits are not ruled by exceptional crops and prices, but by
averages, which are affected by cankered and sparse fruiting trees, as well as the heavy-
laden and constant bearing. To act on exceptionally favourable returns is wholly
fallacious. The most that can be expected from fruit-growing for profit is fair remune-
ration ; and those investing in standard trees on grass must be prepared to wait
patiently for it. The way thereto has been pointed out as clearly as possible for safe
guidance, and the experience will be useful in respect to other fruits.
Cherries. — Standard trees succeed well only in some parts of the country, such
as in Mid Kent on the Lower Greensand and on the loams, brick-earth, and other
ddbris of the Tertiary series over chalk in East Kent, West Hertfordshire, and Buck-
inghamshire. Cherry trees also thrive on the lias in the counties of Gloucester and
Worcester, as well as in the deep sands of Bedfordshire. A dry subsoil is imperative,
and a high or exposed situation essential, for the cherry blossom early in March is
liable to suffer from spring frosts. Low sites and heavy clay- soils are unsuitable.
The trees should be on the wild cherry (Cerasus avium) stock, and have stout,
clean stems not less than 6 feet in height, and well-formed heads, free from gum. The
prices of the trees range from Is. 6d. each or 15s. per dozen, to 2s. 6d. each or 24s. per
dozen, and the highest-priced are usually the best worth the money. They should be
planted 30 feet apart = 48 trees per acre, which, at 24s. per dozen = £4 16s. Suitable
varieties : — Black— Early Eivers, Werder's Early, Waterloo, Black Eagle, Biittner's
Black Heart, and Turkey Black Heart; light or red — Frogmore Early, Elton (does well
in heavy soil), Governor Wood, Bigarreau, Bigarreau Napoleon, and Florence ; Duke
cherries require a warm soil and situation : May Duke, Royal Duke, Archduke, Late
Duke ; cooking or preserving — Flemish Red, Kentish, and Morello. The Duke and Kentish
will be accommodated at 18 to 21 feet apart ; Morello at 21 to 24 feet apart. Plums are
sometimes planted between the cherry trees, so that the cherries stand 30 feet and the
plums 15 feet apart. The ground is cultivated about five years, then sown with grass
seeds, or the spaces between the cherry and plum trees may be set with gooseberry and
currant bushes, to remain ten years, then be taken out and grass seeds sown. The plum
trees may remain about twenty-five years, when the cherry trees will require the whole
of the space, as they are then vigorous and productive.
Standard cherry trees require a little pruning the first seven or eight years, but it
Sl'STEMS OF CULTURE -ORCHARDING— CIJ-F-knif-S: \. :••:. '•':'; '..-'--277
must be uone carefully and judiciously, preferably in October, with a view to securing
well-furnished, evenly-balanced heads, and this without the branches being loo close or
crossing each other. After the trees are shaped, pruning must be confined to removing
cross-growths and irregularities, little being required after the first few years.
About the seventh year from planting the trees will produce fruit ranging in value
from 2s. to 5s. per tree up to the tenth year = £4 16s.— £12 ; average £8 8s. a year per
acre. From this, the commencement of remunerative return, the trees increase rapidly
in productiveness, and at fifteen to twenty-five years from, planting the period of best
fruitfulness is reached, when the average price realised for the fruit on the trees is
£12 10s. — £15 per acre annually, less 5 per cent, auctioneer's commission. The trees
continue profitable for many years after attaining the period of best production, and
the average yearly returns are about £30 per acre for thriving cherry orchards. Large
orchards — 50 to 100 acres— average £15 a year per acre. Choice lots frequently sell for
£42, and special lots sometimes reach £80 per acre. These prices are for the crops on
the trees, the seller taking the entire proceeds of the sale, less the auctioneer's 5 per
cent, commission.
The grower gathering, packing, and sending the cherries to market may receive, in
gross returns, about £100 per acre. Mr. Hooper puts the yield per acre in Kent at four
tons, and the price per ton (in 1889) at £25 = £100. An acre of 48 thriving trees in
full bearing produces about 372 half-sieves of 24 Ibs., or 186 sieves of 48 Ibs.,
and the average price per half-sieve is 5s. 4^-d., or 10s. 9d. per sieve = £99 19s. 6d.
gross returns per acre. The lowest average price for cherries in the London markets,
wholesale, in 1893, was 4s. 4d. per half-sieve = £80 12s.; highest average, 10s. 4d.
per half-sieve = £192 4s.; and the mean, 7s. 4d. per half-sieve = £136 8s. per acre.
These prices are significant, marking the difference in the returns for moderate, good,
and first-class fruit ; but the bulk of the fruit only realises the lowest and mean prices,
for the highest are only obtained for choice and comparatively few f-amples. It is safe,
however, to take the average of the lowest and mean prices = £103 10s. per acre, not
being guided by extreme crops and prices, for trees producing 16^ sieves each = 6 cwt.
20 Ibs., or 792 sieves = 16 tons 19 cwt. 1 qr. 20 Ibs. per acre are very exceptional, as
also are prices ranging from 7s. to 15s. per half-sieve, mean 11s. = £204 12s. per acre,
for when these prices are secured the trees do not carry more than half a crop, 98
sieves = £102 6s, per acre.
The clear profit, when the grower bears all the expenses of gathering, packing, and
" "* r ,** P'* ^..^as" ••» > *
z?8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
maiketiug, is variously estimated. Some set it at £30, others at £40, and a few at
£60 per acre. In such cases of divergence it is wiser to take the mean of the first
two = £35, than of the whole = £43 6s. 8d. It is easy, however, to account for the
difference in the results through situation, soil, varieties, and management. Where the
orchard grass is eaten off by lean, unfed sheep, the returns cannot possibly be so good
as where the sheep are fed with cake or corn, nor where the orchard receives 30 or
40 tons of stable or farmyard manure, in addition to eating the grass off by cake- fed
sheep and occasional applications of chemical manure. This liberal attention costs
Kg. 61. UKCHABU CHERBT TEEE IN BLOSSOM.
about £10 per. annum, and is returned with interest in mutton and cherries, some
estimating the grass equal in value to the rent, but that is a fruit-grower's not a
farmer's view ; therefore, putting the expenditure for all purposes at £25 per annum,
and the gross returns at £49 19s. 9d. (half a full crop at mean average gross returns
in good years to allow for bad seasons and losses), the clear profit is £24 19s. 9d. a
year per acre = 50 per cent, interest on capital and cost of production.
The illustration, Fig. 64, represents a cherry tree in blossom, from a photograph
supplied by Mr. Walter Kruse, Leeds, near Maidstone, who gives the following
dimensions of the tree: Diameter of head, 55 feet; circumference of trunk near the
SFSTZMS OF CULTURE— ORCHARDING — PEARS. 279
ground, 7| feet; just below the graft, 6 feet; round the swelling where it has over-
grown the stock, 12£ feet. The stock is the wild cherry, the bearing variety, the
Black Heart. A hundred flowers have been counted in one bunch. The last crop was
7 half-sieves of 24 Ibs., value home, £1 Is. 6d. Since then the tree has been shattered
by lightning. A more gigantic old tree in the orchard of Mr. A. J. Thomas, Rod-
mcrsham, Kent, cnce gave as its heaviest crop half, a ton of fruit.
Pears. — Standard trees on pear stocks with clean stems 6 feet in height are suitable
for planting on grass, and are largely cultivated in East Kent, also in the counties of
Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester. They are somewhat extensively grown in Hert-
fordshire, and flourishing trees may often be seen in various parts of the country where
apple trees are complete wrecks through age or poorness of soil, for the pear is longer-
lived and thrives in light soils over gravel, preferring sand to calcareous matter. It
does well, however, on calcareous gravel in Hertfordshire where the chalk is several
feet from the surface, on oolite where the soil is sandy or gravelly and deep, and on
light soils where water does not lodge within several feet of the surface.
Crawford, Lammas, Caillot Eosat, Jargonelle, Williams' Bon Chretien, Hessle,
Beurre d'Amanlis, Eyewood, Beurre de Capiaumont, Fertility, Louise Bonne of Jersey,
Bishop's Thumb, Althorp Crasanne, and Swan's Egg, are useful table varieties ; Catillac
and Verulam for stewing. (See page 124.)
The trees being more or less upright or pyramidal in habit may be planted a little
closer than apple trees, but the better plan is to place the pear trees 30 to 36 feet
apart, and plant plum or damson trees between them, then at twenty to twenty-five
years from forming the orchard, the plum or damson trees should be removed, leaving
the pears in good profit, with the sun shining on the ground between them, and the
grass consequently far better for grazing as in parks.
Pear trees require similar treatment to apple trees, and are later in coming to
remunerative bearing. This is not reached until the fifteenth year, and the period of
best production until the twenty -fifth to the thirtieth season from planting. The crops
are less certain than those of apples, through pear trees blossoming early and being
liable to suffer from spring frosts. Large trees of Lammas, Hessle, Fertility, and other
free-bearing varieties sometimes produce enormous crops— 10 to 20 bushels per tree,
and bring £1 10s.— £3 per tree = £72 per acre for 48 trees at £1 10s. per tree Stch
crops and prices are exceptional. The gross returns in the best years reach an average
of 20 half-sieves per tree = £84 at Is. 9d. per half-sieve — the actual gross return from
z8o THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
a Covont Garden salesman, the fruit sent by railway a distance of 52 miles. But this
only occurs once in three years, and the mean average gross return is £28 a year per
acre. Sometimes a grower realises a large sum for a particular tree carrying a heavy
crop of fine fruit, chronicles it, and thereupon calculations are made by optimists
or sensationalists. Such records are, if interesting, certainly misleading, and the
reason there is no counteracting statement of failures is suggestive of the special
pleader — land to sell or let or trees for disposal. A widow woman cleared £3 a year
every other year for the produce of a Hessle pear tree, and a gardener sold £3 15s-
worth of Windsor pears from one tree in a season. Such records require dis-
counting 75 per cent, for safe guidance in cultures by the acre and for an average of
seasons.
Taking an average of the production of the trees from the periods of remunerative
bearing to the best production — 80 bushels =£18 gross returns annually per acre-
orchard pear-growing is not favourable for those having to send the fruit over 50 miles
to market. Mr. Hooper records a better average for Kent — placing the commencement
of remunerative return in the twelfth and period of best production in the twentieth year,
the yield per acre at 2 tons, and the price at £10 per ton = £20 gross returns per annum.
Orchard pear trees, however, wax in productiveness with age, and the heirs of the
planters certainly find the trees healthier and more profitable than apple trees of the
same age, some, perhaps, producing 25 bushels each in a season. With plum or damson
trees between the pears the returns are much better in a quarter of a century from
planting, and afterwards the profits will surpass those of apple trees on a similar soil,
for pear trees are to gravelly and sandy soils what the cherry trees are to deep
calcareous gravels — long-lived, healthy, and in favourable seasons enormously pro-
ductive.
Plums and Damsons. — These succeed almost everywhere and in nearly every soil.
The commoner varieties both of plums and damsons do well in garden or orchard fences,
and may be planted in hedges near farm and other homesteads. They form capital
screens and are advised for shelter. (See Orchard, Vol. I., page 89.) The following
varieties— the Czar, Sultan, Belgian Purple, Gisborne's, Pershore, Jeiferson, Mitchelson's,
Victoria, Prince Engelbert, Diamond, Pond's Seedling, Bush, Monarch, and Archduke
plums are suitable for orchards. Early Eivers and Wyedale— the earliest and latest
best plums— are dwarf growers ; Winesour forms a large tree and succeeds on the
limestone. The best damsons are Fajleigh or Crittenden, Shropshire or Prune, and
.S" / -.V TKMS OF C UL TURE— ORCHA RDIXG - PI. UMS. J 8 1
Bradley's King. The trees should be on common pluni stocks, and have clean stems
6 feet in height. Plums thrive in shallower soils than apples, cherries, or pears, as
the roots run along the surface, and in such soils, also the lighter marls, may be planted
15 feet apart = 193 trees per acre, but in deep strong clay loams they should be set
IS feet asunder = 134 trees per acre. Good trees cost Is. 6d. each, 15s. per dozen,
£6 per 100 ; to 2s. each, 18s. per dozen, £7 10s. per 100. The distance of the trees
and their prices must have due consideration in fruit-growing for profit, but good well-
rooted trees are essential, and in the end the most economical. The trees should not
be deeply planted. Only the damsons and small-fruited plums must be employed for
shelter, as the branches of many plums are brittle and liable to break when laden with
fruit in situations much exposed to the wind.
Greengages are sometimes planted in orchards on grass, and do well in good soils
and favourable situations, such as at Mentmore. Denniston's Superb, Green Gage or
Heine Claude, and Eeine Claude de Bavay are good varieties.
Standard pluni and damson trees do not require much pruning. Strong leading
shoots must be shortened to ensure a well-furnished head, and the growths judiciously
thinned to prevent crowding or the shoots crossing each other. A too free use of the
knife results in sappy growths, and tends to gumming and decay in the branches. The
trees should be attended to early in July for the removal of crossing and superfluous
shoots, and the pruning completed early in October. This will only be required for a
few years to keep the centre clear and secure an open, evenly-balanced tree, not mop-
like by a multiplicity of twigs, nor straggling through neglect of pruning. After the
heads are formed very little pruning is needed, but they must be cleared of dead twigs
and spurs, keeping the growths sufficiently thin to allow free access of sunshine and air
for ripening the crops and wood.
Plum trees commence bearing profitably in five to seven years, and damsons at five
or six years from planting ; but allowance must be made for the difference in soil and
early fruiting proclivities of the different varieties. Strong growing varieties in rich,
soils afford little fruit until the tenth year. At this age the produce of the orchard is
about 65 bushels per acre = £13 nett. In the fifteenth to twentieth year the trees
attain the period of best production, the yield occasionally reaching 261 bushels (about
60 Ibs. each), and brings in gross return 8s. per bushel = £104 8s. per acre. Such
returns are, however, very exceptional. In ordinary seasons and on an average the crop
rarely exceeds 261 bushels and the return nett 4s. per bushel = £52 4s. per acre.
VOL. in. o o
282 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Deducting all expenses, interest on capital, rent, tithe, rates, and working, the clear
profit averages £20 — £30 per acre for trees in full bearing. This lasts from the fifteenth
to the thirtieth year, for plum trees do not continue profitable nearly so long as those of
the apple, cherry, and pear, hence plums are frequently put between them and removed
when the permanent trees become large. This is necessary when the land is held on a long
lease, but for standard plum trees on grass, a thirty years' lease will secure the tenant
against loss.
Very high prices are obtained for plums at times, £28 — £38 per ton, and then, the
crop is scarce in most districts, but the fruits large. Quoting high figures and ignoring
low is quite misleading, for very high prices only occur about every fifth year. Plum
trees occasionally bear enormous crops, u glutting " the markets, the fruit scarcely pay ing
the growers who have a good business connection, while those relying on local demands
or sending erratically to market derive no profit, but incur loss in gathering and other
expenses. In 1893, the average lowest price for plums was 3s. per bushel (sieve), and
the highest 6s., mean average 4s. 6d. per bushel == £8 8s. per ton; but there is far
more fruit sold at the lowest and mean than at the highest average prices, therefore it
is safest to take the average of the first two — 4s. per bushel = £7 9s 4d. per ton =
£52 4s. per acre. Some growers, however, averaged 5s. per bushel = £65 5s. per acre,
and made from £20 — £30 per acre profit.
Damsons usually sell well at prices ranging from 6s. — 10s. per bushel, and in years
of scarcity they bring double these prices. Damson trees, however, are more certain
croppers than plums, consequently give a heavier yearly return, and average about
3s. 6d. — 4s. 6d. per bushel nett = £52 4s. per acre. In 1893, damsons only realised
3s. — 5s. per bushel, and profits were considerably lessened through the earliness and
shortness of the damson season. The yearly return for an acre of thriving trees in full
profit ranges from £21— £35 clear of expenses.
The whole of the returns relating to the several orchard fruits are based on the
trees at the best period of production, and on the principle of their being of the most
suitable marketing varieties, planted in favourable situations and soils, and from first to
last accorded judicious and intelligent culture. Of the value of ordinary farm orchards
we have no evidence. Few farmers keep account of such " trifles" as fruit, if they did
they would find that 'most of the scraggy apologies for orchards are mere waiters of grass
by the trees that cumber it, while the fruit is scarcely worth gathering. The farmers'
salvation in whatever he grows rests in high cultivation, the greatest bulk of the
SYSTEMS OF CULTURE— ORCHARDING -PROFITS. 783
best produce, and unless those desirous of engaging in fruit growing for profit are able
and willing to act on that principle, it would be wisest to have nothing to do with it, but
go on struggling with adversity to the end.
Taking the whole life of the fruits, from planting the trees to the cessation of useful
production, the profits are not more than to warrant a safe investment of capital, and
afford a fair living by hard working, and something for old age. Fortunes accrue onlv
to the few growers possessed of energy, enterprise and business aptitude in a superior
degree, others secure a fair livelihood, while several fail. So is it with the trees,
some prove thrifty and profitable where others become wasted by " canker " or "gum " ;
many bear profusely for a time, but cease to be profitable when others are remunerative
and will afford good returns for many years. The precocious varieties are not nearly so
long-lived as those slow in arriving at a profitable bearing state. The first are more fitted
for cultivated plantations than orchards on grass, and have been disregarded in the
following approximate estimate of the periods of remunerative bearing and the yearly
values from planting the trees to their ceasing to be profitable : —Apples, 40 — 60 years,
profit £10— £20 ; cherries, 60—75 years, profit £15— £30 ; pears, 75—100 years, profit
£10 — £20 ; plums, 30 — 40 years, profit £15 — £30 per acre. These estimates, based
on the doings of trees in favourable situations and soils, also subject to 25 per cent, dis-
count, to allow for losses from spring frosts and invasions of fungi and insects, are fairly
representative of the best British orchards.
FRUIT PLANTATIONS.
time elapsing before substantial return is made by standard trees of tardy
bearing, the inadequacy of the supply of fruit of home growth for the demand
of British markets, and the depressed state of agriculture, have given an impetus to the
cultivation of fruit trees calculated to afford early and heavy crops. This implies the
growing of apples (cherries are only partially amenable), pears, and plums in low
standard, pyramid, and bush form, with the selection of early, free, and constant
bearing varieties. The estimates of profit to be derived from this system are extended
from the yield of a few trees to several acres, and made to show returns of £50—
£120 a year per acre. Major Hambling, of Dunstable, grew 50 bushels of apples on
10 poles of calcareous soil in 1893 = 800 bushels per acre, which at 2s. 6d. per
bushel = £100. A plantation of dwarf pear trees at ten years old gave a return of
£ 1 20 per acre. An acre of Early Rivers' plum is credited with a return of £200 in
one year. Fruit crops of exceptional bulk and value are highly worthy of record as
showing what can be accomplished under specially favourable circumstances by the
exercise of high cultural skill, but they are very far from being representative of what
can be attained by the great majority of cultivators.
In the plantation method of growing fruit low standards are employed instead of
tall ones as in orchards. This is an immense advantage in most situations through the
lessened danger of damage from wind. Moreover, the trees being of compact
growth and quick bearers, they can be planted closer, early and heavy yields being
obtained. The fruit is also of finer quality from superior cultivation, while the operations
of spraying, pruning, thinning, and gathering the crops are greatly facilitated. Bush
fruits are often grown between the lines of the large trees, for the utilisation of all the
ground, and afford good returns for a time, or until the permanent trees enlarge, the
bushes then ceasing to bear profitably. From the third year the plantation affords good
returns, both from the low standards and bushes ; the first commencing to bear profitably
in the fifth season after planting, and reach their period of best production from the
tenth to the fifteenth year. This period endures for a similar length of time, though there
FRl'IT PLANTATIONS— PLAN— LAYING OUT.
4-.+
• 4-- 4--4-.4-.4-.4-.4-.4-
+-.4-.4-.4--4-.4---I-.4-.
.4-.-f-.4-.4-.4--4--4--4-.4-
4-.4-.4-.4-.4-.4-.4--4-.4--
•4-.4-.4--4-.4--4-.-t-.4--4-
4.. + .4.. + .+ .+ . + .4.. 4.
Fig. 65. PLAN OF FBUIT PLANTATION. (Scale 1 inch = 108 feet.)
References:— A, standard trees (o) in " opposite vacancy " order, 18 feet apart, with currants, gooseberries, or
raspberries (.) between the rows, 6 feet apart. B, low standard apple, cherry, pear, or plum trees (o) in squares,
12 feet asunder, with currant or gooseberry bushes (.) between the rows, 6 feet apart. C, large pyramid or bush
trees ( + ) in "opposite vacancy'' order, 18 feet apart ; compact early-bearing trees (.). D, pyramid or bush trees
(.) at 6 feet apart ; every alternate tree and row temporary. E, red currant bushes (.) in squares, 6 feet asunder.
F, gooseberry bushes in " opposite vacancy " order, 6 feet apart. G, black currant bushes (.) in squares, 6 feet
asunder. H— I, damson trees (o) next the fence, 18 feet apart, with temporary ones (not shown) between 7— /,
damson or hardy plum trees (.), 18 feet apart, with temporary ones between if the plantation consists of dwarf trees
in A and B, not otherwise. // — J, compact-growing plum trees (.), 18 feet apart, with temporary ones betw ;eu,
if exposed on the south side, but not adjoining a road and standard trees are not planted in A. The shaded part
roada or avenues.
z86 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
are many exceptions. Some trees do not make good progress through canker or
gumming, while the enormous bearing of others in their early years causes their speedy
collapse, as compared "with less precocious sorts of hardier constitution. The plantation
system also applies to fruit trees in pyramid or bush form ; in fact, it is a general
term signifying any fruit in cultivated ground, examples of which are shown in the
plan (Fig. 65) of a plantation of about 10 acres.
In laying out a fruit plantation sufficient distance should be left between the trees
and fence to allow a conveyance to pass along without coming in contact with the
trees when full grown. Parallel avenues should also run through the plantation, if
large, dividing it into convenient plots. This can be done by leaving out one row of
trees in the case of standards, or such number in other cases as will allow a team of
horses to pass along and turn at the ends. Manure can then be readily applied, fruit
collected and placed on conveyances, either on the avenues or along the line of the fence,
without carrying by hand an inconvenient distance.
The drainage of the land, preparation of the ground, and planting the trees are prac-
tically the same as advised for orchards and gardens ; and the particular requirements of
each fruit in respect of situation, soil, manures, pruning, and general management
having been treated, it is only necessary to refer to the several kinds for marketing
purposes to enable intending growers to acquire information that may be of service.
Apples. — Standard trees are sometimes 20 feet apart =108 per acre, cost Is. 3d.
each =£6 15s., with currant or gooseberry trees 5 feet apart each way= 1,634 per
acre, cost 12s. 6d. per hundred =£10 4s. 3d., total cost of trees = £16 19s. 3d. per
acre; planting, staking, trimming, and manuring = £9 Os. 9d., = £26 for trees and
planting per acre. In three years from planting the trees commence bearing, and increase
in value yearly, so that the return for fruit sold in the seventh year may reach £40
per acre. Deduct from that amount £15 for expenses of cultivation and marketing the
fruit £2 11s., also 5 per cent, interest on capital (£0 in draining, £20 trenching, £26 in
trees and planting = £o 1), and rent, tithe, and rates £-5 us. =£22 16s., and the clear
profit is £17 4s. per annum. This average will be sustained, for when the bushes are
no longer serviceable the permanent trees will have increased in size and profit. "When
the bushes are removed the open spaces can be utilised for various crops — bulbous and
other flowering plants; but this is alien to fruit-growing, as also is the taking of onion
and other crops between the rows of trees during the first and second years of the planta-
tion, though some growers, not allt find the association profitable.
FRUIT PLANTATIONS— APPLES— " FEATHERED" 1 REES.
Plantations are frequently formed of low or half-standard trees, grafted on the
Paradise or Nonesuch stocks, which promote early bearing. These stocks are worked
near the ground, the scions are allowed to grow with a single stem to the height
required, then topped to form the heads of the trees (see "Low Standard,'' Figs. 15 and
16, pages 26 — 28, Vol. II.). The price of this form of tree of a size fit for planting
ranges from £4 to £7 10s. per hundred, bv.t many large growers prefer two-year
"feathered" trees — unprtined of that age from the graft ; these are shortened, the side
Fig. 66. iiiATHKRKD ArpiE THVES.
: — K. upright-growing tree pruned (bars) to form head and feathered stem : a, leader ; b, side shoots
to form head ; c, side shoots shortened to form spurs and strengthen the stem. L, tree of spreading h:ibit : d.
leader ; e, side shoots tipped to form head ; /, side shoots cut off close to the stem. M, tree forming head naturally :
y, leader shortened to throw vigour into the head ; h, side shoots shortened to underside buds to cause growths to
spread. N, the tree A", in its second season after planting.
growths tipped or removed at the lower part, leaving the upper two or three for form-
ing the head (Fig. 66, K—M).
By shortening the side growths not required to form branches instead of cutting
them off closely, fruiting spurs form along the stems and produce useful fruit, as shown
in j.V. These stem spurs may remain until the head of the tree is well formed and com-
mences bearing freely, and then be gradually removed. Two years feathered trees cost
£3 15s. to £6 per hundred, the price varying according to variety and character ; the
best feathered trees are nearly as costly as half-standards. Either may be planted 12
feet apart— 302 trees per acre, average cost half- standards = £17 17s.. feathered =
£15 12s. 6d. per acre. Between the trees and rows currant or gooseberry trees are
288 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
planted 6 feet apart = 908 per acre, price strong, £1 5s. per hundred = £11 7s ; good,
for planting with smaller apple trees, 12s. 6d. per hundred = £5 13s. 6d. ; total cost of
trees, £29 4s. and £21 6s. respectively per acre. These added to the cost of draining,
trenching, planting the trees and manuring => £35, amount to £64 4s. and £56 4s. pei
acre respectively, and represent the expenditure of forming a plantation of half-standard
apple trees in the most approved manner.
The trees and bushes of a profitable size when planted come into profit in the
second year, poor trees and bushes iu the third or fourth, and about pay expenses in the
first year of bearing. From this, if due regard is given to thinning the fruit, so as to
have it fine and prevent stunting the trees by overbearing, the crops will increase
annually, reaching £60 for fruit sold about the seventh year. This sum will continue to
be realised annually for a number of years, for when the bush fruits fail the apple trees
will be at best period of production. If £25 —expenses of cultivation, rent, tithe, rates,
and interest on capital — is deducted from the return for fruit sold, a clear yearly profit
of £35 is shown. This is not reliable, for the crops of fruit vary according to seasons,
and are not full oftener than once in three years, and about 2.5 per cent, off the profit
of the best seasons ought to be set aside to meet the deficiencies of bad years.
Bushes and pyramids are fashionable. Their advantages are : (1), the trees come
quickly into bearing, as they produce fruit the second year from planting; (2), they
may be set closely ; (3), the fruit is finer and the trees well under the control of the culti-
vator for applying the preventive and remedial measures against fungal and insect attacks ;
also for facilitating cultural operations. Its defects are: (1), the trees seldom sustain in
their late years the prospect they give at the commencement of bearing; ^2), after the
best period of production is reached the trees bear indifferently at the lower part or near
the ground ; (3), the blossoms are more liable to injury from spring frosts than those of
standard trees. This method of culture is, as a rule, best suited to gardens or sheltered
plantations. Th% trees should be on the English or Nonesuch Paradise stocks.
Varieties to sell direct from the tree : Dessert. — Mr. Gladstone, Devonshire Quar-
renden, Duchess of Oldenburg, Yellow Ingestrie, Lord Lennox, and Worcester Pearmain.
Kitchen. — Improved Keswick Codlin, Lord Grosvenor, Potts' Seedling, Yorkshire Beauty,
Stirling Castle, Grenadier, Manks Codlin, and "Warner's King.
For storing: — Dessert. — King of the Pippins, Beauty of Hants, Coz's Orange Pippin,
Wyken Pippin, Baumann's Reinette, Court Pendii Plat, and Sturmer Pippin ; Kitchen.—
New Hawthorden, Small's Admirable, Queen Caroline, Lord Derby, Bismarck, New
FRUIT PLANTATIONS— APPLES.
289
Northern Greening, Lane's Prince Albert, Newton Wonder, Dumelow's Seedling, and
Brumley's Seedling.
The trees should he planted 6 feet apart— the permanent ones at 12 feet, with early
hearing varieties between the trees and rows = 1,210 per acre, price Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d.
each ; bearing trees £6 per hundred = £72 12s. per acre. Bearing trees are cheaper
than maidens, as they are formed and come into profit in the second year. Cost of
draining and preparing the ground, manuring and planting the trees, £35 — total
expense of forming a plantation of bush or pyramid apple trees, £107 12s. per acre.
The most useful form of tree is the Open Bush (page 14, Vol. IT.), the management
Fig. 67. BUSH APPLE THEE WITH SHORT STEM.
of which is given on page 15. Vol. II., and is the shape advised for trees of upright
growth and popularly termed pyramids. The Cup-shaped Bush is shown on page 179,
and Fork-branched on page 181, both Vol. I., but in most cases little regard is had to
shaping the trees, the maiden tree being usually cut down to a foot from the ground
or even less, and the branches are therefore close to the ground, which impedes manuring
and cleaning. (See Fig. 67.)
The trees ought to have 12 to 18-inch stems, be cut to form any of the above shapes,
and after that be allowed to grow freely, merely shortening the tips of the shoots to
VOL. in. P P
jgo THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
secure evenly balanced heads, and taking out any crossing growths. When the trees
produce a crop, mulching may be carried out in June, the fruit thinned in due course,
and liquid manure applied for swelling the fruit. Manuring is best done in the winter.
Farmyard manure, rags, fur-waste, shoddy and fish manure are used for plantations.
Superphosphate of lime, kainit and nitrate of soda may also be used with advantage as
supplementary of the solid manures.
In seven years the return for fruit sold may reach £60 per acre, and double
this amount in another seven years; but everything depends ou the situation,
soil, season, culture, and progress of the trees, such varieties as Cox's Orange
Pippin and Baumann's Reinette having occasionally brought £120 per acre. When
the temporary trees are encroached on by the permanent ones, they must be
removed to other ground, and if carefully lifted they will transplant safely in the
autumn with a partial loss of crop for one year, an abundant yield following if the
season be favourable.
Allusion may be made to planting trees at 18 feet apart of large growing varieties,
such as Lord Grosvenor, Blenheim Pippin, Tyler's Kernel, Newton Wonder, and Bram-
ley's Seedling, for developing into natural bushes, with early-bearing varieties between,
as shown in Fig. 65, at (7, page 285. This method answers admirably in good deep
soils, and the cost of trees — 537 at £6 per 100 = £32 — is considerably less than for
bushes at 6 feet distance. The advantages are the trees get abundance of light and
air, so essential in free soils for sturdy and well-ripened growth, and the lessened need
of interference with the roots, while the returns after seven years are more satisfactory.
Cherries.— Standard, half-standard, pyramid, and bush trees succeed in plantations on
the Mahaleb stock. Only certain varieties are healthy on this stock. Six sweet cherries
suitable for this mode of culture are Early Elvers, Empress Eugenie, Governor Wood,
May Duke, Archduke, and Duchesse de Palluau. The trees and blossom of these
varieties are rather tender, and require sheltered (not low) situations. Standards should
be planted 12 feet apart, with two gooseberry bushes between each pair of cherries in the
rows, and the spaces between the rows occupied with strawberries ; these should be
removed after bearing two or three full crops and their place taken by strong gooseberry
or currant trees at 6 feet apart. The plantation will afford good annual returns from the
second year. Half-standards may be planted 9 feet every way, with a gooseberry bush
at every 4| feet. This method is only suitable for shallow soils. Pyramidal and bush
cherries may be planted G feet apart, as they grow compactly by summer pinching and
FRUIT PLANTATIOXS— CHERRIES— CURRANTS, RED. 291
judicious root-pruning, and bear enormously, especially the Morello and Kentish. These
varieties should be planted alternately, as the Morello is more vigorous than the Kentish,
and the advantages are mutual. At 6 feet distance the cost of trees for planting an acre
is considerable— 1,210 maidens, £6 per 100 = £72 12s. per acre; three-years-old coming
into bearing — £7 10s. per hundred = £90 15s. per acre. Maiden trees produce some
fruit in the third, and three-years-old trees a profitable amount in the year after
planting. In the seventh year of bearing the trees average 7 pounds of fruit each = 352
half-sieves, which at 4s. each = £70 8s. per acre. In the twelfth year the trees average
double the amount of fruit named, and return £140 8s. per acre. When the fruit is
fine through thinning and high cultivation, also attractively packed in boxes, high prices
are realised, occasionally doubling the price of sieve fruit = £280 16s. per acre. Cherries
are profitable fruit, but the trees thrive only in certain districts, and the sweet varieties
suffer most of any fruit from birds. Morello and Kentish are far less liable to devastation.
Standard Morellos at 12 feet and Kentish at 9 feet distance on the Mahaleb attain their
best period of production about the twelfth year, and the plantation proves remunerative
from the second by growing bush fruits between the cherry trees. Half standards,
however, afford greater facilities for pruning and picking the fruit. The returns from
them are even better than from pyramids and bushes from the twelfth year. The trees
should be kept cleared of dead spurs, cutting away worn-out branches in favour of pro-
mising growths. This applies particularly to the Morello.
Currants— Red. — A rather light or free working soil, preferably a little damp rather
than dry, grows red currants well. Short stemmed (6 inches) are better than 12-inch
stemmed bushes. They should be two years old from the cutting. Profitable varieties
are Cherry (Scotch Bed, Knight's Early), Eed Dutch (New Eed Dutch), with Raby
Castle [Victoria] as suitable for gardens. The ground requires to be well prepared
and liberally manured if in poor condition. In ordinary soils the bushes should be
allowed 5 feet, or 6 feet in good soils. The trees may be bought at 10.s. per hundred,
but parsimony is often costly afterwards, and it is cheaper in the end to procure stout
well-formed bushes at £1 5s. per hundred than mere "scrags" at 6s. By taking a
number a reduction is generally made in the price. At 5 feet distance apart, 1,742
bushes are required to plant an acre, cost at 10s. per hundred = £8 15s. ; at £1 per
hundred for bearing bushes == £17 10s. ; at 6 feet apart — 1,210 bushes = £6 Is.—
£1 2 2s. The bushes should be kept cup-shaped, the leading shoots shortened at from
6 to 10 inches, and laterals cut back to form spurs. Summer pruning is imperative to
p p 2
19* THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
secure fine fruit. In the fourth year from the cutting the bushes commence bearing and
increase yearly, being in full bearing about the fifth to seventh year from planting, and
produce about 1 ton = 2,240 pounds per acre, average prices l^d. — 3d. per pound
= £14 — £28 per acre. From this period to the twelfth or fifteenth year the average
yield is 2 tons = 4,480 pounds — £28 — £56 per acre. Double the crop named is
realised in some seasons, but red currants are very susceptible of damage to the blossom
from frost, and to have the fruit ruined by wet weather. The expenses of cultivation,
picking and marketing, range from £17 — £20 per acre yearly. This is exclusive of rent,
tithes, and rates of the land.
Currants — Black. — These require a fairly deep soil, retentive of moisture, and
thrive in the better descriptions of clay land. On strong land the bushes grow
stout and vigorous. Bushes with stocks close to the ground are the best. (See Fig.
50, Y, page 155, Vol. II.). Black Naples, Baldwin's, and Lee's Prolific are good
sorts. The bushes should be set 6 feet apart in good land ; 5 feet asunder suffices on
ground in moderate condition. They can be purchased at 10s. to £1 5s. per hundred
from nurserymen. Some growers prefer bushes with the buds removed from the part
of the cutting inserted in the ground, but remove no buds on the part above ground,
cutting off the top at the third bud. This gives three good stems close to the soil, and
suckers do not come from the root part. It is an excellent practice. Shortening the
leading growths is hardly necessary, but it must be done to prevent a loose habit. As
the fruit is borne on wood of the previous year and on spurs, no general pruning of
the extremity growths must be performed, confining the manipulations to shortening
old or elongated parts to successional branches, and thinning where crowded. The
bushes produce remunerative crops when four years old, and in full bearing — about the
eighth year — average 2,240 pounds (1 ton) per acre annually, price 2d. — 3d., average
2|d. per pound = £23 6s. 8d. per acre. After this, up to the eighteenth year or
longer in good land and under liberal treatment, the average yield is about 3 tons
per acre = £70 annually, and the expenses of cultivation, picking, packing, carriage,
and commission, are about £30, net profit £40. This represents the highest cultivation
in good land. The general results average a produce of 1| tons = 3,360 pounds at
2^d. =£35, and the expenses £17 — £20 per acre. Extraordinary crops are recorded
of 800 bushels (48 pounds each) = 38,400 pounds, at 2£d. per pound = £400 per
acre, but the price actually realised was 7s. 6d. per bushel = £300, and the calculation
based en a selected ^ acre from a large plantation. That is how large profits are
FRUIT PLANTATIONS— BLACK CURRANTS— GOOSEBERRIES.
made to appear (in print), and as obtainable by general cultivators — a stupid fallacy.
Mulching in hot seasons is necessary.
Gooseberries. — These succeed on porous land, but not hot and dry, in good loam,
and properly drained clayey land. For affording green or ripe berries select :
Keepsake, Whitesmith, Whinham's Industry, Queen of Trumps, Antagonist, Crown
Bob, Lancashire Lad, and Warrington. Every plantation should comprise a good
proportion of the last-named variety for supplying late ripe berries. Early Sulphur
is valuable for affording early ripe fruit ; Bifleman is good for late use. Monarch
is also a fine variety for plantations. Eed Champagne bears enormous crops
of small, highly flavoured berries for dessert or preserving, but it only "takes"
with the better class of buyers. Speedwell, Leader, Leveller, Companion, Lion's
Provider, and Careless are special va-
rieties to supply early green berries
and ripe fruit in punnets for the shops.
They are more suitable for the garden
than the plantation.
At two years old from the cutting
the best plants are ready to set; pi-ice
from fruit farms 6s. — 12s. per hundred ;
prepared shapely bushes from nurseries
12s. 6d.— £1 5s. per hundred. The
land ought to be steam-cultivated,
deeply worked with a subsoil plough, or bastard trenched, and liberally manured.
The bushes should be planted 5 feet apart on ordinary soils, 6 feet asunder in rich
ground, average distance 5 1 feet = 1,440 per acre. Pruning is performed from October
to the end of January, and is confined to cutting away rank growths, shortening
irregularities, thinning (yet leaving a moderate supply of young wood), and keeping
the centre fairly open. A bearing tree partly pruned is shown in Fig. 68.
The ground is dressed with stable manure, every autumn in some cases, biennially
in others, while some growers only apply solid manure every third year. The amount
given varies according to the vigour and cropping of the bushes. Twenty tons per
acre is a minimum dressing for trees in good holding soils, fairly vigorous, and bearing
average crops; double or treble that amount is applied where the ground is lightish
and free, the growth very moderate, and the crops annually abundant- Rags, shoddy,
Fig. 68. GOOSEBERRY BUSH. LEFT HAND UNPRUNBD —
RIGHT HAKD PKUNED.
»94 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
and other refuse substances are largely used in Kent at the rate of 1 to 2 tons per
acre, and being of a slow decomposing nature they are applied at somewhat distant
intervals, a portion of the plantation receiving a dressing in turn. Where solid manure
is only occasionally used stimulants are given in the intervening years. Nitrogenous
manures are essential to enable the trees to sustain heavy crops and secure early berries.
Soot — 80 bushels or more per acre — is used in some districts, applying it early in the
spring. This dressing may follow farmyard manure in the second year. In the third
season superphosphate and kainit in equal parts may be supplied just before digging
tho ground, spreading the mixture under the branches and for a foot beyond, at the
rate of 3| pounds per rod, and when growth begins in the spring, sprinkle powdered
nitrate of soda similarly on the ground at the rate of 2 pounds per rod — rather less
where naturally damp. This method of manuring applies to all plantation fruits, and
is recommended as efficient and economical. The ground should be dug with a four-
pronged fork in the winter, extracting perennial, and burying annual, weeds with the
manure. This insures a loose surface that rain can enter freely, and facilitates hoeing,
which should be done during the summer as necessary. Liquid manure and mulching are
of great benefit, particularly in shallow soils. This applies to all bush and plantation
fruits, for trees often fail to swell their crops properly in hot and dry seasons for
lack of liquid nourishment and mulching to maintain uniform moisture in the soil.
It is best to gather the fruit in its green state from recently planted gooseberry
bushes for the first few years, as this enables them to recuperate each season, and make
free progress, which is not the case when heavy crops are allowed to ripen. After the
bushes become well-established and vigorous, a portion of the berries are picked
directly they are large enough for sending to market. A few of the earliest green
gooseberries for puddings and tarts sometimes bring 8d. per pound or Is. per quart.
Sheltered situations are necessary to secure berries for very early gathering. As much
as £120 per acre net has been cleared in one season for green gooseberries between
standard plum trees, the gooseberry bushes being 5 feet, the plum trees 20 feet apart,
and the value of the plums was returned at £80 == £200 per acre. This is recorded
as a feat in cultivation. The price for early green gooseberries usually commences at
4d. per pound or 6d. per quart, but the general price soon reaches the average of lid.
to 2d. per pound, or 2d. to 3d. per quart. Gathering the berries green insures a heavier
constant yield than would be the case were all the crop left to ripen. Some growers
recuperate any weakly or overborne bushes by gathering the whole crop while green.
FRUIT PLANTATIONS— COB-NUTS AND FILBERTS. J95
"With healthy bushes about one-third is often left to ripen, two-thirds removed as
green, but it is entirely a matter of judgment. Those left to ripen should be -well
clear of the ground. In seasons of scarcity of cherries and plums, it is a good plan
to gather all the green fruit at the base of the bushes and thin the others moderately,
to insure a heavy crop of large ripe berries. Early mulching in such cases is necessary
to assist the berries to swell, and enable the bushes to bear a crop the following season.
An average crop of gooseberries after the seventh year is 2J tons = 5,600 pounds,
to 3£ tons = 7,840 pounds, and the prices l|d. to 2d. per pound — mean 6,720 pounds,
price Ifd. = £49 per acre. All expenses in connection with an average crop amount
to £20 = £29 profit per acre, exclusive of rent, tithe, rates, and interest on capital.
Taking an average of ten years, from the fifth to the fifteenth year, the yearly returns
range from £12 10s. on moderately good land and culture to £25 on the best soil and
under the best management. Better returns are had from bushes in gardens under
special culture, averages of a peck per bush being recorded, or Is. per bush clear
profit = £87 2s. with the bushes at 5 feet, and £72 with the trees at 5£ feet apart
per acre respectively.
Nuts, — Cob-nuts and filberts require a moderately light soil, but they thrive well
on heavy land interspersed with calcareous gravel or flints, also " stone-shattery "
soil in Kent, and gravelly mediums with a goodly admixture of loam of a holding
nature. A situation sheltered from high winds is essential. Standard apple, pear,
plum, or damson trees, planted at two -thirds the distance the nuts are apart, afford
protection from spring frosts. Apple or pear trees should be employed on deep loams,
plum or damsons on strong or shallow soils. Prepared basin-shaped nut bushes
can be purchased from 30s. to 50s. per 100. A typical tree has a stem \\ to 2 feet
in height, from which the branches are trained laterally, so as to form a centre of
a saucer shape. The trees ultimately attain a diameter of 8 to 12 feet and a height of
about 6 feet. Cob-nuts are more grown than filberts because the trees are hardier, the
nuts larger and more saleable.
Lambert Filbert or Kentish Cob and "Webb's Prize are good for plantations.
Cosford is a free bearer and the profusion of its catkins renders it valuable for fertilising
other varieties, fled, "White, and Prolific filberts, with Merveille de Bollwyller and
Pearson's Prolific cob-nuts are suitable for gardens. Standards (4 feet stems; on Spanish
hazel-nut stocks are appropriate for the non-pruning system. The trees are planted
12 feet apart = 302 per acre, less the number of standard trees employed for top-growth.
?9.6 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Currant or gooseberry bushes are set between the trees and rows. These render the
plantation profitable from the second year, and are taken away when the nut trees
require the space. At four or five years from planting, sturdy shaped trees produce
some fruit, and about the eighth year a paying crop. In exceptionally fine seasons the
crop may reach 1 ton or more, but 8 to 10 cwt. per acre is an average yield. The price
ranges from 3d., in very abundant, to 3s. per pound in very scarce years. The prices are
entirely ruled by the supply, but the higher prices in a scarce year compensate for
light crops. The average price is 7d. for moderate and Is. 4d. for high quality
nuts — £26 2s. 8d. for 8 cwt, at the first, and = £59 14s. 8d. at the latter price per
Fig. 69. FILBEBT TREE AFTKB PRUNING.
acre. The gooseberry or currant bushes more than pay expense* up to the twelfth or
fifteenth year. The best nut crops are obtained where the trees are not overtopped by
others, but this is only practicable in sheltered situations. The ground in Kent is
manured every other year with 1 to l£ tons of rags or shoddy, and dug in the winter
with pronged forks. It is kept clean by hoeing once or twice during the summer.
Pruning is done in late winter or early spring, care being taken to keep the trees in
cup form and the centre clear. The finest and most promising bloom-bearing young
wood is retained and tho older and coarser branches cut away, leaving some growths
bearing catkins on the same branches. The trees are mere skeletons after pruning
(see the right-hand side of Fig. 69). Standard trees merely require the dead or worn-
FRUIT PLANTATIONS— PEARS— PYRAMIDS AND BL'SHES. 297
out branches cut away, irregularities shortened, and the growths judiciously thinned
where too thickly placed.
Pears. — Half- standards on quince stocks or double-grafted are worked near the
ground, the pear taken up to form the stem, and the head originated at the height
required. Yarieties of spreading habit succeed at 12 feet apart, with columnar ones
between them 6 feet asunder. Bushes or pyramids to be root -pruned may be planted
6 feet apart. These being root-pruned will lift to other ground safely when the
permanent trees require the whole space. Instead of temporary pear trees, currant or
gooseberry bushes can be set 6 feet apart between the pears. This is a good plan
when it is not intended to extend the plantation. Pear trees on quince stocks thrive
on all good soils, also on light land, but on these mulching and liquid nourishment
must be given in the summer. Heavy wet soils are unsuitable, but clayey loams kept
open by gravel or flints, and having a fair depth of ameliorated surface, produce heavy
crops of large, bright, juicy, well-flavoured pears. The situation must be sheltered.
Crawford may be planted in two lines, 6 feet asunder, the trees in " opposite
vacancy " order, 9 feet apart, on the exposed sides as screens. Being a regular bearer
and of compact growth it will pay in fruit and in affording pollen for fertilising other
varieties.
Suitable varieties for a plantation are : — Summer Doyenne", Beacon, Clapp's
Favourite, Beurre Giffard, Jargonelle, Williams' Bon Chretien, Triomphe de Vienne,
Madame Treyve, Dr. Jules Guyot, Fondante d'Automne, Beurre Supcrfin, Beurre
d'Amanlis, Jersey Gratioli, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Doyenne Boussoch, Eyewood,
Marie Louise, Pitmaston Duchess, Bishop's Thumb, Durondeau, Comte de Lamy,
Duchessc d'Angoulcme, Beurre Hardy, Beurre* Bosc, finale d'Heyst, Beurre Clairgeau,
Marie Louise d'Uccle, Marechal de Cour, Princess, Beurre Bachelier, Beurre Baltet
Pere, Doyenne du Cornice, Beurre d'Anjou, Marie Benoist, Josephine de Malines,
Olivier des Serres, and Easter Beurre*. Yarieties for stewing: — Yicar of Winkfield,
Bellissime d'Hiver, Catillac, and Yerulam.
Low standard, or two to three years' pyramid or bush trees, cost 15s. per dozen, £G
per hundred. At 12 feet apart = 302 trees = £18 2s. Gd. ; gooseberry trees 6 feet
apart = 908, at £1 per hundred = £9 Is. 6d. ; planting, staking, and manuring £10 =
£37 4s., total cost per acre, exclusive of draining and trenching the land. The bush
fruit about pays expenses in the second year ; in the third the pear trees may yield Is.
each in fruit, and the gooseberry bushes Gd. each = £37 10s., or a profit, after deduct-
vot,. in. u Q
2g8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
ing £17 for cultural expenses and £5 5s. for rent, &c. — £15 5s. per acre. In th« fifth
season the trees and bushes are in remunerative bearing, and increase in value yearly,
reaching their best in the tenth or twelfth year, by which time the soft fruit bushes
will have been reduced in size or removed then or soon afterwards. When the pear
crops are full the trees should be heavily mulched and supplied with liquid manure,
or top-dressed with quick-acting fertilisers, washed in after the fruit is well set, thinning
the fruit carefully — leaving two or three fruits of the large, or four or five of the medium,
fruited varieties to every foot run of branch well furnished with foliage, and keeping
superfluous spray well in hand, to expose the fruit to the sun for colouring. Good even-
sampled fruits readily fetch 5s., and choice 10s., per bushel. Each tree produces a bushel
when in full bearing = £75 10s. and £151 respectively, per acre. The low standard
trees, as a rule, give better returns than pyramid, and both continue profitable for as
long after as in attaining the period of best production. Superior exhibition fruits
are had by severe thinning and extra feeding. These bring fancy prices, but fine,
clear, highly- coloured, even-sized specimens at 9d. to is. per dozen pay better than a few
of double or treble their size fetching 6d. to Is, each.
Pyramids or bushes at 6 feet apart cost — 1,210 at £6 per hundred = £72 12s.;
or, including draining and preparing the ground, planting, staking, and manuring,
£107 12s. per acre. In the second or third year the trees will bear half to a dozen
specimen fruits each, worth 9d, to Is. per dozen, if carefully and showily packed in
boxes =£22 17s. 3d., £45 7s. 6d., £30 5s., or £60 10s. respectively (according as
the trees bear), per acre. It does not pay nearly so well to grow pears on pyramids or
bush trees to sell by half-sieve as by the dozen ; also bear in mind that the return to
the grower is seldom more than half that realised by fruiterers, often not more than one-
third, and fruit sold in the shops at 3d. — 6d. each may only bring Id. — 2d. to the
grower. From the fifth to the seventh year trees of the large fruited varieties will
produce 2 to 3 dozens, and the medium size 3 to 5 dozens of " boxable," averaging
2s. 6d. per tree = £151 5s. per acre. Assuming the trees to be root-pruned and kept
6 feet apart, they reach the period of best production in the tenth to twelfth year, and
give an average return of 3s. to 4s. per tree = £181 10s.— £242 respectively per acre.
To secure this result the blossoms must be protected from frost in the spring, and the
cultivation be high = £50 per annum ; but this method of growing choice pears should
not be attempted by those unskilled in fruit-growing, for it requires a thorough know-
ledge of the several varieties to be carried out successfully.
FRUIT PLANTATIONS— PLUMS. 299
Up to the seventh year the trees have ample room at G feet apai-i on the free
system — that is, merely shortening irregular growths, and keeping the heads open by
the removal of needless spray and crossing shoots ; then every other tree and row must
be removed. These will form 3 acres of plantation at 12 feet apart, and if denuded
of blossom the following spring, will recuperate so as to bear crops the year succeeding.
At this distance the sun shines on the ground between them, and, with judicious prun-
ing, on every branch to its base. From the twelfth year such trees will bear a bushel
of fruit each for selling by the bushel, or G to 10 dozen specimens for packing in boxes
holding 1 dozen each.
The pruning of pyramid and bush trees at 12 feet apart consists in shortening the
side shoots in June, removing superfluous branches during the summer, leaving the
leading growths intact, unless unduly long, until October, then shortening to secure
sturdiness and growths in the right direction, cutting the side shoots to three or four
buds. Aged trees should have the growths thinned where crowded. Every autumn,
if the trees crop well, apply a top dressing of stable or farmyard manure, about an
inch thick, to a foot beyond the spread of the branches and leave it there, pointing
lightly in the spring, or if the roots are matted at the surface, cover with a little soil from
between the trees. Kainit and superphosphate in equal parts may be sprinkled on the
soil in February at the rate of 3£ pounds per rod, and when the fruit is set, supply
powdered nitrate of soda similarly at the rate of 2 pounds per rod. Soot and guano are
useful stimulants, either as top-dressings or in liquid forms. It must always be
remembered that the early blossoming of pear trees endangers the crop of fruit.
Plums. — These thrive on loams, clayey loams, ferruginous gravelly marls, and
calcareous clays. They grow well in soils too shallow for apples and pears. Shelter
from exposed points is necessary ; this may be provided by damson trees set to form
a semi-hedge. The trees may be half-standard, open bush, or pyramid. Suitable
varieties are : — Early Prolific (Rivers'). Czar, Goliath (requires a warm soil), Sultan,
Victoria, Belgian Purple, Mitehelson's. Prince Engelbert, Pond's Seedling, White
^Magnum Bonnm, and Monarch. Gages: — Denniston's Superb, Early Transparent,
Green Gage, Golden Transparent, Bryanston, and Eeine Claude de Bavay ; also for
dessert :— De Montfort, Jefferson, and Coe's Golden Drop.
Iluli'-'sfandards or pyramids may be planted 9 feet apart in firm soils, in friable
and rich 12 feet. Good trees— half-standards with 3 or 4 feet stems, or pyramids or
bushes, two or three years old — cost £Q per hundred — £32 Gs. 3d. for 537 trees at
Q Q 2
300 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
9 feet, and £18 2s. Gd. for 302 trees at 12 feet apart, per acre. Gooseberry bushes
may be planted between the trees and rows when the distance is 12 feet, and is more
economical and quite as satisfactory in returns as planting pyramid plums at 6 feet
and thinning for the permanent trees to stand 12 feet apart, unless it is proposed to
extend the plantation. If the trees grow too vigorously they should be taken up early
in November and replanted. In this way the trees become, and are kept, fruitful at
6 "feet distance for some years without crowding. The trees come into remunerative
bearing about the seventh year, and are in the best production about the twelfth.
Root-restricted trees come sooner into bearing than free half-standards or pyramids.
Good culinary plums from trees at the best period of production return about £100
per acre, even in " glut " years if the fruit is thinned to swell to a large size ; thinning
can be done on low trees and it pays. The finest culinary and dessert plums packed
in small boxes fetch much more than the above return per annum. Farleigh and
Bradley's King damsons sueceed admirably as half-standard or pyramid trees.
Pruning trees at 9 or 12 feet apart should be confined to tipping irregular and
removing crossing and superfluous growths in June or July, finally regulating the trees
for securing an open and evenly-balanced head in October. Trees planted G feet
apart should have the growths pinched in the summer, thinning and shortening them in
the autumn. When the pruning is completed, spread about an inch thickness of
stable manure or rich compost on the soil, from the stems to a foot beyond the
spread of the branches, pointing it in very lightly, or if the roots are matted at the
surface cover with a little fresh soil from the open spaces, which should be manured
and dug without damage to the roots This will be required every your when the
trees crop heavily, supplementing in February with superphosphate and kainit in equal
parts, at the rate of 3^ pounds per rod. The rains will wash this in, and it should be
followed by a dressing of powdered nitrate of soda when the fruit is well set for a full
crop. Plum trees on the plantation system are worn out sooner than standard trees, not
being profitable after twenty-five years — some earlier and some later.
Rn*pberries. — A fairly good soil, with a cool or moist base (not water-loggod ) is
necessary for securing full crops, for if too light and porous the fruit does not swell
satisfactorily. It should be deeply dug or subsoil ploughed. The canes are placed in
rows ranging from 3 to 12 feet apart. When 3 feet, that distance is allowed between
the plants =- 4,840 per acre. Strong canes cost 12s. per hundred = £28 19s. 4d. per
acre. When the rows are 4 feet apart the canes are placed 2 feet asunder — 5 feet
FRUIT PLANTA TIONS — STRA WBERRIES. 30 1
18 inches, u leet 15 inches in the rows. In rows of greater width the plants are set
15 inches apart, the ground between being cropped for a time and in turn occupied
with raspberries as the others wear out. This is an excellent method, as the raspberry
is only profitable a few years under plantation culture. Some growers prefer stools or
hills of three canes each, 4, 5, or 6 feet apart, according to soil and variety. Red
Antwerp, Fastolf, and Carter's Prolific are popular varieties, but Baumforth's Seedling
and Superlative are being extensively planted. The canes are shortened to about
2 feet at planting, and the result is strong suckers for ripening and fruiting in the
second year.
An average crop is 1| ton = 3,360 Ibs. per acre, price (wholesale) 2£d. — 5d. a pound,
according to locality, season, or crop = £35 — £70. There is a great demand for this
fruit for jam, raspberry vinegar, and confections. In full bearing the crop in some cases
averages 2 tons per acre, and the prices vary from £18 to £45 per ton. The crop is
more liable to suffer from wet than any other, hence it is uncertain ; yet raspberries are
largely grown, some persons having plantations of from 20 to 40 acres. The canes should
be thinned each spring to the number required for the succeeding year's crop, and the
spent fruiting canes removed as soon as the crop is taken. In late autumn the canes
are shortened to 2 to oj feet long according to their strength, and to be self-supporting,
for they are not staked in plantations ; but it is a good plan to wind yarn round the
top of the canes so that they do not hang down under the weight of fruit and thus
become spoiled in showery weather. A top dressing of manure or litter is needed in
the summer before hot weather sets in, especially in light soils and those liable to bake,
the crop also paying for applications of sewage or other liquid nourishment in drv
seasons. A dressing of manure in the autumn is imperative, pointing it in, and an
application of nitrate of soda in the spring assists the swelling of the crop. The
durability of the plantation in profit ranges from eight to twelve years or longer, this
being greatly influenced by the soil and management.
Strawberries. — The strawberry succeeds on sandy soils with liberal manuring, on
loams and in the freely worked clays. The land should be deeply ploughed, subsoiled if
necessary, and well manured. Early potatoes may precede the strawberries, so as to
have an enriched soil, clean and in good tilth. The runners are taken from the best plants
directly the fruit is picked, put in nursery rows, and thence planted in the fruiting quarters
in the autumn, or left on the plants till the autumn, then either planted permanently or
placed in a nursery bed and set in the spring. It is better to layer the runners in pots,
302 THE FRUIT GROWER' 8 GUIDE.
turves or soil, and plant in the fruiting quarters as soon as well rooted, so as to secure a
good crop the following year. Market plants are commonly planted in March, but they
produce nothing the first year. Varieties grown are : — Noble, Keen's Seedling, Alice
Maud, President, Sir Joseph Paxton, Elton Pine, Eleanor, and British Queen (where the
ground is suitable). (See selections, page 224.) The rows are usually 30 inches apart
and the plants 18 inches in them, though some are set 30 inches apart every way and
the ground horse-hoed both ways.
Plants in small pots range in price from 10s. to 15s. per hundred ; those from the
ground, 2s. 6d. to 5s. ; 30 inches apart every way an acre requires 6,970 == £34 15s.—
£52 2s. 6d. for plants from small pots ; and £8 14s. — £17 8s. for those from the ground.
If the plants are set 15 to 18 inches asunder in the rows, for every other to be taken out
after the first year of bearing, the cost of plants would be doubled. This is an important
consideration, and points the difference between garden and field culture. With the
plants from pots 30 inches between the rows, and 15 inches apart in the rows, so as to
get a full crop the first year, and calculating them at £6 per thousand delivered — say
14,000 — the cost for plants alone would be £84 per acre. Calculate the produce the first
year at half-pound per plant, and the price 4d. per pound, the return per acre is £1 16 6s. 4d.
Double the weight has been obtained from small plots in gardens, but the average is not
more than that stated. The price would be higher for first-class early produce in the
first year, while in the second season the land with half the number of plants would bear
their fullest crop — say 6,970 pounds = £116 3s. 4d. This from small plots has been
doubled, and the net return given at the rate of £150 per acre, or taking the three
years (the duration of the plantation), £100 per annum clear of all expenses. The plants
in this case were raised on the premises, and the annual cost of production given at £50,
exclusive of rent, rates, and interest on capital.
The field plantations give nothing the first year, in the second year a full crop,
averaging half-pound per plant = 3,485 pounds, which at 4d. per pound is £58 Is. 8d. per
acre ; cost of production and marketing, £20 ; profit, £38 Is. 8d. per acre, exclusive of
rent, rates, and interest. This, be it remembered, is far the best year, and the average
of three years would bring down the profit to £25 an acre, even when the seasons are
favourable. Much higher averages have been recorded, but they prove more or less
exceptional as influenced by seasons and prices.
The chief factor in success is heavy manuring with the intelligent culture bestowed.
The first year's plants have the runners picked off by hand, and the land is kept free from
FRUIT PLANTATIONS— STRAWBERRIES. 303
weeds horse-lioeing being the cheapest method. Stable, farmyard, or town manure is
applied in late summer, when the runners are removed, to stimulate the growth of stout
crowns, from 20 to 80 tons being used per acre. Digging is not practised in light soils,
but the plants are moulded up with a plough to keep the crowns warm and dry in
midwinter. Where the ground is rather heavy, the alleys are lightly dug between
during the winter. A dressing of soot is applied in March or early April according to
season and locality, 40 to 80 bushels per acre, this tending to keep down slugs, as well
as to stimulate and sustain growth and crop. Powdered nitrate of soda. 2 pounds per rod,
may be employed instead of the soot. Mulching should be done early in June. Clean
stable litter or barley straw is used at the rate of about \\ ton per acre. As soon as the
crop is gathered, the runners are cut off with a hook, the land broken between the rows
with a horse-hoe and cleared from weeds, runners, and mulching. On light soils two
crops, or with heavy manuring, three only pay ; on deep rich loams, also marls and
greensand formations, the plants bear profitably for five or six years.
UTILISATION OF WALLS AND BUILDINGS.
I LL walls may be used for fruit-growing, and will bring a good return if
the trees are properly attended to. Walls arc valuable in absorbing heat
and yielding it by radiation for the benefit of trees trained against them. A low
wall is not so favourable for fruit-growing as a higher one, because it accumulates
less heat during the day, and parts with it more quickly when the surrounding air
is colder.
There is considerably more heat concentrated on a 12-feet wall, and the ground
in front, than is the case with a 6-feet one, and where peach trees fail on a 6-feet
wall they may succeed against one 12 feet in height. Eegard, therefore, must be
had to the height of walls as well as to location in respect of their value for fruit
production.
Walls running east and west have one surface to the south, which is the best aspect,
the other face is necessarily presented to the north, and this is of the least importance,
but the superior results obtained from the southern side more than counterbalance the
loss. Walls running north and south have each an east and west aspect, and the latter
is the more desirable. Whatever point of the compass a wall presents its surface to at
right angles, that is the aspect thereof.
&outh Walls. — Apricots, cherries, figs, grape-vines, peaches, and nectarines are
appropriate for the south and favourable positions generally, but in cold districts pears
or plums should be planted. Similar remarks apply to trees for south-east and south-
west walls in warm and cold localities.
West Walls. — Apricots and peaches succeed on these, in districts south of the Thames ;
north of London pears or plums ought to be planted.
East Walls. — Pears and plums. North-east and north-west walls answer in the
southern parts of the country for the same fruits, but in the northern and cold districts,
the Morello cherry succeeds better and is more profitable.
North Walls. — Although the Duko race of cherries succeeds on north walls, the fruit
UTILISATION OF WALLS AND BUILDINGS— APRICOTS - CHERRIES. 305
does not pay so well as that of the Morello ; pears and plums are not good enough from
sucli an aspect for market.
*
Apricots. — Varieties : Hemskork, Moorpark, Powell's Late, Breda and Shipley's
should be planted in cold districts. The apricot requires a calcareous soil, but it suc-
ceeds in firm siliceous or stony ground. The fruit meets a ready local sale at the resi-
dences of the opulent for preserving at prices ranging from Is. 6d. to 3s. per do.'.en,
according to size and season. Sometimes 4s. per dozen is realised for fine fruit. If sent
to market the fruit should be packed in boxes, but only good returns can be expected
from first-class fruiterers and for high-class fruit. Cottagers have been known to sell
enough fruit from one tree on the south side of their house to pay the rent. Dwarf
trained trees cost from 5s. to 10s. 6d. each. These have from twenty to thirty shoots
and come into bearing in the second or third year from planting. In the seventh year
the trees cover a large extent of wall, bearing freely on well-ripened young shoots
and spurs. Maiden trees range in price from Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. each, and one year
trained trees can be had of the principal nurserymen for 3s. 6d. to 5s. each.
Maiden trees ought not to be allowed to bear much fruit until the fourth or fifth
year.
Cherries. — Varieties : Early llivcrs and Governor Wood, grown on a south wall, come
in very early and briug good prices at first-class shops if neatly packed in boxes.
Empress Eugenie, May Duke, Archduke, and Duchesse de Palluau succeed well in
most districts against a north wall, enhancing their value by prolonging the season.
Morello succeeds admirably against north or west walls, gables, and the sides of houses,
stables, or barns. Cherries prefer a calcareous or firm sandy soil. Dwarf trained trees
cost from 2s. 6d. to 5s. each, standards for buildings to which cattle have access (the stems
being protected), 3s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. each. They commence bearing about the third year
and become profitable in the seventh or eighth season. Burdening the trees with heavy
loads of fruit in their early years causes them to become stunted. The produce has
reached 1 pound per square foot of surface covered, but a fourth of that amount of fruit
is nearer the average. Only fine fruit pays in punnets or boxes, price from 3d. to
Is. per pound.
Figs. — Varieties : White Marseilles, Brown Turkey (the best), and Brunswick (for
large areas, gables, and walls of buildings). Calcareous soil or a firm gravelly stratum
is necessary. Dwarf trained trees cost from 3s. 6d. to 5s. each ; standards, 5s. to
10s. 6d. each. The trees commence bearing as soon as well established. If they
VOL. III. ft B
306 THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE.
grow too freely root-pruning must be performed and the soil made firm. Standard
trees must have the stems protected with hay-bands in severe weather. The i'ruit
brings from 3s. to 12s. per dozen, according to size and season. Warm localities,
especially near the sea-coast in the southern parts of the country, should be chosen
for figs.
Grape Vines. — Yarieties : Black July, Black Prince, Black Hamburg (in warm
soils and localities only), Chasselas Vibert, and Eoyal Muscadine. Soil free and
well-drained, warm, siliceous, or gravelly. Plants (called canes), cost 2s. 6d. to
3s. 6d. each. Bearing commences in the second or third year. About half pound per
foot run of rod is a good average annual yield, price 3d. to Is. per pound. Well
thinned and cultivated grapes are superior to much imported produce and make
excellent wine.
Peaches — Varieties : Alexander or Waterloo, Dymond, Violette Hative, Barrington,
and Gladstone ; fruit ripe from the middle of July to the end of September. Nectarines
for which there is an increasing demand : Lord Napier, Hardwicke Seedling, Dryden,
and Victoria (in warm situations only). Dwarf maiden trees cost Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d.
each ; dwarf trained with seven to thirteen branches, 5s. to 7s. 6d. each ; standards :
maiden, 3s. 6d. ; trained, 7s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. each. Peach trees require strong soil, with
a free admixture of calcareous gravel ; light soils must be made very firm and be well
mulched in the summer. Trees planted as maidens commence bearing in the third year ;
trained trees in the second year after planting. One fruit per square foot is a good
average crop to have fruit of the first size and the best quality. The price ranges
from 2s. to 10s. or 12s. per dozen, according as it is poor or extra fine, abundant or
scarce, average price, 3s. to 4s. per dozen. Extra fine late fruits command more money
than do early and midseason sorts.
Pears. — Varieties : — Jargonelle, Williams' Bon Chretien, Madame Treyve, Souvenir
du Congres, Triomphe de Vienne, Beurre Superfin, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie
Louise, Pitmaston Duchess, Duchess d'Angouleme, Beurre Diel, Doyenne du Cornice,
Princess, Glou Morceau, Beurre' d'Anjou, Marie Benoist, Nouvelle Fulvie, Bern-re"
Eance, and Easter Beurre. The above cover the season August to April. Beurre
Clairgeau grown against a wall attains great size and brilliant colour, and fancy prices are
sometimes given by fruiterers for the imposing appearance, not the quality, of this pear.
For large areas and light soils the trees should be on pear stocks. Upright trained
trees are best for chimney stacks and high narrow spaces, dwarf horizontal trained for
UTILISATION OF WALLS AND BUILDINGS— PLUMS. 307
house ends and sides, standard horizontal trained for buildings to which cattle have access,
protecting the stems. "Upright trained trees cost 3s. 6d. to 5s. each ; dwarf horizontal
trained, 3s. 6d. (two tiers) to 5s. (three tiers) ; standards trained, 5s. to 7s. 6d. Trained
trees commence bearing the year after planting, if then of good size, and they are in good
bearing at six or seven years from planting. One pound of fruit per square foot is a full
average crop, price Id. to 3d. per pound for summer and autumn fruit; 3d. to 6d. for
winter fruit. Boxed fruit brings from 9d. to 9s. per dozen, extra large fruits realising
12s. or more per dozen. The average price for specimen fruit is 9d. to Is. 6d. in
the summer and early autumn ; Is. 6d. to 3s. for winter ; and 3s. to 6s. per dozen in
the spring. Extra fine fruit is eagerly sought after by fruiterers, and they will give
special prices for choice specimens. Small or ill-shaped pears are only fit for packing
in sieves, and do not pay nearly so well as the best fruit.
For garden walls, cordon trees on quince stocks are the most quickly profitable.
Maiden trees cost Is. to Is. 6d. each — 8s. to 12s. per dozen. They may be planted
18 inches to 2 feet apart, and trained diagonally. Double-grafted trees may be pur-
chased at 2s. to 2s. 6d. each (1 year old) ; older trees cost 3s. 6d. to 5s. each. Trees
planted as maidens come into bearing in the second or third year afterwards. They
produce the largest and highest-coloured fruits. The fruit must be thinned, and the
trees mulched and well supplied with water or liquid manure in the summer, especially
in rather light soils during hot seasons.
Plums. — Varieties : Denniston's Superb, Early Transparent, Green Gage, Bryan-
ston Gage, Golden Transparent, Eeine Claude de Bavay — these gage plums require to
be well thinned when the trees bear heavily, so as to have the fruit fine. Jefferson,
Kirke's, and Coe's Golden Drop — all dessert plums of the first order; Czar, Victoria,
and Monarch — good for eating or cooking ; White Magnum Bonum, and Pond's
Seedling — for compotes and preserving. Plum trees succeed in any good soil, prefer-
ably strong and stony. Light soils should be well firmed. Dwarf maiden trees cost
Is. each ; good dwarf fan trained, 3s. 6d. to 5s. each ; standard fan trained for high
walls or buildings, 5s. to 7s. 6d. each. Maiden trees commence bearing in the third
year after planting ; trained trees in the first or second year. When six or seven years
old they become profitable. Half to a pound of fruit per superficial foot is a full crop.
Overbearing must be guarded against by judicious early thinning, so as to secure
large fruit; for, unless much superior to plantation fruit, it will not pay (as it ought)
for packing in boxes. Good fruit sells for 9d. to Is. per dozen, and sometimes double
K B 2
3o8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
those prices. If it has to be packed in baskets, the price realised will range
from Is. 6d. to 3s. 6d. per stone. Aim high, secure large, well-coloured fruit with
a good bloom, carefully preserved, temptingly packed, and the best prices will be
obtained.
Unsatisfactory Trees against Buildings. — Trees often fail to prosper through being
roughly planted in stones or gravel, the roots then strike down into the subsoil, and
sappy unfruitful growths follow. Where the ground adjoining a building is composed
of rubble it should be taken out or moved 2 feet deep, and not less in width than
one-third the height of the wall. If the loam to be placed in is of a close nature,
one-third of the finer particles of the rubble may be mixed with it. This, made
firm, will be more suitable for fruit trees than a border formed of rich loam
and manure.
Fruit trees against walls often suffer from dryness at the roots, the fruit dropping
instead of swelling, or ripening prematurely. Soakings of diluted house slops along
the side of the wall and a few feet outwards during late autumn or early spring to
render the soil thoroughly moist, would do much to prevent the misfortune. If a
gravel path or causeway runs alongside the wall, liquid manure poured into holes
made with a crowbar, until the ground became thoroughly moistened, then filled
with rich compost, greatly assists weakly trees in swelling their crops.
But trees against walls oftentimes grow too luxuriantly through the soil being
heavily manured and cultivated. The remedy will be found in root pruning — severing
perpendicular roots — firming the ground, and leaving it undisturbed for a radius from
the stem of one-third the height of the wall. "When the trees have reached the limit
of space, they often produce spray in abundance, but fruit sparingly. Boot-pruning and
a judicious thinning and shortening of the spurs afford growth more calculated to produce
fruit ; but the better practice is to lay young wood in from the base of the branches, and
cut away the old as the new extends for furnishing the space profitably.
Space on low walls of almost any aspect can be attractively and usefully occupied
with currants and gooseberries.
FETJIT FOR SALE-UNDER GLASS CULTURE.
comprises two methods : one in wall-cases or orchard houses, unheated in warm
situations or heated in cold districts — so as to have fruits with certainty and in per-
fection at their natural seasons ; the other in heated structures, called forcing-houses, for
having the fruits ripe at given times. Various structures essential to attain these
objects have been illustrated and described under the different fruits, therefore a few
observations on the cultivation of fruit for sale, according to the methods under notice,
only remain to be made.
COOL TREATMENT.
Wall- Cases. — A glazed cover, supported on iron standards, with a sloping roof,
movable roof-lights, 6 feet wide, fixed against a wall 10 feet in height, costs 16s. 6d.
per foot run. Such a structure allows space for a narrow walk inside, fruit trees being
trained to the wall and cordon trees in front, thinly disposed and extending about one-
third up the sloping lights. If the wall be 12 feet in height, and a lean-to or three-
quarters span-roofed house is erected against it, 12 feet in width, with boards and front
lights, on the principle of an orchard hduse, the cost is about -£1 5s. per foot run.
Trees can be grown on the wall, and others in front in bush form, affording, when in
full bearing, twenty-four peaches per foot run of house, worth 6s. to 12s. The wider
structure costs relatively only one-third more than the case, but the returns are doubled.
Growers must take matters of this kind into consideration.
As regards the cost of construction, some persons assert that a house constructed of
the best materials in the most approved style is the cheapest in the end. An elaborate
span-roofed structure, 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, appropriate for a gentleman's
garden, costs £80, exclusive of brickwork, internal fittings, and cartage ; a market
fruit-growing house of the same dimensions — 30 feet long, 20 feet wide, 10 feet from
floor to ridge, sides 5 feet 6 inches high, 2 feet 6 inches glass below the eaves, with
boards below, costs £50 complete, about half the expense of the noble house. As
for profit, there is little or none in structures costing twice as much as is necessary to
produce fruit of the largest size and greatest excellence.
3io THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Fruit grown under glass is more showy than that grown outdoors, and, therefore,
commands better prices. There is also less danger of damage from inclement weather,
but taking a run of seasons, and disregarding local requirements, outdoor fruits may
pay better than those grown on the cool treatment system under glass, for the simple
reason that it meets the pockets of the greater number of consumers. Growers of fruit
for sale must study the local or general demand, and meet it in the best way. If
peaches cannot be grown without covering the wall with glass, calculate the difference
between the cost of their production with the glass, and of pears on the wall without
the expensive covering, then decide on what is likely to pay the best.
Apples. — Only the choicest Continental and American varieties, or special coloured
and home-raised sorts, can possibly pay for growing under glass. If the trees are grown
in pots, the house will be at liberty from November to March inclusive.
Apricots. — These succeed better in wall-cases than in span-roof houses, planted-out
trees being more economically managed and more certain in cropping than those in pots.
The fruit clashes with imported produce, but choice British-grown apricots command
the highest prices, as they are much fresher and superior in quality to the foreign.
Cherries. — By husbanding the sun heat after the fruit has stoned, the early varieties
are ripe with the first consignments from abroad. Packed attractively in boxes, they
command 8d. to Is. per pound ; they are in every way superior to foreign cherries.
Late cherries, such as Emperor Francis and Florence, bring remunerative prices. The
trees succeed well in pots, and the house is available for other purposes from October to
February inclusive.
Figs. — Unless the climate be warm, and there is a special demand for the ripe fruit,
figs are not profitable in wall-cases or cool houses, as only one crop can be ripened of
the large-fruited varieties in a season.
Grapes. — In warm sites grapes ripen in unheated houses, but means of affording
artificial warmth is a great aid in preserving the crop or ripening it in unfavourable
seasons, and it is absolutely necessary in cold districts. Grape-vines are often trained
over the pathways in cool houses in which other fruit is grown, and sometimes on the
roofs, at 10 feet or more apart, without prejudice to the trees beneath. The grapes
realise from 3d. to Is. per pound.
Peaches and Nectarines. — These comprise the most prized cool-house fruit. Planted-
out trees are best for wall-cases and the roofs of cool houses, trees in pots answering
in light positions. The prices are occasionally as low as 2s. per dozen, and the best
FRUIT FOR SALE— UNDER GLASS CULTURE. 311
fruit seldom brings more than 6s. per dozen from mid July to the middle of September,
while large well-grown late fruits may realise 8s. to 12s. per dozen in some seasons.
Pears. — Fruit from trees grown under glass is, as a rule, more imposing in appear-
ance than superior in quality. In cold districts the fruit from trees kept under glass
is large, highly-coloured, and well flavoured, but in most localities it is better to grow
the trees in pots, place them in the house for blossoming and setting the fruit, and
transfer them outdoors at the end of May or early in June. The method is shown in
Fig. 70. PEAE TBEES IN Pore. (From the Gardeners' Magazine.)
the illustration (Fig. 70), from a photograph taken in Mr. Rivers' nursery, and which
we are enabled, by the courtesy of the proprietors of the Gardeners' Magazine, to repro-
duce. Grape-vines may then be grown beneath the roof in the summer, making the
most of the sun-heat. The combination has proved remunerative — a crop of pears being
secured on the removed trees, while the grapes cover the expenses of cultivation, and
sometimes leave a margin of profit. Large, highly-coloured, clear-skinned pears bring
from Id. to Is. or more each.
3i z THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Plums. — Only the gage and large dessert plums grown under glass bring prices
likely to prove remunerative, at first-class shops or at the residences of the wealthy.
The fruit clashes with imported, but the home grown is much superior in size, colour,
bloom, and quality ; attractive boxes containing a dozen choice fruits selling from
Is. to 3s. each. The trees succeed admirably in wall-cases ; also in pots in light houses.
Strawberries. — Where shelves can be fixed without interfering with the light,
or not producing drip on the trees, strawberries in pots may be grown successfully
in wall-cases or cool houses, and good fruit, ripe a fortnight before that in the open
air, brings 2s. per pound, more or less, according to size and quality. La Grosse
Sucree, Noble, Sir Joseph Paxton, and Royal Sovereign are good varieties for the
purpose. British Queen usually commands good prices at first-class shops.
FORCED FRUITS.
The fruits usually forced for supplying the markets are figs, grapes, melons,
nectarines, peaches, pineapples, and strawberries. Apricots, cherries, and plums
are seldom forced, the process being considered uncertain, and the fruit not in
great request. Early fruit, however, is greatly prized for banquets, and brings good
prices.
Apricots. — When these are forced so that the fruit is ripe in May or June, and
the specimens are large and well coloured, they bring from 6s. to 12s. per dozen,
moderate examples realising only 3s. per dozen. The demand for this fruit is, how-
ever, limited, and it is only the fruiterers in a large way of business that are able to
dispose of it on terms satisfactory to the grower, who must consult the salesman before
speculating in forced-apricot culture.
Cherries. — English cherries are the finest in the world. Trees started at the new
year ripen the fruit towards the end of April or early in May. Early Rivers, Governor
Wood, and Black Tartarian are good varieties, either for trellises or in standard
form for pots. By the potted system the house is set at liberty from July to
December, as the cherry trees are better outdoors after the crop is gathered and the
growths ripening. The uses to which the house can be put compensates for the extra
labour the system entails as compared with planted-out or trellis trees. One pound
boxes of ripe cherries bring fancy prices in April, good fruit realising 2s. per pound
during May, but the prices soon drop to Is., or less when imported cherries, come to
hand. As very little forcing is necessary to have cherries ripe in May and early in
FRUIT FOR SALE— UNDER GLASS CULTURE.
3«3
June, it is worth the attention of growers as to whether this fruit would pay for
early forcing; it is a question of cultural skill and arrangement with first-class
fruiterers. They can always sell the first and the best of every kind of fruit.
Figs. — It is only in a few establishments, where growing figs for home use has been
diverted to marketing, that this fruit is forced for sale. Only a moderate demand
exists for figs at any time. Brown Turkey is one of the best varieties. White Mar-
seilles is earlier, but white figs do not sell so well as the black or brown. Negro Largo
is large and forces well. Planted-out trees restricted to narrow borders give the best
results. Started at the New Year, the fruit ripens in May or early in June, and brings
from 6s. to 12s. per dozen. Three fruits per superficial foot of trellis is a full early
first crop. The second-crop figs ripen in August, and bring 2s. to 3s. per dozen. It ia
only at first-class fruiterers that figs can be disposed of to advantage.
Grapes. — No other forced fruit is so popular as the grape ; the supply being
mainly from forced vines. The chief varieties grown for early and summer use are : —
Black Hamburg, Madresfield Court, Foster's Seedling, and Buckland Sweetwater.
These afford a supply from April to December, and of the varieties named, Black
Hamburg produces fully two-thirds of the summer grapes. Of winter grapes, grown
for market, quite two-thirds are Gros Colman. Black Alicante is also still grown largely
for the early winter supply, but it is rapidly giving place to Gros Colman. Lady
Downes, though the best of late grapes, is of little value for marketing. Indeed, Black
Hamburg for early and summer use, and Gros Colman for late autumn and winter
supply, are the chief black grapes grown for sale. Muscat of Alexandria is the prin-
cipal white grape cultivated for summer, autumn, and winter use. Its season is from
June to December inclusive, for though it may be kept longer, the losses are consider-
able. Duke of Buccleuch is grown to a limited extent for early, and Trebbiano
for late supplies. Canon Hall Muscat requires the same high temperature and
careful management as Muscat of Alexandria, and, well represented, brings the highest
prices of all.
In growing grapes for market one variety only should be grown in a house, so that
it may receive appropriate treatment. Market growers generally use the soil most con-
venient. "When the soil is very porous, farmyard manure is freely used, as by Mr. Ladds,
of Bexley. Others use fish refuse, giving potash and calcareous matter in the form of
oyster shells, or brick-field rubbish for drainage. All aim at a fairly porous soil, resting
on a well- drained base. A somewhat heavy, yellow loam, freely interspersed with
VOL. III. 8 •
ji4 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
gravel or gritty matter, is unquestionably the best soil fcr vines. Large, low, span-
roofed houses are extensively employed, so that the vines may be attended to without
ladders, and vary in length from 100 to 300 feet, the width being about 24 feet. These
vineries are of cheap construction, costing about Is. per superficial foot, including
heating. The vines are planted both in outside and inside borders, as is most con-
venient, and the houses are utilised for growing tomatoes whilst the vines are young
Fig. 71. HOUSE OF MABKBT GRAPES (GROS COI.MAN).
Some growers employ rather lofty, well-constructed houses, costing about 2s. per super-
ficial foot of area, including heating, paths, and roof wires ; plant the vines inside,
the front or side walls being so constructed as to allow the roots to pass outside, and
employ supernumerary vines or tomatoes until the permanent vines become remunera-
tive.
Grape-growing for market is practically identical with that for home use. The
vines sometimes come into remunerative bearing the second year, but usually the third
FRUIT FOR SALE— UNDER GLASS CULTURE. 315
season after planting. The yield of a house, 100 feet long and 24 feet wide, is 800 pounds
under early forcing, worth about 2s. per pound =: £80 ; for summer crops about 1,600
pounds, which at Is. per pound amounts to the same sum. The cost of production is
about equal, for the forced vines cost more for fuel but less for thinning, manures, also
watering, generous support being requisite to enable the vines to carry heavy crops of
fruit. With the rods 4^ feet apart, Muscats are produced by market growers early in
June at the rate of 1 pound per foot run of rod = 530 pounds at 4s. per pound = £106 ;
summer Muscats (July to September) yield about 2 pounds per foot run of rod = 1,060
pounds, bringing the same amount of money (at 2s. per pound) as the early forced ;
late Muscats (October to December inclusive) produce about 1| pounds per foot run of
rod = 795 pounds at 3s. per pound = £129 5s. These are gross returns for grapes
from structures of equal size — 100 feet long and 24 feet wide each. Alicante and Gros
Colman produce 3| pounds per foot run of rod with the rods 4| feet apart, or f pound
per foot of area, which for a house 100 feet by 24 feet is 1,800 pounds, and the gross
return is Is. 6d. to 2s. per pound = £135 for Alicante and £180 for Gros Colman. The
woodcut (Fig. 71), reproduced from a photograph, represents a house of Gros Colman
grapes grown for market by Mr. Stephen Castle, at Messrs. A. and J. Quertier's
establishment, Fordingbridge.
The distances of the rods vary with different growers, some following the spur and
others the extension system, but the object is the same in all — namely, a maximum
crop consistent with its maturing properly. This is imperative at all seasons, and never
more so than when prices are low. The consumption of grapes has increased fifty per
cent, in the last decade (1880 — 1890), because the supply has been good as well as
cheap. Sensational prices cease with the increase of consumers, for the production
receives its incentive from the demand, and it has become a question of producing the
heaviest crops of the first quality at the lowest price in order to maintain a supply at
all times. Channel Island and English grapes were sold by public auction in the open
market at 3d. per pound in 1893. The lowness of prices was due to the enormous
supplies of excellent quality consequent on the tropical summer ; yet the chief market
growers, with regular business connections, managed to realise from Is. 6d. to 2s. per
pound for the best produce of varieties that could be held back without prejudice until
the markets were less congested. It was only by business tact and heavy crops that
grape-growing could be made remunerative.
Market grape-growing is based on the highest culture, heavy manuring, and
8 8 2
316 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
maximum cropping. Money is not wasted in expensive borders, costly structures, and
the fancies that may be indulged in in private gardens. All that is needed to grow
grapes profitably is comprised in a favourable rooting fertile medium, cheap yet useful
and appropriate houses, getting the vines quickly into bearing, cropping them as heavily
as possible for colouring well, feeding highly, and managing well all round. Thus the
most profit is got out of the vines in the shortest time at the least cost, and when the
vines give indications of exhaustion they are cleared out, young ones planted, and
tomatoes grown with them to afford a return for the outlay whilst the vines are becom-
ing established.
Melons. — Early fruit cannot be grown without artificial heat, and late summer fruit
has to compete with imported, of which specimens of 3 pounds or more are offered in the
shops at Is. each. There is a good and steady demand for melons in May and June,
but their production is somewhat costly, as a high temperature is requisite over a period
of three months, or from the time of planting to the ripening of the fruit. Whore a
sufficiency of leaves and stable litter can be readily obtained it is not difficult to
produce melons in frames by June. They may also be grown in low houses or pits which
in the autumn, winter, and spring are used for plants or forcing strawberries. This is
better than allowing the structures to remain empty, for good melons will bring from
Is. to 2s. each up to and including August, and as the eost is comparatively little, it is
questionable whether the fruits do not pay as well as those ripe in May and sold at
4s. to 6s. each, or as June fruits at 2s to 3s. each. Where a number of structures are
heated from one boiler the cost of production is materially reduced, and melons may be
grown to pay well ; indeed, some expert cultivators find them as remunerative as any other
fruit. The varieties must be handsome, well coloured, and of high quality.
Nectarines. — This fruit is not nearly so popular as the peach. Whether this is due
to lack of knowledge of the nectarine, or to its somewhat different flavour, it would
be difficult to determine. The nectarine is certainly a more beautiful and richer fruit
than the peach, but it is also much smaller, and less melting. Still nectarines are
increasing in favour, and some growers for sale find them quite as profitable as peaches,
especially early in the season. Early Kivers is the best nectarine for early forcing, and
after it Lord Napier, a heavy and regular bearer. It is liable to shrink and become dis-
coloured at the apex of the fruit, probably due to over-syringing or continuing it too
long. This greatly detracts from its marketing value. Goldoni, Darwin, Pine Apple,
and Stanwick Elruge, are also favourite varieties. Nectarines bring about one-third less
FRUIT FOR SALE— UNDER GLASS CULTURE.
3'7
money than peaches, but the trees perfect about one-third more fruit on a given area of
surface.
Peaches. — Alexander ("Waterloo is very similar) is the best variety for very early
forcing ; Bale's Early for succeeding ; Stirling Castle, Royal George, Dymond, and
Grosse Mignonne for mid-season forcing.
(For other varieties, see page 63). Some
growers prefer the trees trained to trel-
lises, 1 foot from the glass, wonderful fruit
being so produced ; others prefer the trees
in low standard form and planted out,
while a few growers consider the orchard-
house system — cultivation in pots or
planted out — shows better results. Where
water is abundant, trees in pots (see
illustration, Fig. 72), afford good crops,
otherwise it is a more costly means of
production than the others. The tree
represented is one of many grown by
Mr. Rivers, and is reproduced from a
photograph. The plan ted- out low stan-
dard method is the simplest, and in light
roomy structures it has been found the
most profitable. The trees are allowed
to grow freely for the first two or three
years, cropping them moderately ; then
permitted to carry two or three fruits
per foot of area, or as many as the trees
will perfect ; and when they commence
falling off in bearing, are rooted out
and others planted. Fruits 18 ounces
in weight have been grown on low standard planted-out trees, but such weights
are exceptional. Alexander peaches have realised £2 2s. per dozen at the end
of March and early in April. The cost and risk of production is not greater to
have Alexander, Waterloo, or Early Louise peaches ripe in April than to have
Fig. 72. PEACH TREE is POT.
3i8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Stirling Castle, Dymond, or Boyal George ripe in May — in fact, the expense is one-
fifth less.
Except the very early varieties, peaches cannot be forced to pay before the begin-
ning of May or the middle of that month, when good fruits of Hale's Early, Stirling
Castle, Dymond, or Royal George bring from 6s. to £1 per dozen. At the end of May
or early in June the prices have receded 3s. to 12s. per dozen, because fruits of the
Fig. 73. PEACH HOUSE AT BEXLEY HEATH.
very early varieties are forthcoming from trees started at the New Year with moderate
assistance from fire heat. As the season advances prices rapidly decline, so that mid-
season forcing, to have the fruit ripe in July, is not so profitable as it was before the
introduction of the very early varieties, the fruit from which is easily had in unheated
houses in the south of England early in July, and from walls by the middle of that
month. The cost of production is cheapened about one-fourth by these very early
FRUIT FOR SALE— UNDER GLASS CULTURE. 319
peaches, and their value when outdoor fruits are plentiful is very low, as in 1893, when
they were Is. per dozen, whilst good fruits of the standard varieties : Dr. Hogg, Dymond,
Koyal George, Grosse Mignonne and Noblesse, brought prices up to 6s. per dozen.
Only very early, and very fine peaches pay for early and mid-season forcing, for
from the middle of July the markets are over-stocked with fruit from the Continent, the
southern parts of England, and private gardens. Late peaches and nectarines pay
better than mid-season forced fruits, as they come in when imported and wall fruit is
over. Mr. F. Burton has grown peaches for market very successfully at Bexley Heath,
the photographic illustration (Fig. 73), showing the interior of one of his houses when
the trees were in flower. Mr. J. "Walker grows them with equal success, the trees
trained to roof wires in very large houses, at Ham.
Pine- Apples. — The demand for this fruit has greatly fallen off of late years, and the
prices have been so reduced through the consignments from St. Michael's, which arrive
in excellent condition, that it is considered unprofitable to grow the pine-apple in quan-
tity at the present day. Nevertheless, first-class English- grown fruit is in moderate
request at about 2s. per pound for fruits of from 4 to 6 pounds weight each.
It is only from first-class fruiterers, who have to supply select desserts, that remunera-
tive prices can be obtained for English-grown pine-apples, and their principal supplies
are drawn chiefly from private establishments. At these places oak or beech leaves
are plentiful, so that the pine plants cost nothing beyond labour for bottom heat, and
by utilising the available space by the sides of the pathways, or the pit-edges, for
French beans, and shelves for strawberries, the expenditure for fuel is considerably
reduced. Under these conditions the cost of producing a summer pine-apple is about
2s. 6d., and that of a winter one 3s. 6d. The great difficulty to be overcome in
pine-apple growing is the limited demand for the fruit, yet there has of late been an
increasing sale of the best home-grown pines (which excel all imported fruits), and
some persons have found their culture profitable,
Strawberries. — These are produced largely in private establishments, where there is
ample room for the plants outdoors in the summer, and adequate means of forcing them
in low, light, airy, well-heated houses, also on shelves in peacheries, vineries, and wall-
cases or orchard houses. Some market growers also make a speciality of forcing straw-
berries, employing the structures for other crops when not occupied with strawberry
plants, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or decorative plants. The varieties selected are
generally those with high-coloured, glossy fruit, which must also be of good size,
3*0 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
well shaped and properly finished. John Euskin is one of the best first-early, then
La Grosse Sucre"e, followed by Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Noble, Royal Sovereign,
President, Auguste Nicaise, Sir Charles Napier, and Sir Joseph Paxton. British Queen
meets with favour corresponding to its value at first-class fruiterers, while Waterloo
as a late forcer is esteemed for its large size and rich glossy crimson colour. Good
ripe strawberries at the end of February or early in March bring Is. to Is. 6d. an ounce,
but are comparatively rare, and not generally profitable, as the crop is one-third only of
that of similar plants ripening in April, when the prices range from 2s. 6d. to 6s. per
pound. Though April and May are the chief months for forced strawberries, tho.ce
which ripen later bring good prices. When outdoor fruit is forthcoming in abundance,
the prices soon drop to a level at which strawberries cannot be grown under glass
to pay.
PACKING AND MARKETING FRUIT.
"VTOTHING is more lamentable than to see the loose, thoughtless, and reprehen-
sible manner in which much fruit is packed and sent to market. In numbers
of instances no care whatever is taken in selection, but small, specked, and partially
decayed fruits are included with others which, if kept to themselves, would form a
creditable sample. Also it is pitiable to see good fruit of the softer kinds, such as
grapes, plums, and peaches, spoilt in transit either through over-ripeness when sent off,
or loose packing — the fruits shakiug to and fro till they are rendered worthless by
bruising. It has been stated that in many agricultural districts less care is taken in
sending fruit to market than potatoes. This is true, because the potatoes are sorted
but the fruit is not — large and small, good and bad, being all sent together, and all
consequently branded us " bad " in the market. It is not so much the superiority of
the imported hardy fruit itself as convenient careful methods of packing which has
given it such a firm position in our markets. Tho best fruit in the world may be
spoiled in a railway journey, and vast quantities are so spoiled every year — the labour
and expense of months being prejudiced, and to a large extent wasted, by neglect in
sorting and errors in placing the produce on sale. It may be useful to refer to packing
different kinds of fruit for market.
Apples. — Early apples should be gathered when large enough or sufficiently
matured for the early season's markets, as they usually bring the best prices. The
soft-fleshed kinds, such as Lord Suffield, Ecklinville Seedling, and others, travel badly
if left on the trees to become fully ripe, but if gathered under-ripe they must be
marketed as soon as possible. If the trees are heavily cropped a third, or even half,
may be picked for immediate sale, and those left will grow much finer than if the full
crop had been left to ripen. Apples for late storing are best left on the trees as long
as possible, without incurring danger from frost. Storing has been fully treated on
pages 203 — 214, Vol. I. Choice fruit is best laid in single or double layers on shelves
in a fruit room; large quantities may be laid on a dry floor, and covered after
sweating with straw. The fruit must be kept secure from frost.
VOL. in. r x
3" THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Although the best fruit pays the best for growing, there may be a proportion of
second and even third-class produce from the same trees. American and Australian
tipple growers find that only the best sorted samples pay for exportation, and they
utilise the seconds and thirds for cooking, drying, or cider- making at home. Grading,
therefore, is imperative, for there is a market for "firsts," another for "seconds," and
one for "thirds." If the fruit is sent unsorted to the market it may only realise a
third-rate price, whereas if this fruit had been properly graded the firsts would make
the best price in the market, the seconds a fair price, and the thirds realise their pro-
portionate value ; or if the markets were fully supplied without the thirds, they could
be realised for cider-making, converting into jam or jelly, drying, or feeding stock.
It is better to do this than mix thirds with the better fruit ; indeed, it pays better to
throw inferior fruits away than to mix them with good. All windfallen or bruised
apples should be kept by themselves, and be marketed separately.
Tack fairly— even-sized fruits in one package, and have them the same throughout—
not the best only on the top and inferior beneath. Only place one sort in a package-
mixing sorts is a stamp of inferiority. Brand the packages so that they can be disposed
of by sample, then buyers can purchase as many as they like, and, finding what they
buy the same all through and reliable, will come again.
Choice apples should be packed in small packages, second quality fruit can be
marketed in greater bulk. Extra choice apples may be packed in boxes in layers, other
best fruit in flat baskets with lids (Fig. 7-t, A), or round ones without lids (Fig. 74, B).
Common sorts can be offered in the prevailing package of the market to which the fruit
is sent. Pots, holding from 84 to 112 pounds, are mostly used in the West of England ;
in the northern provincial large towns, as Manchester, Sheffield, and others, apples are
sold by the stone of 14 pounds, and it is not important whether they are packed in boxes
or baskets, provided they are easily lifted by one or two men. Those for London
markets are usually packed in "sieves" holding about 1 bushel. (When a half-sieve
is mentioned it signifies half-bushel, and a sieve 1 bushel.) These baskets are round,
and when filled with apples appear as in the engraving (Fig. 74, B). Salesmen supply
them in some cases, and in others the growers find their own. The sides of the baskets
should be lined with clean paper, called "fruit paper," costing about Is. 6d. to 3s. per
ream for whitey-brown, and 3s. 6d. for blue paper. It ought to stand over the sides
sufficiently for folding over the fruit. Some clean straw or coarse hay is placed over
the papi-r, the whole secured by two sticks— a hazel about as thick as the thumb split
PACKING AND MARKETING FRUIT— APPLES. 32)
lengthwise, pointed at the ends, and stuck into the upper rounds of the basket. These
sticks rise slightly above the fruit and protect it from the weight of the other baskets ;
this being important, as they are packed on the top of each other, and the bottoms
being slightly hollow they pack firmly. In summer time long green grass is generally
used, and in winter mixed litter or pea-haulm. In using those or other baskets
take care to pack the fruit firmly. The baskets must be well filled, arranging the
top layer to present an attractive appearance. Fruit loosely packed always travels
badly.
American apples are packed in barrels, each containing 2^ bushels. A piece of thin
paper is placed over the bottom, the fruit packed tightly, and a lever employed to press
Fig. "4. FLAT BASKET (A) AND BOUND BASKKT (I?) FOR PACKING APPLES.
it into the barrels. This causes slight indents in the fruits, but indentation from pres-
sure merely impacts the juices, and decay is less likely to occur than is the case from the
bruises inflicted by loose packing. One great advantage of packing apples in barrels is
their becoming the property of the purchaser of the fruit. Greengrocers like them
because they take xip little room, and there is not the trouble of keeping an account of
and returning empties to the senders of the fruit. Packing in barrels is a great boon to
the salesmen and buyers. The system deserves the attention of home-growers, especially
those sending large quantities of apples long distances. The barrels must be clean or
new, and each stamped at one end with the brand of the grower or consigner as a
guarantee tnat the contents are what they are described (Fig. 75). Old oil-cake casks
T T
3*4
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
or flour barrels must not be used for packing apples for market, but these and sacks are
generally employed for sending apples by the ton to jam factories. Care should be
taken to send good weight and good fruit, then there will be no difficulty in finding
purchasers.
Apricots. — These should be gathered as soon as they are well coloured and before
they get soft. The fruit must be carefully packed in small shallow boxes, just deep
enough to hold one layer, lining the sides and ends with lace-edged paper standing up
about £ inch so as to fold over the fruit and form a fringe. Paper shavings, woodwool,
or dry, clean, soft moss may be used on the bottom to raise the fruit to the required level,
just even with the edges of the box, and some blue or pink tissue paper be placed
between them, so as to leave the upper part bare when
the box is opened without disturbing the fruit. A sheet
of clean white paper being placed over the fruit, the
fringe turned down, and fitting evenly and tightly with-
out crushing the fruit, affix the lid lightly with one or at
most two tacks at each end. Apricots for preserving or
crystallising maybe packed in boxes: (1) capacity 10
pounds, inside measurements — length 16J inches, width
lOf inches, depth 2J inches ; (2) capacity 22 pounds,
inside measurements — length 18| inches, width 11|
inches, depth 4-f inches. The boxes must be lined with
clean paper, the fruit packed tightly (without crushing)
to prevent its shifting and being damaged in transit.
Preserving apricots should be evenly coloured, but not soft, when gathered. Soft
apricots travel badly and only keep sound three or four days.
Cherries. — These are mainly gathered in Kent by women, but elsewhere boys
and men are employed. The fruit must be ripe, evenly coloured, and free from
damage. Cherries are usually packed in half-sieves, holding 24 pounds. Early
and choice Bigarreau and other kinds are placed in quarter-sieves, holding 12
pounds. The baskets are lined with clean paper, folded over the fruit, a little grass or
similar material placed on the paper, and then secured with split hazel sticks in
the form of a cross. All cherries must be gathered when perfectly dry. Choice
fruit may be packed in boxes, capacity 10 pounds; inside measurements — length
inches, width lOf inches, depth 2£ inches. Very fine cherries may be
Fig. 75. BAKEBT, OF BBITISH APPLES.
PACKING AND MARKETING FRUIT— CHERRIES, CURRANTS, FIGS- us
placed in 2-pound boxes or baskets (unreturnable), or be packed in 1 pound
punnets. Morellos sell best by the box, two layers only being placed in each,
and the weight of the fruit written on a card in each box with the name,
as well as on the outside. Choice cherries should be cut off the trees with scissors.
Morellos, especially, require this care, and they must have assumed a dark red colour
when picked. Cardboard boxes are often used for packing cherries, two layers being
placed in each, with the stems cut to about | inch in length. .For sending great dis-
tances the fruit should be packed in wood boxes, and growers must open communica-
tions with dealers abroad, for English cherries ripen when the fruit in Southern Europe
is over, and are superior to them in flavour. Similar remarks apply to plums and other
soft fruits.
Currants. — Both black and red currants are generally gathered by women, black
currants at the rate of 4d. to 8d. per half-sieve, according to the crop, and red at the
rale of 3d. The fruit must be coloured, yet not soft, before gathering, otherwise it will
smash and be almost useless when delivered in the market. The half-sieves should be
lined with paper, the fruit even in sample, sound, and free from leaves. A sheet of paper
should be placed over the fruit, taking care to have the nett weight 24 pounds — any
lack of weight, or baskets inferior to sample, lowering the price enormously. The pack-
ages are finished with long green grass, kept firm with crossed sticks, the ends pushed
through the top of the baskets, and cut even. Each basket then only requires a label,
and is ready for the market. Salesmen generally supply baskets, and the requisite
•^-number should be ready in time, and as needed, otherwise picking may be delayed
and losses considerable, especially when the weather is critical. These remarks apply
to all soft fruits. Large, well-ripened red currants may be packed in 1 -pound punnets,
or small, neat boxes or baskets (not returnable). White currants may be packed
similarly for dessert. There is only a limited demand for small packages of currants.
Figs.— The fruit should be gathered before it is thoroughly ripe, but sufficiently so
for ripening in the course of two or three days. Figs should be placed in shallow
boxes 2 or 2£ inches deep, on a layer of soft, clean, dry moss, or woodwool, then tissue
paper, laying each fruit in a soft fig (or vine) leaf, with the stalk uppermost, stopping
the spaces between the fruit with coloured tissue paper, to make firm. Cover the fruit
with a few vine leaves, then tissue paper, and over this enough packing to keep the
whole tight when the lid is tacked down. The box should be large enough to hold
1 dozen fruits in a single layer. When opened, and the upper packing removed, the
326
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
fruit will have an attractive appearance, provided the side lining paper has a neat fringe,
and is turned over about | inch all round. Where large quantities of figs have to be
packed, two-layer boxes are sometimes used. These are 20 inches long, ends 12 inches
by 31 inches, and hold about 20 pounds. A one-layer fig box is the same length and
width, but 2 inches in depth, and holds about 10 pounds.
Gooseberries. — Green gooseberries are gathered by women and boys at the rate of
Id. per stone or 2d. per half-sieve, the price varying in different parts of the country,
and according to the crop. For the London markets the baskets contain 28 pounds of
fruit. The sides are lined, the paper being sufficient to allow of the two sheets lying
over one another when turned
down, to screen the fruit and
keep it clean. Some pea haulm,
or rough green grass, is then
placed over the paper, the whole
secured with two sticks. Eipe
gooseberries for market must
only just have assumed their
colour when gathered. If soft
they are not only apt to split
in damp weather, but will not
travel well nor stand handling.
Warrington may be riper than
most other kinds, but even this
variety is liable to suffer damage.
Ripe gooseberries are packed in
half-sieves, similar to green. They are also packed in upright punnets, this extra care and
labour being well repaid. Choice gooseberries packed in chip punnets, holding \ pound
or 1 pound, find ready customers in the shops. The punnets are supplied by salesmen
at the rate of 5s. to 8s. per gross. Larger quantities of ripe gooseberries may be packed
in chip baskets with handles, the handle lying flat during transit.
Grapes. — Large quantities of grapes are sent to market in small baskets, holding
from 8 to 16 pounds, first lining the baskets with tissue paper, then placing the bunches
close together, covering with a sheet of paper, and finally putting this basket into a
larger one, termed a " flat." This description of package is shown in Fig. 76.
Fig. 76. GBAPES PACKED IN BASKET AND PLACED rtr A " PLAT."
Referencis: a, basket for grapes ; 6, tissue paper ; c, "flat."
PACKING AXD j/,i A'AV-.TAYG: FRUIT— GRAPES.
327
Some packers place a little clean, soft, dry moss over the bottom of the basket, cotton
wadding being objected to, and over this a layer of tissue paper reaching up and over
the sides. The grapes are placed as cut in the basket, stem upwards, and quite close, to
prevent rubbing. The more attractive the grapes appear when packed the better.
Place the basket of grapes in the square shallow basket ("flat"), cover the fruit with
a sheet of tissue paper, close the lid of the hamper, and secure it with string. Attach
a card to the lid outside on which " Grapes — with care. Please keep this side up," is
legibly written or printed. Then affix a label with the contents written on the top line
— say " Madresfield Court Grapes, 16 pounds," then the address of the salesman or
fruiterer to whom the package is to be forwarded, and below that the name of the sender
— " From A. B." Such package will travel
safely by rail, and if displayed for sale with as
good a bloom as when cut from the vine they
realise best prices.
Cross handle baskets are used for enormous
quantities of grapes, especially from the Channel
Islands. Each basket (Fig. 77) is lined with
paper, the grapes placed in stalk end upwards
and closely together, weighing the basket before
and after they are put in, then a stick is placed
across about midway of the distance between the
handle and each end, and over these sticks a
sheet of paper, so as to cover the whole top, securing it with string. The sticks
keep the paper from the grapes, the handle serving as a guard, and preventing other
packages from being placed on the grapes. This method of packing grapes
is recommended by salesmen. The baskets hold from 10 to 12 pounds of grapes.
Growers having only small quantities of fruit to dispose of will find their best
customers in fruiterers within easy reach, and these prefer the grapes packed in
from 2 to 4 pound split baskets. These are boat-shaped, lined with paper, covered with
stouter paper after the grapes are packed, and the baskets sent in crates. Grapes so
packed travel safely, and are very handy and acceptable to many purchasers. The
baskets also suit dealers and buyers, because " free " — not returnable.
For distant shipment, say to the United States of America, where English late
grapes realise good prices in the large cities, boxes are generally employed, capacity 25
Fig. 77. HANDLE BASKET OF GUAPKS r.M-KKi>
FOR MARKKT.
References : <!, tissue paper, e, stick
basket ; /, sheet of
3*8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
pounds; inside measurements— length 18J inches, width 1 If inches, depth 5 inches.
The box is lined, the grapes placed in tightly, but not crushed, covered with a sheet of
paper, the sides folded over, then the lid put on and secured with tacks. Care is taken
to quite fill each box, some paper shavings, dry soft moss or woodwool being used at
the base when considered necessary, but no material, except paper, should be placed on
the fruit, for it is important that the boxes open well and show the quality of the grapes
at a glance. Grapes damaged in transit lose value. Common grapes frequently lose
half, and best grapes sometimes two-thirds off the prices they would have brought had
they been carefully packed or not been damaged in transit. Care also must be taken to
give good weight, stating this on a card inside as well as on the label outside the
package.
Early grapes command good prices for a short time — Black Hamburgs in April and
May, and Muscat of Alexandria's early in June. The early black grapes soon lose
colour and should be marketed before they become red. It is the same with late grapes,
and both lose weight by keeping. Assuming Gros Colinan to be at its best in November
or December, every 100 pounds of grapes kept until March loses 25 pounds, therefore
100 pounds of grapes sold in December at 2s. per pound = £10, are almost as valuable
as 75 pounds in March at 3s. 6d. per pound = £13 2s. 6d. — often more so when
depreciation from decay and bad keeping are taken into account. The losses consequent
on keeping grapes to a late period in the spring has been to a great extent lessened
by cutting and storing them in rooms specially erected for that purpose, as described on
pages 316-322, Vol. II.
Melons. — -Melons should be cut in the early ripening stage, or two or three days in
advance of their best condition, securing a portion of stalk with each fruit. Wrap each
melon in tissue paper, then roll in cotton wool, and place closely together on paper
shavings, stopping the interstices between the fruits, and fill the basket or box with
the same material so that the fruits cannot be displaced in transit. Dry, soft, sweet
moss or hay may be used instead of paper shavings. Avoid old newspapers — they give
a second-hand appearance to fruit packages, and the value of the fruit is rated accord-
ingly.
Nuts. — The crop of filberts is often gathered green, as soon as the kernels fill the
shell, and they are sent to market at once. This is a practice generally adopted where
hops are grown, so as to dispose of the crop before the hop-pickers arrive. But the
nuts are best left until September and October, then they come off the trees with a good
PACKING A.VD MARKETING FRUIT— NUTS, PEACHES, AND NECTARINES. 329
shaking. They are then picked up by women and boys, spread about 9 inches thick
on a floor (boarded preferably), and turned over occasionally to prevent moulding.
In this way they will keep for a length of time, but the bulk is generally sent to market
by the middle of December. Well-preserved nuts bring good prices in February.
The nuts are looked over before packing, and all small or faulty ones picked out. They
are packed in sieves (7 gallons each) just as they grow, with the husk on and covered
with paper, straw or coarse hay being spread over it, and this is kept in place by sticks.
Nuts (filberts and cobs) are sold in Covenfc Garden Market by the 100 pounds (4 pounds
extra being given), otherwise by the pound, hundredweight, or ton. A demand for
English cob-nuts has arisen in America, and it only needs meeting in a business-like
manner to assume important proportions. Many acres of land in this country might be
profitably cleared of the worse than worthless scrub, planted with nut trees, and with
little more attention than gathering the crop, at a cost of £1 to £1 10s., would yield a
yearly average of ^ ton of nuts, worth £25 (o £35. Green, well-kernelled nuts are in
request for dessert on the Atlantic steamers.
Green walnuts command a fair price for pickling. Ripe walnuts sell for 4d. per
pound retail ; wholesale the price is often half, or less — the retailer often deriving more
profit at a single turn-over than the grower does for a year's labour and care. The ripe
walnuts are shaken or beaten down, picked and spread on a floor until the husks part
readily from the nuts, not allowing them to lie until the shells are discoloured. They
are then cleaned by rubbing in a sack and packed in half-sieves or other baskets.
Chestnuts are treated in a similar manner.
Peaches and Nectarines. — Mr. W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle Gardens, an expe-
rienced grower, describes his method of packing as follows : — " The peaches must be
gathered as soon as they begin to feel soft at the base, and then sent to market as
quickly as possible. They require very great care in handling, or they show every
finger-mark in u short time, and only realise very low prices. . . . For marketing
the fruit the salesmen generally supply boxes about 3 inches deep, that will hold about
two dozen in one layer. Each fruit should have a strip of white tissue paper wrapped
round the sides, so as to cover the lower half of the fruit. A twist at the bottom after
wrapping it round will help to keep it on. Strips of cotton wool about If inch are then
cut across the piece and opened out from each end, so as to form a strip of wadding about
2^ feet long, and If inch wide. This is carefully rolled round each fruit as many times
as it will go over the tissue paper. The boxes should be lined with cotton wool inside,
VOL. in. u u
33o THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
and the peaches placed in them closely together as they are wrapped. When the box
will hold no more, small pieces of wadding may be gently pushed in the corners of the
package and wherever there is room, so as to make all secure and prevent any movement
of the fruit. If they are packed in the way I have described, they should now be
firmly in the boxes with nothing around the upper half of the fruit, so that everyone
can see their size and colour when offered for sale. A sheet of tissue paper must next
be laid over them, 'and then one or two pieces of wadding, the same size as the box.
so as to fill up and prevent any movement when travelling. Packing peaches
requires great care, but pays for all the attention bestowed upon it. I have for several
years past packed from 4,000 to 6,000 annually in the above manner, and had no
complaints from anyone about damage, although some of it travelled 400 to 500 miles.
There is no system equal to it, although moss, dried grass, and other things are some-
times recommended. The table on which the packing is done should always have a
strip of wool on it to lay the fruit on. Peaches will keep several days if laid on some
dry and soft material in a cool and dry room."
Peaches and nectarines for travelling short distances are sometimes packed in flat
punnets, holding half-a-dozen each, covered with tissue paper. Another slightly smaller
punnet filled with moss covered with tissue paper is inverted over the fruit, its head
resting on the moss lining of the packed punnet, and the two secured together with
string. The punnets are placed in boxes so that they cannot move, and when received
by the fruiterer he simply has to unpack the box, remove the inverted punnet, and
place the fruit in the shop window.
Pears. — Most of the early pears are of better quality if gathered before they are fully
ripe, and should not be left to colour on the trees. They must be gathered and packed
with great care. Every fruit thrown into the basket or falling on another not only
bruises itself, but also the one it drops on. Early pears are packed in half-sieve or sieve
baskets, lined with fruit paper, and are covered with paper, a little long grass, and this
secured with hazel sticks. Autumn pears should be gathered and sent to market similar
to summer pears.
Late pears should be left as long as possible on the trees, as they ripen much better
if left to mature thoroughly Medium-sized baskets lined are the best for pears, placing
each in steadily, ,md when emptying the basket, guard against the slightest bruising of
the fruit. In gathering from standard trees a bag is frequently used ; but nothing could
be worse, as the fruits move about with every movement of the pickers and are bruised.
PACKING AM) MARKKTIXd FRUIT— PINEAPPLES, PLUMS. $31
Pears require a rather higher and drier atmosphere for storing than apples, and are
improved in quality by being placed in a rather warmer situation shortly before use.
(See storing fruit, pages 203—214, Vol. I.)
General orchard and second-class plantation pears can be packed in the same way as
apples, that is, in sieve or bushel baskets, but choice fruit should be packed in boxes,
very choice pears placed in single layers. The boxes must be large enough to admit of
a little packing beneath and over the fruit. Specimen Pitmaston Duchess and other
very large pears require a box from 18 to 20 inches in length, 12 inches in width, and
4 inches in depth ; extra large fruit take a box 24 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 6
inches deep for a dozen. Those sizes are exceptional. Ordinary fruits such as Louise
Bonne of Jersey and Durondeau pack well in a box 15 inches long, 10 inches wide, and
3£ inches deep. Such will hold two tiers of small fruits, as Bern-re* d'Aremberg.
Boxes that will take 1 dozen large fruits will hold 1^ dozen medium, aslant, or 2 dozen
smaller in two layers, and all should be firmly packed. Several boxes may be tied
securely one on another, but they are preferably packed in crates.
Pineapples. — The fruit should be cut when well coloured all over — not allowed to
become dead ripe, so that it will keep in sound condition several days, and be an attrac-
tion in the fruiterer's window. It is best cut with a portion of stem, and all that is
needed is to wrap it in clean, white, rather stout paper, with the leaves of the crown
drawn upwards rather than crumpled and broken, securing with matting at both ends
and at the joint between the crown and fruit. Nothing further is required beyond laying
the fruit flat in a box on a good bed of paper shavings or sweet hay, and adding more
all round and over to make all tight when the lid is lightly nailed on. Two, three or
more fruits can be placed in a box, but it is best to have them in a single layer.
Plums. — If the fruit has to be sent a long distance it must be gathered as soon as
well coloured, and before it becomes soft. Plums are sent to the London markets packed
in half-sieves, which are generally made to a little over 28 pounds. Damsons are
packed similarly to plums, but many growers prefer flat, lidded baskets, a bushel flat
being 21 inches long, 16 wide, and 10 inches deep, inside measure.
Choice plums for dessert may be packed in shallow boxes, just deep enough to hold
one layer. The box for such varieties as Jefferson, and Coe's Golden Drop, should be
10 inches in length, 6 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth, inside measurement, for
holding a dozen specimen fruits. The ends should be of |-inch stuff, sides £ inch,
bottom fV inch, and lid \ inch, secured together with wire nails, and the timber dressed
u u 2
332
THE FRUIT GROWER' 8 GUIDE.
as smoothly as possible. It ought to be a free box— the buyer taking it as well as the
fruit. The box should be lined with paper, that at the sides and ends standing up
\ inch to | inch, with a lace edge for turning down over the fruit. Only tissue paper
should be used for packing, placing some between the fruits and in the corners of the
box, leaving the upper side of the fruit exposed, when it will only need covering witli
a sheet of tissue paper, the lace paper turned over and the lid lightly nailed on. All
the gage plums, when large and fine, can be marketed in boxes. Cardboard and other
boxes answer fairly well for sending plums short distances. Such expedients as cast-off
boxes from confectioners impart a second-hand appearance to the fruit. A two-layer
plum box is 15| inches long, 8g inches wide, and 3^ inches deep. It holds about 10
Fig. 78. Box OF GREEN GAGE PLUMS.
pounds. Gage and other choice plums travel well in such boxes as the one shown
(Fig. 78), if care is taken to pack tightly and before the fruit gets soft.
Raspberries. — When required for dessert, raspberries should be gathered with stalks
and packed in flat 1 -pound punnets, similar to strawberries, and sent to market in
a large box. (See strawberries.) If the fruit is required for preserving, it should be
gathered without stalks and carefully packed in small glazed earthenware jars or crocks,
holding 7 pounds; or large, holding 14 pounds. These crocks are used both for
raspberries and strawberries in the Midland and Northern counties. They are clean,
retain the juice, and are worth adopting everywhere for juicy fruits, in place of the
dirty basketing system. In Kent, women pick the fruit for preserving into small
wooden or galvanised pails, and earn from Is. to 2s. per day. Such raspberries are
sent to market in tubs, holding 28 pounds or 56 pounds each. This fruit is one of
the most difficult to market in good condition ; it is also oftener spoiled by rain than
PACKING AND MARKETING FRUIT— STRAWBERRIES.
333
Pig. 79. PUNNET OF STRAWBERRIES.
any otner. Advantage, therefore, should be taken of every fine day when the fruit is
perfectly dry to gather all that are coloured. They should, however, be all of the same
degree of ripeness, for unripe and over-ripe, as well as faulty fruit equally spoil the
samples.
Strawberries. — The fruit should be gathered as soon as it becomes red and perfectly
dry, ihe deAv having passed off. This is the best plan, for strawberries gathered
when damp do not have a rich, glossy
appearance when they reach the market,
and wet fruit is not good for preserving
purposes. In large cultures picking,
however, is done very early in the morn-
ing, and necessitates a good supply of
labour, as 6,000 pecks of 12 poun Is
each have been picked from a farm in
one day. The pickers are paid at the
rate of 5d. a peck, and have to be out
by 3 o'clock in the morning to get the first supplies for the early trains. Women pack
the fruit for dessert in punnets, about 6 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep, for early
and fine fruits, but for later pickings punnets known as "deep pounds" are preferred.
A few leaves should be placed in the bottom and around the sides of the punnet, the
strawberries packed in it
attractively, but without
recourse to the deceptive
practice of topping with
extra fine fruit while that
beneath is inferior. A pun-
net of strawberries properly
packed is shown in Fig. 79.
No small, damaged, or decayed fruit should be packed with the good. Each punnet
must contain the exact weight of strawberries stated — whether \ pound or 1 pound.
The punnets are placed in deal boxes, holding five dozen, a dozen punnets being placed
in a tier, as shown in Fig. 80, and the several tiers are supported on movable bottoms
resting on strips nailed on the sides of the box. The fruit must not be piled above
the edge of the punnets. Some growers use boxes 34 inches long, 21 inches wide, and
Fig. 80. PACKINO PUNNETS OP STRAWBERRIES.
334
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
Fig. 81. CHIP BASKETS or STBAWBEBEIES.
22 inches deep, inside measurement. These have ledges on two sides of the box 4
inches from the base for a false bottom to rest on, this being made of strips of deal
f-inch thick and long enough to reach the small ledges at the sides. By having the
first ledge at 4 inches from the bottom, and the other at 8^-, 13, and 17^ inches respec-
tively, the box will hold five layers of punnets, fifteen in a layer, 75 pounds of fruit.
Each layer of punnets is covered with
rhubarb or cabbage-leaves with the mid-
ribs taken out, the leaves being perfectly
dry. The boxes, of course, may be of any
size, provided the punnets pack tightly in
them without crushing the fruit. The
boxes are best with locks, and should be
sent off by spring vans.
Square chip baskets, 5 inches across
the top, 3 inches at the bottom, and the
same in depth, holding about 1 pound of
fruit, have come into favour, and no
wonder, as they are handy, therefore appreciated when containing fine strawberries
attractively packed (Fig. 81). The handle bends down and fits closely over the edge
of the basket, then any desired number can be arranged in u box, or twelve baskets be
placed in one, as shown in Fig. 82. A few soft leaves should be spread on the fruit
before placing on the lid.
Several boxes may be tied
together in a stack ; but the
better plan is to pack the
baskets in a box of three to
five tiers as described for
punnets.
Strawberries for dessert
should be gathered with not less than half an inch of stalk. Fruit for preserving is
generally gathered without stalks, and placed in glazed earthenware crocks or pots
holding 18 to 24 pounds each, these having the lids properly secured retain all the
juice. In Kent the inferior fruit is put in tubs or barrels, holding 56 pounds, and sent
to jam makers. By inferior is meant the small of the larger-fruited varieties, for no bad
Fig. 82. PACKING CHIP BASKETS OF STBAWBEBKIES.
PACKING AND MARKETING FRUIT— PARCEL POST. 335
fruit finds favour with fruit-preservers ; indeed, many have fruit of particular varieties
grown specially for them, and are as particular about the quality as connoisseurs are of
having picked fruit for dessert.
Sending Fruit by Parcel Post. — A considerable amount of fruit is sent by parcel post.
Tli ere are a number of packages — forms to suit all tastes — for this purpose, light, well-
arranged, and cheap. Some are substantial and intended for frequent journeys ; these
are the worst of all, for a dirty package causes loathing. The packages should be new,
and with the fruit tempting, this being packed closely, so that it cannot move and be
damaged in transit. The direction label should be free, so that the post-office punches
will be upon it and not on the box to crush it and its contents.
Persons wishing to market their fruit to the best advantage should note the way in
which French growers send their produce to the British markets. The packages, as a rule,
are small, neat, clean, handy, attractive, and '• free" — unreturnable. Compare these
imported packages with the rough English baskets, many from local growers being totally
unfit for the purposes, and the reason becomes apparent why buyers prefer imported
fruit. By the adoption of better methods in packing and marketing the demand for
home-grown fruit would be enormously increased.
PEICES OF FRUITS.
GARDEN, London, is the leading fruit market in the world. The
experience of growers, however, points to the necessity of disposing of as much
produce locally as possible, with a view of saving carriage, establishing a connection,
and becoming thoroughly acquainted with the trade. Then, if it be necessary to extend
the sphere of action, feel the way to the great marts, ascertaining by inquiries and
observation the most likely one, at which there is a demand for the particular com-
modity wished to be disposed of, and finding such to affurd a fair percentage of profit,
adhere to it. Changing markets or salesmen is only useful as a speculation, and should
only be indulged in (where it can be afforded) as a feeler, for a better opening that may
present itself for establishing a trade. Sending fruit for disposal in the open market is
always risky, for the prices depend upon the quality of the samples, the supply in the
market, and the demand. When the grower sends regularly, and keeps himself well posted
with his salesman or fruiterer, he may generally rely on a fair price for his goods, with
less fluctuations than another sending spasmodically and without knowledge of there
being a sale for what he proposes consigning.
APPROXIMATE AVERAGE OF COVENT OABDEN MARKET WHOLESALE PRICES IN U
GARDENER'S CHRONICLE BY MR. JAMES WEBBER.
AND 1893, AS GIVEN IN THE
Faurr.
JANUARY.
7th, 1S92.
5th, 1893.
14th, 1892. 12th, 1893.
21st, 1892.
19th, 1893. 1 28th, 1892.
26th, 1893.
Apples, per half-sieve . .
„ American, per barrel
Cobs, per 100 pounds . .
Grapes, per pound . . .
s.d. s d.
1 0 to 40
10 0 „ 18 0
30 0 „ 35 0
10,, 26
20 „ 60
8. d. sd
1 0 to 36
10 0 , 17 6
120 0 , 125 0
06, 26
06, 13
40, 60
I
8 d. F d. s. d. s. d.
10to40 10 to 36
10 0 „ 18 0 10 0 „ 17 6
30 0 „ 35 0 120 0 „ 125 0
10 ,,26 06,, 26
8. d. s. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 ,. 18 0
30 0 „ 35 0
19,, 36
8. d. 8. d
1 Oto 3 6
10 0 „ 17 6
120 0 „ 125 0
06,, 26
8. (1. p. d
1 0 to 40
10 0 ,, 18 0
30 0 „ 36 0
19,, 36
8 d. t.d.
1 Oto 36
10 0 „ 17 6
120 0 „ 125 0
06,, 26
Pine-apples, St. Michael, ea.
20 ,,60 40,, 60
20,, 60
40,, 60
20,, 60
40,, 60
FBUTT.
FEBRUARY.
4th, 1892.
2nd, 1893.
llth, 1892.
9th, 1893.
18th, 1S92.
16th, 1893
2oth, 1892.
23rd, 1893.
Apples, per half-sieve ....
„ American, per barrel .
Cobs, per 100 pounds ....
s. d. 8. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 ., 18 0
as o „ 40 o
19,, 36
20,, 60
n. d. s. d.
1 Oto 3 6
10 0 „ 17 6
120 0 „ 125 0
06,, 33
40,, 60
I
s. d. a. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 „ 25 0
40 0
19,, 36
20,, CO
s. d. 8. d
1 0 to 38
10 0 „ 17 6
120 0 ,. 126 0
06,, 33
40,, 60
». a. s. d.
1 0 to 40
10 0 „ 25 0
40 0
19., 86
20,, 60
8. d. 8. d.
1 0 to 36
10 0 „ 17 6
6"6 ,. 'S3
40,, 60
8. d 8. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 „ 26 0
40 0
19,, 36
20,, 60
8. d. s. d.
1 Oto 3 6
10 0 „ 17 6
1 "O „ 36
40,. (50
I Pine-apples, St. Michael, each.
PRICES OF FRUITS— COVENT GARDEN.
337
FRUIT.
MARCH.
3rd, 1892.
2nd, 1893.
10th, 1892. 9th, 1893.
17th, 1892
16th, 1893
24th, 1S92.
23rd, 1893.
8. d. 8. d.
1 Oto 4 u
10 0 „ 25 0
40 0
19,, 36
20,, 60
8. d. 8. d.
1 0 to 36
10 0 „ 17 6
i"o „ 3" 6
40,. 60
s. d. s. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 „ 25 0
40 0
19,, 36
20,, 60
s. d. s. d.
1 0 to 36
10 0 „ 17 6
1 0 „ 36
40,, 60
6 0 „ 12 0
8. d. 8. d
1 0 to 40
10 0 „ 25 0
40 0
19,, 36
20,, 60
B. d. a. d.
2 0 to 36
10 0 „ 17 6
10,, 50
40,, 80
6 0 „ 12 0
a. d. s. d.
1 o to 40
10 0 „ 26 0
40 0
20,, 60
20,, 60
8 0 „ 16 0
B. d. B. d.
2 ft to 36
10 0 „ 17 6
10 „ 5 0
40,, 80
6 0 „ 12 0
,, Americ in, per barrel . .
Pine-apples, St. Jlichael, each . .
Strawberries, per pound ....
1
March 3lst, 1892, same as 24th, except Strawberries, 8a to 12s. ; also March 29th, 1893, same as 23rd, except Grapes, new, per pound, 4s to
Gs. ; and Strawberries, per pound, 3s. to 6s.
Fr.uiT.
APRIL.
rth, 1892. 6th, 1893.
13th, 1892. 13th, 1S93.
21st, 1892.
20th, 1893.
28th, 1892.
27th, 1893.
s. d. s. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 „ 26 0
46,, 56
20,, 60
26,, 60
s. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 3 6
10 0 „ 17 6
40,, 60
40,, 80
16,, 50
a. d. 8. d. 8. d. s. d.
10to40 20 to 36
10 0 „ 25 0 10 0 „ 17 6
36,. 46 40 ,,60
20 ,,60 40 ,,80
•i 6 „ 6 0 1 6 „ 5 0
s. d. 8. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 „ 26 0
36,, 46
20,, 60
10,, 60
8. d. s. d.
2 Oto 3 ti
10 0 „ 17 B
40,, 60
40,, 80
16,, 60
a. d. B. d.
1 Oto 4 0
10 0 „ 26 0
36,, 60
20,, 60
16,, 60
B. d. B. d.
2 0 to 36
10 o „ 17 e
30,, 60
20,, 50
16,, 60
„ American, per barrel . .
Pine-apples, St. Mi«hael, eacli . .
Strawberries, per pound ....
FRUIT.
MAT.
5'h, 1892.
6th. 1893.
12th. 1892.
llth, 1893.
19th, 1892.
18th, 1893.
26th, 1892. 25th, 1893.
s. d. 8. d.
1 0 to 40
10 0 „ 25 0
36,, 60
20,, 60
16,. 50
B. d. 8. d.
2 0 to 36
10 0 „ 17 8
20,. 40
20,, 50
10,. 40
B. d. s. d.
1 Oto 40
i'is „ i'o
20,, 60
16,, 60
8. d. 8 d.
2 0 to 36
10 0 „ 17 «
16,, 40
20,, 50
10,, 36
8. d. S. d.
1 Oto 4 0
20,, 40
20 ,, 60
16,, 46
a d. B. d.
2 Oto 3 6
10 0 ,, 17 6
16,, 30
20,, 50
10,, 36
B. d. s.d. |B. a. s. u.
10 to 40! 2 n to 36
10 0 „ 17 6
20,, 40 IB,, 30
20,, 60! 20,, 60
16,, 46 09 ,,20
.. American, per barrel . . .
Pine-apples, St. Michael, each . .
Strawberries, per pound ....
Miy 18th, 1*93. Peaches, per dozen, 6s. to 20s. ; May 25th, 1893, Peaches, 6s. to 20s. ; May 25th, 1893, Gooseberries, per half-sieve, 3s. to 3s. 6d.
FKUIT.
JUNE.
2nd, 1892.
1st, 1893.
9th, 1892.
8th, 1893.
16th, 1892.
15th, 1893.
23rd, 1892.
22nd, 1893.
Apples, per half-sieve
„ American, per barrel . . ,
„ Tasmanian, per case . . .
s. d. B. d.
1 0 to 40
70 „ 14" 0
8. d. B. d.
lo'btoiV e
26,, 86
46,, 90
B. d. 8. d.
1 Oto 4 0
fb „ li'o
8. d. s. d.
l6' Oto if 0
26,, 86
48,, 90
s. d. B. d.
1 Oto 4 0
8. d. 8. d.
a. d. B. d.
1 Oto 4 0
8. d. 8. d.
7 0 „ 14 0
2 6 to 8 6
40,, 70
5 6
40,, 80
2"0 „ 4"fl
6 0 „ 18 0
20,, 60
06,, 13
2 6to 8 6
40,70
46,49
30,36
16,20
10,20
30,, 90
20,, 60
03,, 16
Currants, black, per half-sieve . .
„ red, , . .
30,, 36
16,, 20
10,, 26
3 0 „ 12 0
20 „ 60
08,, 10
Gooseberries, per half-sieve . . .
20,, 40
20 ,,80
16,, 50
16,, 20
16,, 30
30,, 1-' (1
•20,, 60
OS),, 16
20,. 40
2'b „ 80
16,, 60
16,, 20
16,, 26
3 0 „ 12 0
20,, 60
06,, 10
i'b „ 4"o
6 0 „ 18 0
20,, 60
10,, 30
Pine-apples, St. Michael, each . .
Strawberries, per pound ....
June 18th. 18t2. Melons, oncn. ?s to 3s. 6d. June 23rd. 1892, Melons, ench, 28. to Si. Jane 30th, 1892, Grapes la. to 3s. ; Peaches 3». to 18f. ;
Strawberries 3d. to Is. June 29Lh, Ib03, same as June 22nd.
VOL. III.
X X
338
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
FBOTT.
JULY.
7th, 1892.
6th, 1893.
14th, 1892.
13th, 1893.
21st, 1892.
20th, 1893.
28th, 1892.
27th, 1893.
8. d. s. d.
B. d. 8. d.
s. d. B. d.
s. d. 8. d.
s. d. s. d.
s. d. B.d.
1 Oto 3 6
s. d. s. d.
s. d. B. d.
1 Oto 4 6
., Tasmanian, per case .
Cherries, per half-sieve . . . .
Currants, black, per half-sieve . .
,, red, „ ,, . .
4 Oto 8 0
SO,, 76
4"oto 'fo
46 49
20 40
4 Oto 8 0
30,, 60
4 Oto 8 0
4 0 to 12 0
43 46
16 20
16 20
10 20
SO 90
20 60
30 50
60 56
30 33
i'b 20
SO 10 0
20 60
S 0 „ 12 0
4 0
1 0
16,, 20
09,, 16
10,, 60
20,, 60
3 0 to 50
49 50
26 30
i'b 2"o
20 80
20 60
i"o '.'.'.
l"6 „ s"o
09,, IB
10,, 80
20,, 5 C
20,, 40
Gooseberries, per half-sieve . . .
i'b „ 2'e
3 0 „ 10 0
20,, 60
16 20
10 20
30 90
20 50
i'b „ 2"o
3 0 „ 10 0
20,, 60
Pine-apples, St. Michael, each . .
Plums, per half-sieve
Strawberries, per pound ....
03,, 10
03,, 16
OS,, 10
03,, 16
03,, 10
03,, 10
FBOTT.
AUGUST-
4th, 1892.
3rd, 1893.
llth, 1892.
10th, 1893.
18th, 1892.
17th, 1893.
25th, 1892.
24th, 1893.
B. d. B. d.
s'bto o'o
40,, 46
26,, 30
i'b „ 2"o
20,, 80
20,, 60
6"s „ io
s. d. B. d.
1 Oto 6 0
360
09,, 16
10,, 80
20,, 50
16,, 26
s. d. s. d.
s. d. s. d.
1 Oto 6 0
B. d. B. d.
half-sieve.
1 Oto 4 6
s. d. s. d.
1 0 to 60
s. d. s. d.
half-sieve.
1 Oto 4 6
8. d. B. d.
1 0 to « 0
Currants, black, per half-sieve . .
» "d „ „
Filberts, per 100 pounds ....
4 Oto 4 6
26,, 30
i'b „ 2 o
20,, 80
20,, 60
6"s „ io
4 6
30 ...
09,, 16
10,, 60
20,, 60
16,, 26
29,, 36
i'b „ 20
20,, 80
40,, 60
60,, 70
::: :::
25 0
09,, 16
10,, 60
20,, 60
16,, 26
pound.
0 10
1 Oto 2 0
20,, 80
40,, 60
26,, 60
25 0
06,, 16
10,, 60
20,, 60
16,, S 6
Pine-apples, St. Michael, each . .
Strawberries, per pound ....
Fauir.
SEPTEMBER.
lit, 1892.
August.
31st, 1893.
8th, 1892.
7th, 1893.
15th, 1892.
14th, 1893.
22nd, 1892.
2l8t, 1893.
8. d. B. d.
half-sieve.
1 Oto 3 6
pound.
06,, 08
06., 16
20., 60
4 0 „ 60
20,, 40
8. d. a. d.
1 Oto 6 0
30 0
06,, SO
10,, 60
20,, 60
13,, 40
B. d. a. d.
2 0 to 70
pound.
0 6to 0 8
06,, 16
20,, 60
40,, 60
20,, 40
s. d. a.d.
1 Oto 6 0
80 0
06,, 30
10,, 60
20,, 60
IS,, 40
B. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 7 0
pound.
0 9
0 6to 1 6
20., 60
40,, 60
20,, 40
8. d. s. d
1 Oto 6 0
30 0
06,, 30
10,, 60
20,, 50
13,, 30
s. d. B. d.
2 Oto 7 0
pound.
0 9
0 6 to 16
20,, 60
40,, 60
20,, 40
B. d. B. d.
1 Oto 6 0
30 0
06,, 30
10,, 60
20,, 50
Peaches, per dozen
Fine-apples, St. Michael, each . .
September 29th, 1892, Filberts, per 100 pounds, 90s. September 28th, 1893, Peaches, per dozen, 2s. to 8«.
FBOTT.
OCTOBER.
8th, 1892.
6th, 1893.
13th, 1892.
12th, 1693.
20th, 1892.
19th, 1893.
27th, 1892.
26th, 1893.
s. d. s. d.
2 Oto 7 0
76 0 , 80 0
06, 16
20, 60
40, 60
20, 40
8. d. B. d.
1 Oto 6 0
30 0
06,, 30
20,, 80
20,, 50
s. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 7 0
850
06,, 16
20,, 60
40,, 60
20,, 40
s. d. B. d.
1 Oto 6 0
30 0
06,, 30
20,, 80
20,, 60
B. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 7 0
85 0 „ 90 0
06,, 16
20,, 60
40,, 60
B. d. B.d.
1 Oto 6 0
30 0
06,, SO
20,, 80
SO,, 60
B. d. e. d.
2 Oto 70
100 0 „ 105 0
06,, 16
20,, 60
40,, 60
s. d. B. d.
1 Oto 6 0
82 6
10,, 80
i'b „ V'«
Pine-apples, St. Michael, »ach .
,P«
PRICES OF FRUITS— PROVINCIAL MARKETS.
339
NOVEMBEB.
FBDTT.
3rd, 1892.
2nd, 1893.
10th, 1S92.
9th, 1893.
17th, 1892.
16th, 1893.
24th, 1892.
23rd, 1893.
s. d. s. d.
s. d. s d.
8. d. 8. d.
s. d. s. d.
8. d. s. d.
8. d. s. d.
s. d. B. d.
s. d. B. d.
Apples, per bushel . . .
„ American, per barrel
2 Oto 70
1 0 to 60
2 0 to 70
10 0 „ 17 6
1 Oto 60
2 Oto 7 0
10 0 „ 17 6
1 Oto 6 0
2 Oto 70
10 0 „ 17 6
1 6to 70
Cobs, per 100 pounds . . .
Grapes, per pound . . .
Pine-apples, St. Michael, ea.
100 0
06,, 16
40,, 60
32 6
10,, 30
30,, 76
100 0
06,, 16
40,, 60
32 6
10,, 30
SO,, 76
100 0
06,, 16
40,, 60
32 6
10,, 30
SO,, 76
100 0 102 6
06,, 20
4 0 „ 60
32 6
10,, 30
28,, 76
FKUIT.
DECEMBER.
let. 1392.
November.
30th, 1S93.
8th, 1892.
7th, 1893.
i
15th, 1892.
14th, 1893.
22nd, 1892.
21st, 1898.
Apples, per bushel . . .
,. American, per barrel
Cobs, per 100 pounds . . .
Grapes, per pound ....
Fine • apples, St. Mich i el, ea.
1
B d. 8 d
2 Oto 70
10 0 „ 17 6
100 0 „ 102 6
06., 20
40,, 60
s. d. B. d.
1 6to 7 0
32 6 .'.'!
10,, 30
26,, 76
s. d. B. d.
2 Oto 70
10 0 „ 17 6
120 0 „ 125 0
06,, 20
40,, 60
B. d. s. d.
1 6 to 70
32"6
10,, 30
26,, 76
8. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 70
10 0 „ 17 6
120 0 „ 126 0
06,, 20
40,, 60
e. d. B. d.
1 6to 7 0
S2"e
10,, 30
26,, 76
B. d. a. d.
2 Oto 70
10 0 „ 17 6
120 0 „ 125 0
06,, 20
40,, 60
8. d. s. d.
1 6 to 70
450
10,, 30
26,, 76
December 29th, 1892, same as 21st.
AVERAGE PRICES OF HARDY FRUITS IN LONDON AND LARGE PROVINCIAL TOWN MARKETS IN 1892 AND 1883.
FBUIT.
JANUARY.
December
3lBt, 1891.
5th, 1893.
j 7th, 1892.
12th, 1893.
14th, 1892.
19th, 1893.
21st, 1892.
26th, 1898.
Apples, English, per bushel . . .
,, American, per barrel . .
8. d. 8. d.
2 6 to 60
•150 „ 25 0
10 0 „ 16 0
20,, 26
B. d. B. d.
2 6to 6 6
12 6 „ IS 0
10 0 „ 17 0
B. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 6 0
15 0 „ 28 0
i 7 6 „ 12 6
8. d. s. d.
2 6toflOO
12 0 „ 14 0
10 0 „ 17 0
8. d. B. d.
3 0 to 60
15 0 „ 28 0
13 0 „ 16 0
8. d. B. d.
5 0 to 56
15 0
10 0 „ 15 0
s. d. 8. d.
8 Oto 5 6
15 0 ,, 28 0
10 0 „ 20 0
B. d. B. d.
2 6 toilO 0
14 6 „ 17 6
13 0 „ 18 0
• Baldwin, Newtown Pippin, or Northern Spy. + Choice dessert.
FRUIT.
FEBRUARY.
4th, 1892.
2nd, 1893.
llth, 1892.
9th, 1898.
18th, 1892.
16th, 1893.
26th, 1892.
23rd, 1893.
B. d. 8. d.
2 6 to 60
•18 0 „ 28 0
10 0 „ 16 0
8. d. B. d.
4 0 to 60
22 0
14 0 „ 16 6
B. d. B. d.
2 6 to 66
16 0 „ 20 0
8 0 „ 17 6
B. d. B. d
2 6to 6 0
14 0 „ 20 0
12 0
s. d. s. d.
2 6 to 60
15 0 „ 20 0
8 0 „ 17 6
8. d. B. d.
2 6 to 60
14 0 „ 20 0
10 0 „ 14 0
8. d. B. d.
2 6to 6 0
15 0 „ 28 0
12 0 „ 18 0
s. d. B. d
2 6to 6 0
16 0 „ 18 0
12 0
„ American, per bushel . .
* Newtown Pippin, Northern Spy, and Golden Russet.
MARCH.
3rd, 1892.
2nd, 1893.
10th, 1892.
9tb, 1893.
17th, 1892.
16th, 1893.
24th, 1892.
23rd, 1893.
s. d. B. d.
2 6to 6 0
•160 „ 28 0
12 0 „ 20 0
s. d. B. d.
3 6to 7 0
21 0
12 0 „ 20 0
s d. B. d.
2 B to 6 0
15 0 „ 28 0
14 0
s. d. a. d
3 6to 7 0
21 0
12 0 ,. 20 0
8. d. B. d.
2 6 to 6 0
15 0 „ 28 0
14 0 „ 18 0
B. d. B. d.
2 Oto 60
21 0
12 0 „ 20 0
B. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 6 0
16 0 „ 28 0
10 0 „ 18 0
B. d. B. d.
4 6 to 66
17 6 „ 28 0
16 0 „ 18 0
,, American, per barrel . .
'* >» »» »» • •
• Newtown Pippin, Northern Spy, and Golden Russet .
x x 2
340
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
FECIT.
APRIL.
1th, 1892.
6th, 1893.
14th, 1892.
13th, 1893.
21st, 18l«.
HOth, 1893.
28th, 1892.
B. d. s. d
2 6 to 60
12 0 ,, '28 0
12 0 „ 20 0
27th, 1893.
s. d. a. dt
2 0 to 60
•15 0 „ 28 0
10 0 „ 18 0
a. d. s. d.
4 6to 6 6
18 0
13 0 „ 16 0
8. d. 8. X
26to 6 0
15 0 „ 88 0
12 6 „ 16 6
8 d. s. d.
4 6 to 60
16 0
10 0 „ 16 0
s.d s.d.
2 etc « 0
16 0 ,. 28 0
12 0 „ 2-2 0
a. d. 8. d.
4 tito « 0
+ 140 ,, I1' I'-
ll! 0 „ 15 0
B. d. 8. d.
4 6 to 60
12 6 „ 18 0
12 0 „ 18 0
„ American, per barrel . .
Newtown Pippin, Northern Spy, and Golden Kusset.
Nonpareil.
FRUIT.
MAY.
6th, 1892.
4th, 1893.
12th, 1892. llth, 1893.
19tb, 18a2
18th, 1893
26th. 1892.
25th, It93.
s. d. s.d.
2 6to 60
•16 0 „ 30 0
12 0 „ 20 0
Bushel.
6 Oto 8 0
s.d. s.d.
4 6to 6 0
11 0 „ 20 0
10 0 „ 20 0
10 6
B. d. s. d. 8. d. 8. d.
2 6to*100 5 Oto 10 0
16 0 „ 28 0 17 6 „ 20 0
12 0 „ 22 6 12 0 „ 20 0
Bushel
8 0 to 12 6 9 6 „ 10 6
s.d. «.d
5 Oto 10 0
15 0 „ 28 0
12 0 „ 20 0
6 6 „ 10 6
8 d. s. d.
17 Oto 26 0
8 0 „ 90
46,, 60
s. d. P. d.
6 0 to 10 0
16 0 ,, 28 0
12 0 „ 20 0
6 6 ,, 10 6
8. d. 8. d
17 0 to 20 0
8 0 „ 10 0
36,, 60
„ American, per barrel . .
„ Tasmanian, per case . .
Gooseberries, per half-sieve . . .
Nonpareil.
FRUIT.
JUNE.
2nd, 1892.
1st, 1893.
9th, 1892.
8th, 1898.
16th, 1892.
15th, 1898.
23rd, 1892.
22nd, 1893.
s. d. s. d.
6 Oto 100
15 0 „ 28 0
8 0 „ 12 6
s. d. s. d.
17 Oto 20 0
7 0 „ 10 0
s. d. 8. d.
6 0 to 10 0
12 0 „ 20 0
86,, 96
8. d. 8. d.
14 Oto 16 0
7 0 „ 12 0
46,, 66
26,, 36
26,, 36
s d. s d.
6 0 to 10 0
12 0 „ 20 0
6 0 „ 12 0
s. d. s. d.
18 Oto 24 0
9 0 „ 12 0
60,, 60
46,, 5 li
40,, 46
s. d. s. d.
5 0 to 10 0
12 0 „ 20 0
6 6 „ 10 0
•39,, 40
s. d. s. d.
8 Oto 11 0
40,, 60
46,, 60
39,, 46
16,, 29
+2 6
+2 6
36,, 46
„ American, per barrel
,, Tasmanian, per case
Cherries, per half-sieve ...
Currants, black, per half-sieve
„ red „
Gooseberries, per half- sieve .
Apricots, per box 10 pounds .
Greengages, per box
1 9
20,, 26
2 6
19,, 26
20 „ 33
60 „ 80
40,, 46
6 „ 4 6
* Imported, per box of 16 pounds.
t Imported.
FRUIT.
JULY.
7th, 1892.
6th, 1893.
14th, 1892. 13th, 1893. ;
21st, 1892.
20th, 1893.
28th, 1892.
27th, 1693.
s. il s.d.
6 0 to 10 0
12 0 „ 20 0
60., 80
40,. 60
8 6 „ 10 0
B. d. s. d.
3 0 to 46
s.d. B.d. B. fl. B d.
30 ... 2 Oto 8 0
s. d. s. d.
s. d. s. d .
2 Oto 8 0
s. d. 8. d.
4 0 to 60
B. d. s. il.
2 0 to 60
,, American, per barrel . .
„ Tasmanian, per case . . .
4"b „ e"o
30,, 46
6 Oto 7 0
30 ,,70 40 ,,70
6 Oto 7 0
SO,, 50
6 a „ 56
60,, 69
23,, 40
40 „ 80
20,, 26
16,, 30
46,, 76
30,, 46
46,, 60
30,, 86
26,, 30
40 ,,60
Currant*, black, per half-sieve . .
,, red „ „ . .
30,, 40
Gooseberries, per half-sieve . . .
„ ripe, per half-sieve .
2 0 „ 3 0
29,, 33
2" 9 „ S's
16,, 20
20 „ 26
20,, 82
0 3
30 ... 1 8 „ 80
36 ... 36
2 0 „ 2 6
2 6 „ 3 0
03
3 0 „ 4 6
•20
03,, 0 3J
16,, 29
16,, 26
20,, 36
60 ,,70
16,, 26
20,, 36
Plums ,
I
• Imported, per box of 8 pound*.
PRICES OF FRUITS— PROVINCIAL MARKETS.
34'
FatrtT.
AUGUST.
4th, 1892.
3rd, 1893.
lith, 1892.
10th, 1893.
18th, 1892.
ITtb, 1893.
25th, 1892.
24th, 1893.
s. a. s. a.
4 Oto 60
60,, 66
46,, 50
36,, 40
26,, 36
60 ,, 70
s. d. B. d.
30
4 0 to 50
i"e „ z'o
so,, so
s. d. 8. d.
2 9 to 66
29,, 40
40,, 50
26,, 30
2 0
46 „ 6 0
8. d. B. d.
2 0 to 36
8. d. B. d.
2 6 to 6 0
s. a. B. d
1 6to 3 6
8. d. B. a.
2 6to 6 0
8. d. B d.
2 6to 6 0
Cherries, per half-sieve
Currants, black, per half-sieve . .
n red, ,,
Gooseberries, „ „ . .
46,, 56
46,, 60
2"b '.'.'.
2 0
30,, 36
t2 0 „ 30
•40,, 70
20 ,,26
20,, 26
30,, 36
20,, 30
40,, 70
ri's „ s' e
16,, 86
Victoria, 4s. to 5s. ; Orleans, 6». to Is. ; Gisborae, 3s. + Duchess, 3s. per box of 70. i Hessle, 4s. ; Williams', 6s. per bushel on August 31st, 1893.
FBUIT.
SEPTEMBER.
8th, 1892.
7th, 1893.
15th, 1892.
14th, 1893.
22nd, 1892.
21st, 1898.
29th, 1892.
28th, 1893.
s. a. B a.
2 6 to 40
26,, 40
•2 0 „ 3 6
30,. S3
s. a. s. a.
1610 40
26,, 60
16,, 36
10,, 19
s. a. s. a.
2 Oto 4 0
30,, 60
20,, SO
20,, 30
s. d. s. d.
2 0 to 80
'26,, 90
16,, 26
16,, 20
8 d. s. d.
2 Oto 4 0
20,, 36
i2 0
20,, 26
8. d. B. d.
2 0 to 80
26,, 90
16,, 30
1 6
8. d. 8. d.
2 9to 6 0
50,, 90
19,, 26
26,, 30
B d. B.d.
2 6 to 80
SO,, 40
16,, 30
16., 20
„ Damsons, per half-sieve . .
* Gisborne, 2s. to 2s. 6d. ; Victoria, 2s. 6<J. to 3s. 33. ; Orleans, 2s. 93. to 3s. 60.. ; Greengage, 3s. to 4s. + Eggs, 8s. to 3s. 6d. ; Victoria,
Ss. 6d. to 4s. ; Greengage, 6s. to 6s. ; Bullaces, 2s. to 2s. 3d.
FBUIT.
OCTOBER.
6th, 1892.
6th, 1893.
13th, 1892.
12th, 1893. :
20th, 1892.
19th, 1893.
27th, 1892.
26th, 1893.
B. d. B. d.
2 9to 6 6
10 6 „ 18 0
6 0 „ 10 0
36,, 4 «
36,, 40
B. d. 8. d.
2 Oto 4 6
60,, 70
26,, 36
16,, 26
B. d. s. d.
2 6 to 66
10 0 „ 17 0
40,, » 0
36,, 46
36,, 46
s. d. B. d.
•2 0 to 80
s'o .'..
5 0
s. d. s. d.
J2 6 to 10 0
10 0 „ 17 0
40,, 90
B. d. B. d.
2 Oto 40
s. d. B. d.
2 6 to 56
9 0 „ 10 0
46,, 86
B. d. B. d.
2 0 to 40
„ American, per barrel . .
„ Damsons, per half-sieve . .
3 0
36,, 46
• Cooking, 2s. 6d.. Blenheim, 4s. + Bullaces, 2s. to 2s. 6d. J King of the Pippins ana Dnmelowe's Seedling, 4s. j Blenheim, 4s. 6d.
FEDIT.
NOVEMBER.
3rd, 1892.
2nd, 1893.
10th, 1892.
9th, 1893.
17th, 1892.
16th, 1898.
24th, 1892.
23rd, 1893.
8. d. B. d.
•2 6 to 10 0
9 0 „ 14 6
60,,' 80
80,, :) 6
20,, 23
s. d. 8. d.
+2 6 to 36
B. d. B. d.
2 6 to 66
12 0 „ 16 0
60,, 70
B. d. s. d.
*l 3 to 60
s. d. B. a.
52 6 to 10 0
12 6 „ 18 0
s. d. 8. d.
1 Bto 6 0
1128 .'.'.'
s d. B.d
2 6to 7 0
12 0 „ 18 0
40,, 60
B. d. B. d.
1 8 to 6 0
lli"e '.'.'.
,. American, per barrel . .
Damsons, per half-sieve ....
Bullaces . . ...
' King of the Pippins, 4s. ; Wellington, 4s. + Bibeton, 4s. 63. * Blenheim, 4s. 6d. } Cox's Orange Pippin, King of the Pippins, 4s. 6d. a Catillmo.
FBUIT.
DECEMBER.
1st, 1892.
November
SOth, 1893.
8th, 1882.
7th, 1893.
16th, 1892.
14th, 1893.
22nd, 1892.
21st, 1898.
s. d. 8. d.
•2 6 to 6 D
10 0 „ 16 0
s. d. i. d.
•U 3 to 60
s. d. 8. d.
2 6to 8 0
10 0 „ 16 0
5 0
s. d. I. d.
2 Oto 66
s. d. 8. d.
2 6 to 10 0
14 0 „ 160
B. d. B. d.
1 3 to 6 0
B. d. B. d.
2 0 to 60
12 0 „ 20 0
s. d. B. d.
2 6to 8 0
„ American, per bai rel . . .
Pears, per bushel
• Blenheim, 5s. to 7s. ; Choice dessert, lOa. + Best cooking, 4s. ; Blenheim, 6s. 6d. to 7s.
FEUIT PRESERVATION.
rTlHE preservation of fruits in various ways for home use dates from the remotest periods
and is a leading industry in some countries at the present time, employing a large
amount of capital and labour. The making of cider from apples, perry from pears, non-
alcoholic (so-called) drinks — British wines — from small fruits, and converting various
fruits into jam, mainly represent the industries springing from the cultivation of fruit
in this country ; though comparatively little has been done in the preservation of fruit
by canning, crystallising, and drying. A few facts about some of the general features of
the manufacture will not be unacceptable to many readers of this work.
Cider. — As a refreshing beverage with but small intoxicating powers when taken in
moderation, cider has been esteemed from early times. Pliny alludes to it and perry as
a wine made from apples and pears of every kind, and assigns it a Syrian origin.
Biscay, long famed for its cider, received it from the Carthaginians, and it was brought
into Normandy by the Moors, whence it was introduced into England. There is no
record of cider being known to the ancient Britons. The Anglo-Saxons distinguished
their " Eppelwin " from wine and mead. Though cider was made in the twelfth century,
it was to a limited extent as compared with the present cider-making of Devonshire,
Somersetshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire, while much excellent cider is made
in the eastern counties. The manufacture in France exceeds 226,000,000 gallons a year.
Lists of the best cider apples will be found in Dr. Hogg's " Fruit Manual."
Selected well-known and esteemed varieties are -.—Early, — Bran Rose, Cherry Hereford, Cherry Pearmain,
Cider, Lady's Finger, Qennet Moyle, Red Splash, and Sack Apple. Midseason. — Bastard Foxwhelp, Dymock Red,
Eggleton Styre, Forest Styre, Foxwhelp, Garter Apple, Hagloe Crab, Munn's Red, Red Foxwhelp, Red Royal, and
White Styre. Late. — Black Hereford, Bromley Carrion, Cowarne Red, Kingston Black, Strawberry, Hereford, Styre
Wildling, Tanner's Red, and Wildling Bitter Sweet.
Cider apples may be grown in any part of the country where the soil is a deep clay
loam of the Old Eed Sandstone formation, irony soils being necessary to produce the
highest flavour and quality in cider. Cider-fruit may be easily grown by farmers when
trees of selected varieties are properly planted, duly cut back to form a head, nothing
more being required beyond occasionally thinning the growths if they become crossed,
and preserving them from damage by farm-stock, hares, and rabbits. Grease bands make
FRUIT PRESER VA TION— APPLES— CIDER-MAKING.
343
the trees to a great extent secure against the winter moth, and with due attention to the
prevention and destruction of other insect pests, the trees produce fruit for cider-making
with little expense beyond manuring the orchards every few years after they coine into
bearing.
The quality of cider depends on : 1, kind of fruit ; 2, condition of the fruit when ground ; 3, manner of
grinding and pressing ; 4, method of conducting the requisite fermentation, and precautions to be taken against
its excess.
1. A good cider apple, as a rule, has a red skin, yellow, tough, fibrous pulp, and is characterised by astriugency.
dryness, and ripeness at the cider-making season. Fruits with a green rind and pulp make thin, weak, colourless
cider. When the skin and pulp are deeply tinged with yellow, the cider will almost always possess colour, strength
or richness. The ripeness of apples for vintage is known by their
fragrance and spontaneous dropping from the trees. In this state of
maturity the limbs might be slightly shaken to secure such fruit
only as are ripe, leaving the unripe on the trees till they acquire
due maturity. Dry, cool weather is best for gathering cider apples.
Avoid bruising more than can be helped, as mouldiness fixes on
every wound, and communicates a musty flavour to the juice. The
quality of an apple for cider ia determined by the specific gravity
of the must, or the weight of the unfermented juice compared with
that of water (ascertained by an instrument called a saccharometer).
Its weight and consequent value are in ratio to the saccharine matter
— the higher the specific gravity the stronger and more highly-
flavoured the cider. Brandy Apple (Golden Harvey) has a specific
gravity of 1085, and represents the highest quality juice.
2. The fruit should be used when it has attained full maturity,
and before it commences decaying. Each variety ought to be used
separately, or only those kinds mixed which ripen about the same
time. The more perfect the maturity of the fruit the greater the
saccharine matter and the less watery the juice. The colder the
weather short of actual frost, the more steady and equable will be
the fermentation of the juice.
3. At whatever period grinding takes place it is absolutely essen-
tial that cool weather be chosen— preferably slightly frosty— to
counteract the tendency to rapid fermentation. The ordinary mill
consists of a heavy cylindrical stone 3 or 4 feet in diameter and
about 1 foot thick, which is made to revolve and rub along in a
circular trough in which the apples are placed. The apples should be reduced by the mill to a uniform mass in
•which the rind and seeds are scarcely discoverable, and the pomase be exposed to the air for a few hours. This
exposure of the reduced pulp increases the specific gravity -014. For fine cider the fruit should be ground and
pressed imperfectly, then the pulp exposed for twenty-four hours to the air, being spread and turned once or twice,
to facilitate the absorption of oxygen ; it should then be ground again, and the expressed juice added to it before
it is again pressed. A more perfect method of grinding is in a mill with cylindrical rollers placed so near each
other as to crush the pips, fed from a hopper above them, the apples from which pass between a pair of toothed or
fluted cylinders, by which they are torn and partially crushed before reaching the perfectly crushing apparatus. After
crushing, the mass is put into hair cloths and powerfully pressed (Fig. 83), and the liquor is run into casks.
4. Fermentation commences and terminates at periods varying with the condition or quality of the fruit and the
state of the weather. The proper time to draw the liquor from the scum and sediment is indicated by its brightness,
which takes place after the discharge of fixed air has ceased and a thick crust is formed on the surface, then the clear
liquid should be drawn off into another cask. If the fermentation has been complete the liquor will remain bright
and quiet, and nothing more will be required until the spring ; but if a scum collects on the surface it must be
racked off again, as this would produce bad effects if allowed to sink. Among the precautions employed to prevent
Fig-. 83. MATFAETH'S JUICE AND TDTCTUM
344 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
excessive fermentation is stumming or fuming the casks with burning sulphur, and is effected by burning a rag
impregnated with it in the cask in which the liquor is to be decanted, after it has been partly filled, and rolling it
so as to incorporate the liquor with the gas. A bottle of French brandy, or half a bottle of cider-brandy, added to a
barrel, is likewise recommended to be added as soon as the vinous fermentation is completed.
The foregoing particulars for the making of this popular beverage, cider, are mainly
taken from the article under that heading in " The Popular Encyclopedia," Blackie
and Son.
Although cider of a certain description may be made from dropped, windfallen, or too
small apples for marketing, it is necessary to employ sugar largely to make good cider for
sale. French cider is greatly improved by the use of sugar. Cider-making is a matter of
considerable importance, and success in it largely rests on using a considerable amount
of sugar, especially in its manufacture from ordinary apples that cannot be sold in
markets.
Perry. — This is the fermented liquor made from the expressed juice of certain
varieties of pears, which are austere, hard, and uneatable; yet those which are the
least palatable always make the best perry. Some of the best perry pears are : — Early
varieties — Cheat-boy, Moorcroft, Parsonage, Taynton Squash, Thorn Pear, and White
Squash. Midseason varieties — Arlingham Squash, Barland, Black Huff-cap, Holmer,
Chaseley Green, Longland, Winnal's Longland, White Longland, Oldfield, Pine Pear,
Yellow Huff-cap, and Yoking House. Late varieties — Aylton Bed, Butt Pear, Coppy
Pear, Eed Pear, Kock Pear and Thurston Bed.
Perry pears prefer a dry and somewhat loose soil, in which the roots may penetrate
freely, and range extensively in search of nutriment. They succeed admirably in loams
on the Old Red Sandstone, and calcareous earth should form a component part of the soil
of a perry orchard. The trees require to be planted a considerable distance apart, as
they attain a great size, a number of years elapsing before they produce fruit in abun-
dance, but when aged they bear enormous crops.
Although perry is less esteemed than cider, some of it is not inferior to many foreign
wines, indeed, it is often very agreeable when particular attention has been given to
the selection of the fruit and its manufacture. Some dealers in Champagne wine are
said to use perry in the adulteration of it. Perry is prepared in nearly the same manner
as cider. The best brands of both are bottled, and bring good or high prices, accord-
ing to their quality. Ordinary cider is retailed at about the same price as beer or
porter.
Jam-making. — The large manufacturers mostly decline to furnish particulars of their
FRUIT PRESERVATION— JAM-MAKING. 345
outputs for publication — " the benefit of which to themselves they do not see." Mr.
W. P. Hartley, Aintree, Liverpool, turned out of his jam factory 100 tons of jam per
day in 1891, Avhich is equal to 112,000 2-pound jars daily, and the number of persons
employed by him in the busy part of the summer months was between 1,400 and 1,500.
There are many such (and some larger) jam factories in this country. Several
others make 2,000 tons of jam per annum. In addition to many "company " concerns in
connection with fruit farms — some turning out 100 tons of jam a year, using 50 tons of
sugar, employing 400 persons for various terms, and needing nearly 58,000 glass bottles
or jars in getting their jam ready for market — there are a number of private (so-called)
establishments which have large fruit farms, and in all but scarce years convert the major
part of the fruit grown into jam, while in full-crop years, or when there is a glut of
fruit in the markets, the whole may be made into jam or jelly. Sir Walter Gilbey has
g. 84. STEEL -JACKETED Kg. 86. STKAK PAN.
STEAM PAN.
a considerable area of land plante 1 with fruit trees at Elsenham, Essex, and the fruit he
has grown has been converted into jam at a factory which has been erected on the
estate. The Earl of Coventry, Croome Court, Worcestershire, also has a large fruit
farm, and has had medals awarded for jam prepared at the home factory. Jam
is also extensively made from the fruit grown on Lord Sudeley's estate by the
Toddington Fruit Farm Company, Gloucestershire, and there are many similar
establishments.
" Machinery driven by steam is employed for dressing and sorting currants, the large being separated from the
small at the same time. This for whole fruit jam, but a large selection of the consuming public want ' real jam,'
and the makers pulp the fruit, say currants, by passing it down a hopper into a wire-woven cylinder, inside
which brushes revolve, pressing against the wires, the pulp being squeezed from the fruit, and the stalks turned
out as clean as if washed. The boiling also is done by steam in coppers (Fig. 84), holding two or thre«
VOL. III. T Y
346
THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE.
bushels of prepared fruit each, and are double cased for affording space for the steam, which is turned on
or off by a tap. Boiling commences quickly, and is fast or slow, as desired, being controlled by the tap. All
works smoothly and briskly, and everything is scrupulously clean. The object aimed at is the production of jani,
the best of its kind and grade at the least cost, therefore able to sell at a price suited to customers, and at a small
profit. This cannot be effected by the old methods so as to supply shop-keepers with the manufactured article to
sell at prices not materially higher than good raw fruit in all but ' glut ' years."
RETAIL AND EXPORT PRICES OF FINEST QUALITY JAMS.
Ml
Retail.
Export.
Glass, 1-lb.
Earthenware, 4-lb.
Tins, 1-lb.
Tins, 2-lb.
Apricot . . .
eai
«. a.
:h 0 7
0 54
0 6|
0 5
0 54
0 54
0 4|
0 7
0 6
0 64.
ea
8. d.
ch 2 1
1 7
1 10
1 5
1 7
1 7
1 3
2 1
1 9
1 10
per
B. d.
doz. 7 0
6 6
4 6
5 6
5 3
4 6
7 0
6 0
6 6
5 6
per c
B. d.
oz. 12 0
11 0
8 0
9 6
9 0
8 0
12 6
10 6
11 0
9 6
Blackberry
Black Currant
Damson
Gooseberry
Greengage
Plum
Raspberry
Raspberry and Currant . . .
Red Currant
Glasses and tins not charged or allowed for ; jam-pots allowed for at the rate of 6d. per dozen ; 4-pound jars
allowed 2d. each.
If half value is taken from the above prices, it will fairly represent those at which the several jams are sold
by tons at the jam factories, and from the prices realised there has to be deducted interest on capital, wear
and tear of plant, cost and manufacture of fruit into jam, expense of glasses, pots and jars, sealage, storing, and
packing.
A jam factory is a necessary adjunct to a large fruit farm or fruit-growing district. In the case of an establish-
ment conducted on co-operative lines, the growers would derive the profits from their culture to which they are
entitled only when they take steps to secure them. It is economical, therefore profitable, to have an outlet for
fruit that cannot be sold at market at a paying price. Such outlet is provided by the jam factory where the fruit
can be made into jam at once, or merely boiled down with sugar, and put into hermetically-sealed vessels in which it
can be kept until a demand arises. Such pulp can be made into jam by the addition of sugar.
The process of jam-making is simple, and understood by most housekeepers. A good-sized copper (Fig. 85) is all
that is required on a small scale to convert fruit into jam, and good jam in glasses and jars commands a remunerative
price. Fanners might utilise the boilers of the engines used for farm purposes in converting fruit into jam by adapting
machinery and boilers suitable for them. There is no difficulty in disposing of good jam. But jam factories on the
mutual benefit system, to which fruit may be consigned by growers, are the great desiderata of the times, and they
will, no doubt, soon be started in this country. The illustrations are supplied by Messrs. Brinjes & Goodwin,
Whitechapel Engine Works, Fieldgate Street, E.
Canning. — This means preserving fruit in tin cans and glass jars, and is an impor-
tant industry in the United States, Canada, and other countries. In 1890, 4,436,671
pounds of fruit, preserved with sugar, of the value of £70,972, was imported into this
country from the United States. Canned fruit will keep for long periods, as air and
FRUIT PRESERVATION— CANNING OPERATIONS. 347
germs are excluded. Ordinary jam will only keep good a year or two, yet if proper care
is taken in boiling and excluding air and the germs of fermentation, a good article will
retain its high qualities for years. The principles involved in canning are the same as
in jam-making — the rule of uniformity and cheapness of product. Old kitchen processes,
good as they are for preserving fruit for home use, are too costly and slow for supplying
the wants of the world. Canning might be adopted in this country, co-operative
factories being established to which fruit could be consigned. Surplus fruit could be
utilised, panic prices avoided, and the producers share with consumers in the advan-
tages.
" The chief features of canning operations are : — 1, preparation of the cans (which is done in the winter) ;
2, preparation of the fruit ; 3, packing in the cans ; 4, introduction of the syrup ; 5, capping the cans ; 6
cooking the fruit ; 7, labelling and casing. The outfit of a cannery is of the same general kind, but there
is much difference in size and cost. An American cannery, built of rough timber, except the floors, which
should be of the best material and laid to drain well, consisting of two storeys, costs 7,026 dollars, including tools and
machinery, and has a capacity for putting up half a million of cans during the season. There are, however, several
patented devices to meet the wants of the small canner, but the consensus of growers is in favour of relegating the
manufacturing to a co-operative establishment, as the attention and investment in labour, cans, and sugar are consider-
able. Sugar is more than 100 per cent, cheaper in this country than in America generally, and fruit ought to be
canned so as to be able to undersell the American manufacturer.
"The progressive steps in the process of canning comprise : — 1, Receiving, weighing, and crediting the fruit;
2, passing the fruit to the peeling and cutting room, where it is handled by the operatives by piecework ; 3, thence
the prepared fruit goes to the filling tables, where it is put in cans grouped in frames holding a dozen ; 4, these are
carried to the syrup tables, where other operatives fill the cans with syrup from pipes connecting with tanks to which
syrups of different densities, according to the fruit which is being worked, or the grade of goods, is stored in bulk ;
5, the cans go next to the capping tables, where the cover is put on and soldered, sometimes by hand, sometimes by
soldering machines, the heat being secured with gasoline, a minute vent-hole, previously made, is left in the cover of
each can ; 6, the cans are then placed in large iron frames, holding a gross, and these are raised and swung about by
cranes and plunged in the cooking-baths, in which the water is kept boiling by means of steam from the boiler, which
is situated outside the building ; 7, the amount of cooking varies with different fruits, and with the same fruit in
different conditions. The cooking must be directed by an experienced man, and on his judgment depends largely the
success of the whole work of the cannery ; 8, the vent-hole is closed at once, and the final touch of the cooking
process given ; the cans, after thorough cooling, are ready for labelling and casing. Such is an outline of American
commercial canning, there being no partitions in the cannery proper, and the manager from his glazed office has the
whole concern under his eye, from the entrance of the fruit to its exit from the cooking-baths. A large cannery has
a capacity for turning out 100,000 cases in a season, and employs about 500 operatives. The United States export
canned fruit of the value of 834,668 dollars."
Home-canning is practised to a large extent in the United States and Australia,
mainly for two reasons : 1, to have on hand a good supply of canned fruit for family use;
2, to steady prices of raw fruit in the local or general markets, which the fruit-grower will
supply if he gets a paying price.
The following procedure for home-canning is taken from " Canning Fruit," by Mr. Shelton, Queensland : — " The
process of canning is a simple one, being merely to drive out the germs of fermentation by heating the fruit and
T T 2
3+8
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
excluding the air. Success in cannings depends not on the amount of sugar used, but on the entire exclusion of air.
To accomplish this there are two methods in use. The first and most perfect method, and that employed by the
canning factories, is to pack the fruit, neatly prepared, as closely as possible in the glass jars. Fill the jars with syrup
made by boiling water and sugar together, in the proportion of about one cup of sugar to one quart of water. This
will make syrup enough for two quart jars. Place the jar in a tank or boiler of tepid water on a rack, so as to allow
the water to come within an inch of the top of the jar ; screw on the cover loosely without the rubber, cover the taiik
or boiler, and boil the fruit till it is done. Ten, or at most twelve, minutes are enough for berries, currants, or other
small fruits ; from twenty minutes to three hours for peaches, pears, and apples. Have some syrup ready for filling
up the jars.
" When done, remove the jar from the water, fill to the top with hot syrup, wipe off the neck, put on the rubber,
and screw down the cover tightly.
"The second method is the one most used by the housewife in America. It is simply to boil the fruit in
sugared \\ater in a porcelain-lined stewpan or kettle until it is sufficiently cooked, and pour it boiling hot into the
jars, stirring it about with a spoon to let the air-bubbles escape, fill up with hot juice or syrup, wipe the neck with
a moist towel, put on the rubber, and screw down the cover tightly, and tighten again when cold. A tin funnel to
a
:-.
Fig. 86. GLASS JABS FOE CANNING, WITH METAL TOP AND RUBBBE.
References: — A, Mason jar, patent ; a, metal top; b, rubber. B, "Lightning" patent jar
of canned fruit complete ; with adjustable wire fastening for saving breakage.
put in the mouth of the jar, made for the purpose, facilitates the filling of the jar. If the fruit is in pieces, like
apples, peaches, and pears, it should be placed in the jars carefully with a fork or spoon, a little sugared water
being first put in to temper the jars. If there is fruit remaining in the kettle it should be drawn to one side of the
stove, and not allowed to overcook while the filling process is going on ; frequently fruit is spoiled in this way.
In an accident of this kind it is better to use the fruit right up on the table, and prepare fresh fruit for the
jars.
The advantages of this method are that much more fruit can be put into each jar, after shrinking by cooking, than
in the fresh state. A bushel of cherries, berries, currants, or peaches can then be disposed of in a half-day by a
woman accustomed to canning. To achieve the best results in this work it is necessary that the fruit be fresh, of
best quality, and not over-ripe. Soft fruit, like strawberries, should be canned the day they are picked. It is better
not to can any fruit picked over-night, and care should be used in handling all fruit for canning purposes. All jars
must be in perfect condition. After having been once used, they should be thoroughly scalded and put away. The
rubber should be put inside the can and the top screwed on loosely. This is a better plan than screwing the top
FRUIT PRESERVATION— CRYSTALLISED FRUITS.
349
tightly on to the rubber. Fruit in glass jars must be kept in a cool, dry place, away from the light, preferably in a cool
dark cellar. Thick brown paper should be wrapped round jars where there is light."
Crystallised Fruits.— Exact processes for British fruits can only be learned by
experience. The theory and practice is as follows : — "The theory is to extract the
juice from the fruit, and replace it with sugar syrup, which, on hardening, preserves
the fruit from decay, and, at the same time, retains the natural shape of the fruit.
All kinds of fruit are capable of being preserved under this process. Though the
Fig. 87. "AMEBICAN" EVAI>ORATOB No. 3.
method is very simple, there is a certain skill required that is acquired only by
practice. The several steps in the process are about as follows : —
" First, the same care in selecting and grading the fruit should be taken as for canning ; that is, the fruit should
be all of one size, and as near the same ripeness as possible. The exact degree of ripeness is of great importance,
which is at that stage when fruit is best for canning. Peaches, pears, and other large fruits are pared and cut in
halves, as for canning ; plums, cherries, and small fruits generally are pitted. The fruit having thus been carefully
prepared, is put in a basket, or a bucket with a perforated bottom, and immersed in boiling water. The object of
this is to dilute and extract the juices of the fruit. The boiling — length of time the fruit is immersed — is the most
important part of the process. If left too long, it is overcooked and becomes soft ; if not immersed long enough, the
juice is not sufficiently extracted, which prevents a perfect absorption of the sugar.
" After the fruit has been thus scalded and allowed to cool, it can be assorted as to softness. The next step is the
syrup, which is made of white sugar and water. The softer the fruit the heavier the syrup required. Ordinarily,
about 70*, Balling's saccharoineter, is the proper weight for the syrup.
35<> THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
" The fruit is then placed in earthen pans, and covered with the syrup, where it is left to remain about a week.
The sugar enters the fruit and displaces what juice remained after the scalding process.
" The fruit now requires careful watching, as fermentation will soon take place, and when this has reached a cer-
tain stage the fruit and syrup are heated to a boiling degree, which checks the fermentation. This heating process
should be repeated as often as necessary for about six weeks.
" The fruit is then taken out of the syrup, and washed in clean water, and it is then ready to be either glaced or
crystallised, as the operator may wish. If glaced the fruit is dipped in thick, sugar syrup, and left to dry quickly in
the open air. If to be crystallised, it is dipped in the same kind of syrup, but is made to cool and harden slowly,
thus causing the sugar which covers the fruit to crystallise. The fruit is now ready for boxing and shipping. Fruit
thus prepared will keep in any climate and stand transportation." (Prize Essay, State Board Horticulture, 1888, by
Mr. J. J. Pratt, of the Yuba City Cannery, California.)
Crystallised fruit sells well ; most of that sold in this country is imported from France, and obviously a great
deal of it might be displaced by British, if the same knowledge were acquired here and taste exercised in its pro-
duction.
Fruit Drying. — This has been recommended as a panacea for the low prices of fruit
in great abundance years. The arguments in favour of the practice were mainly
Fig. 88. IMPEOVED COTTER OF APPLE RINGLETS, " SIMPLEX."
derived from American sources. In California, 12,150,000 pounds of various fruits are
dried annually. Of that amount 100,000 pounds are sun-dried, and 250,000 pounds
evaporated apples ; 200,000 pounds of sun-dried, and 40,000 pounds of bleached plums ;
and 25,000 pounds of sun-dried pears. These represent the fruits likely to be " evapor-
ated " (if at all) in this country.
Of the principal fruits dried in California (and it is similar in other countries exporting dried fruits) there is not
a golden prospect of drying profitably in this country, for the raw material is worth more relatively than the manu-
factured goods.
Mr. Pidgeon's (" Royal Agricultural Society's Journal," for March, 1890), states that in the western portion
of New York State, a district lying within a radius of forty miles around the city of Rochester, produced in
1888, 37,750,000 pounds of evaporated fruit (all but 750,000 pounds of which were apples) of the value of ,£297,000.
Mr. Pidgeon states that to produce this amount, 250,000,000 pounds (111,000 tons) of green applet, and 250,000 quarts
of fresh raspberries were operated on ; 19,000 tons of coals were burnt in 1,500 drying houses (each containing one
FRUIT PRESERVATION. — DRYING APPLES, 351
or more evaporators of various sizes), and 45,000 hands were employed during the four months of the year, bringing
about, the result quoted above.
Passing from the foregoing approximations, we find that in the year 1888 apples in the dried state were exported
from the United States to the extent of 11,803,161 pounds, of the value of 812,682 dollars. In that year 489,570
barrels = 61,196,250 pounds of green apples, were exported by the United States, of the value of 1,876,801 dollars.
The importance of dried fruits to an exporting country is immense, but England is not an exporting, but an import-
ing country. In 1886, 3,261,460 bushels of apples were imported into this country, and .£857,095 paid to exporters.
Of that amount the United States contributed 1,647,052 bushels, value £478,895, and the remainder came from Canada,
Belgium, Holland, and France. In the season 1888-89 the United States and Canada supplied 1,401,382 barrels of
apples to British markets.
In face of the facts adduced, it has been urged that there ought to be some means of dealing with the surplus fruit
which in excess-crop years remains ungathered or is otherwise wasted. In October, 1892, trials with evaporating
machines were conducted at Chiswick in the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Drying fruits is an old industry that was somewhat general in Kent about half
a century ago, plums being dried in ovens or on trays over fires, but the custom
ceased as French prunes were found to be cheaper and better. The experiments at
Chiswick confirm this fact — the variety Italian Prune (Fellemburg), a large, dark,
oval plum with firm flesh giving the best results. It is good for dessert and
preserving, and hangs till it shrivels, but it can only be grown satisfactorily in
many parts of this country against a wall. The small plums, such as Rivers'
Prolific, are too small for drying, too little flesh and too much stone. Diamond,
Monarch, and other large, dark, tough- skinned, firm-fleshed plums dry well, and are
quite equal to French cooking prunes, which are sold retail at 5d. per pound. The
soft -fleshed and tender-skinned plums, as Victoria, do not dry well. Preserving plums
by converting them into jam in cases of surplus is, therefore, more generally applicable
than drying them in this country.
In the case of apples a special variety seems as imperative as in plums, and it appears
hopeless to make any profit out of drying soft apples in which there is most waste in excess-
crop years. This is made clear by Mr. Barron's report of the Chiswick experiments : —
" Fruit drying. — During the operation a temperature from 175° to 200° is required for apples, and the time occu-
pied is about three hours.
10 pounds of fresh fruit of Cellini gave 1 pound 8£ ounces when dried.
10 , New Hawthorden .,1 11 "
10
10
10
10
10
Blenheim Orange „ 1
Frogmore Prolific „ 1
Lord Suffield „ 1
Small's Admirable „ 1
Beauty of Hants „ 2
12
9
2
3
4
The parings and cores have to be added to the weight of the dried fruit when calculating the exact reduction
by evaporation. For plums the temperature required is about 250°, and the time required is from eight to ten
hours."
JS« THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE.
Dried apples in tins, about 3 pounds each, are retailed at 5d., or 4s. 9d. per dozen tins ; 1 gallon, Is. ; 1 dozen
1 gallon tins, 11s. 6d. ; rings 6cl. per pound, to produce which 5 pounds of raw fruit is required. Of the success of
drying apples there can be no question, as the object is to drive out the water and retain the more digestible and
nutritious components of the fruit, but it is not so much with the principle as with the commercial aspect of the pro-
duct we are concerned. It has been tried in Kent and Worcestershire, ami, though the consensus ol opinion is conclu-
sive that apples and plums can be thoroughly dried by evaporators, all the saccharine matter being retained, and the
produce remarkably good when stewed or made into pies, the practice has not yet been much adopted for commercial
purposes.
The mode of preparing apples for drying in an evaporator is, first to pare them, then to remove the core, and
finally to cut them into slices or rings (Fig. 88). The pared apple is submitted to the fumes of sulphur before
slicing, this is called " bleaching," and the object is to prevent the discoloration of the fruit. It improves the
appearance and does not injure the flavour. Paring, coring, and slicing is done very rapidly by machinery. Tl:e
prepared fruit is then placed on wire trays, made to fit inside the drying chamber of the evaporator, and
Fig. 89. MAYFAETH'S APPLE PABEB, COBEE, AND SLICEB.
there remains until the whole of the moisture has been abstracted. The time occupied in doing this varies
from two and a-half to four or even five hours, according to the kind of apples operated on. After passing through
the evaporator, the next thing is to pack the dried fruit in neat boxes which hold 25, 50, or 75 pounds. These boxes
are lined with paper. Fifty-pound boxes are those mostly used. They are 24 inches long, 12 inches
deep, and 12 inches wide, they are made of £-inch stuff (with ends 1 inch), poplar wood being preferred. The evapo-
rated fruit, before being used for making pies, larts and compotes, is soaked in water for a sufficient length of time (say
twelve hours) to swell it to nearly its normal bulk.
There are a number ot evaporators, eome intended for home use, the size recommended for small farmers being
the "American" Evaporator No. 3 (Fig. 87, page 349), manufactured by Ph. Mayfarth and Co., London Office, 16,
Mincing Lane, E.G. Size, 9g feet long, 28 inches wide. Can be set up in a few minutes. Adapted to burn wood,
coal, or coke. Extreme height 6 feet. Consumes about 80 pounds of coal, or equivalent, per day. Capacity, 400 — •
500 pounds of apples per day of twenty-four hours. Trays, piping, fire-irons, and improved furnace complete, 22 trays,
FRUIT PRESERVATION.— DRYING APPLES. 353
pattern A, £19 10s. ; 33 trays, pattern 15, £21 15s. ; 55 trays, 22 pattern A and 33 pattern B, £26 10s. ; thermometer
3s., packing 5 per cent, extra of the price.
An apple-parer, corer, and slicer fur small concerns costs 18s., but for industrial establishments a more powerful
machine is required. May faith's " Electra " (Fig. 89) pares and cores the apples, and cuts them into a spiral, but the
Made which cuts the spiral can be removed for making whole apples— that is, without the skin and the core ; price
£3 15s. Whole ringlets are prepared by a machine called the "Simplex" (Fig. 88), supplied with nine blades
arranged in the form of steps, and dispenses with the cut required to transform the spiral cut into ringlets ; price
£1 7s. 6d. Large evaporators are made for drying apples and other fruit for export. The cost of drying apples is
given by Mr. Fidgeon in the " Eoyal Agricultural Society's Journal," March, 1890, as follows : — " A bushel of green
apples, weighing about 50 pounds, can be dried at a cost of from Gd. to 7£d. The total cost of the dried product is
from 3d. to 5d. per pound, and of the average selling price from 3|d. to 6d. per pound. One bushel of green apples
produces about 6 pounds of dried apples. One pound of coal is consumed in evaporating enough green fruit to yield
a pound of dried fruit. Before drying, the apples are pared and cored by one of the many ingenious contrivances
in use for that purpose. The pares and cores are dried and sold for jelly making, realising about £4 per ton. A
bushel of apples yields about 30 pounds of ' meat ' and 20 pounds of refuse (cores, etc.). The 30 pounds of ' meat'
are reduced to 6 pounds by evaporation, and the 20 pounds of refuse to 4 pounds."
The apples evaporated are reduced from 50 to 10 pounds weight ; this is an important consideration for export,
much of the dried product being imported into France for cider-making, simply because it is richer in saccharine
matter than green, and also cheaper in price and transit.
As to the profits of drying apples, the Zimmerman Machine Company give the following particulars: — "A
bushel of green apples weighs about 50 pounds, is worth from T^d. to 10d., and will produce 65 pounds of evaporated
fruit. It will cost 5d. to do the work, and the market value of the evaporated fruit will be from 5d. to 7£d. per
pound. Assuming these figures to be correct, then the 6^ pounds of evaporated fruit at the lowest price (5d. per
pound) will realise 2s. 8|d. Deduct the value of the fruit at highest price (10d.), cost of evaporating, 5d. = Is. 3d.,
leaving a gross profit of Is. 5Jd., or about 2Jd. per pound, from which carriage and salesman's commission will have
to be deducted. The net profit will be over and above the value of the apples as gathered from the trees."
The same company give the following figures to show the result of one month's run, working day and night,
of a No. 3 evaporator : — " Produce 2,700 pounds evaporated apples at 7id. [more by IJd. per pound than they can
be purchased for retail] = £84 7s. 6d. Cost : 470 bushels apples at lOd. [two-thirds less than the price in
England when the markets are glutted] = £18 15s. ; fuel, 30 days at Is. O^d. per day =£1 11s. 3d. ; labour,
30 days, £8 6s. 8d. = £28 12s. lid. This deducted from the value of the produce shows a gross profit of
£55 14s. 7d."
It only remains to point out that as with dried plums or prunes, the conditions in
America for producing and drying apples are very different from those in England.
Land is much easier, climate favours growers on the American, African, and Australian
Continents, also European more than in this country. Nevertheless, there would be
abundance of work for evaporators in prolific seasons. Best fruit, however, realises the
most money when marketed as fresh. Second-rate fruit in excess-crop years might be
converted into good evaporated, the price for which would probably yield a larger
profit than if marketed in the green state. The abundant years occur so infrequently,
and the waste then occurring being mostly confined to fruit of inferior quality,
it would be inadvisable for every English fruit-grower to invest in an evaporator,
but there is no reason why one should not be set up in large fruit - growing
districts, for drying the fruit in seasons of great plenty, which otherwise would
VOL. III. 2 Z
354 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
be wasted, either by buying it outright, or evaporating it for others at a reasonable
charge.
In the important matter of packing fruit, also in the several methods of preservation
and distribution referred to, cultivators in Great Britain, as a body, have been too long
content to let their rivals in other lands "hold the field" ; but there are exceptions,
and as those persons who adopted the best methods in all things that bear on the pro-
duction and presentation of fruit, have, as they ought, achieved the greatest success, so
it is hoped that others will follow in their steps and persevere, till the stigma of
inferiority, in the great industry in question, is removed from our land. To aid in the
realisation of this object has been the earnest desire of all who have shared in the pro-
duction of THE FKUIT GROWER'S GUIUK
INDEX
A.
APPLES, i. 309
Historical notes, i. 309
Hygienic value of, i. 311
Constituents of, i. 313
Varieties, i. 315
Dessert, i. 317
Small fruited, i. 317
Medium fruited, i. 318
Selections in order of ripening, i.
320
Dessert or Culinary, i. 321
Early and mid-season varieties, i.
321
Mid-season and late, i. 322
Culinary, i. 324
Early, fruit medium, i. 324
Medium and late, i. 324
Early, medium to large, i. 325
Mid-season, medium to large, i.
325
Late, fruit large, i. 326
Selections in order of ripening, i.
32?
Crabs, or ornamental apples, i. 327
For different parts, i. 330
Southern Counties, i. 330
Eastern and Midland Counties, i.
330
Northern Counties, i. 331
Eastern, Midland, and Southern
Counties of Scotland, i. 332
Suitable for various soils, i. 333
Shallow loam on gravel and sand,
i- 333
Strong loam, i. 334
Peaty soil, i. 334
For various modes of culture, i. 334
Bushes or pyramids, i. 334
Low standards, i. 335
Tall standards, i. 336
Espaliers, i. 337
For borders and walls, i. 337
Propagation, i. 338
Seeds, i. 338
Cuttings, i. 338
Layers, i. 338
Suckers, i. 339
Budding, i. 339
Grafting, i. 339
Inarching, i. 339
Stocks, i. 339
Soils, i. 339
Planting, i. 344
Forms of trees, i. 344
Methods of training, ii. i
Pyramidal trees, ii. I
Bush trees, ii. 10
Ordinary bush, ii. ii
Goblet-shaped bush, ii. 13
Open bush, ii. 14
Horizontal, ii. 15
Horizontal palmette, ii. 18
Upright six-branched, ii. 19
Cordon, ii. 21
Horizontal cordons, ii. 21
Single vertical and diagonal
cordons, ii. 23
Single diagonal cordons, i.
25
Low standards, ii. 26
Other forms, ii. 29
General management, ii. 29
Pruning, ii. 29
Manuring, ii. 30
Watering, ii. 31
Syringing, ii. 31
Under glass culture, ii. 31
Suitable varieties, ii. 31
Structures, ii. 32
Borders, ii. 34
Planting, ii. 34
Winter treatment, ii. 34
Summer treatment, ii. 34
Culture in pots, ii. 35
Potting, ii. 35
Top-dressing, ii. 35
Watering, ii. 36
Pruning, ii. 36
Feeding, ii. 36
Enemies, ii. 36
Apple chermes, ii. 38
Weevil, ii. 40
Sawfly, ii. 41
Canker worms, ii. 41
Garden chafer, ii. 42
Blister moth, ii. 42
Goat moth, ii. 43
Apple borer, ii. 43
Waeberian moth, ii. 44
Diseases, ii. 36
Canker, ii. 36
Speck, ii. 36
Mildew, ii. 36
Lichens and Mosses, ii. 38
For Sale, iii. 271
Orcharding, iii. 271
Distances to plant, iii. 272
Cost of planting, iii. 272
Suitable varieties, iii. 272
Value of crops, iii. 273
Manuring, iii. 27;
Plantations, iii. 286
Cost of trees, iii. 286
Feathered trees, iii. 287
Bushes and pyramids, iii, 288
Suitable varieties, iii. 288
Distances to plant, iii. 289
Profits, iii. 290
Culture in wall cases, iii. 310
Packing and marketing, iii. 321
Grading, iii. 322
Suitable packages, iii. 322
Flat and round baskets, iii. 323
Barrels, iii, 323
Covent Garden prices, iii. 336
English, iii. 336
American, iii. 336
Tasmanian, iii. 337
Cider varieties, iii. 342
Drying the fruit, iii. 350
In America, iii. 350
APPLIANCES, i. 301
Dusting, i. 122
APRICOTS, ii. 45
History, ii- 45
Select varieties, ii. 46
In order of ripening, ii. 46
Propagation, ii. 47
Seeds, ii. 47
Budding, ii. 47
Grafting, ii. 48
Situation and aspect, ii. 48
Soils, ii. 49
Forming borders, ii. 50
Planting, ii. 50
Choice of trees, ii. 50
Distances to p'ant, ii. 51
Procedure, ii 31
Root-prunir .ii. 53
Manures, ii. 53
Feeding, ii. 54
Mulching, ii. 55
Training, ii. 56
Modified fan, ii. 57
356
INDEX.
Cordon, ii. 60
Mode of bearing, ii. 62
Routine operations, ii. 64
Protecting blossoms, ii. 64
Disbudding, ii. 64
Stopping the shoots, ii. 65
Thinning the fruit, ii. 65
General summer treatment, ii.
66
Unfruitful trees, ii. 67
Winter treatment, ii. 63
Pruning, ii. 68
Long, ii. 68
Short, ii. 70
Spur, ii. 74
Aids to maturation, ii. 75
Flued walls, ii. 75
Under glass culture, ii. 75
Structures, ii, 76
Ventilation, ii. 77
Protection, ii. 77
Temperatures, ii, 78
Watering, ii. 78
Syringing, ii. 79
Forms of trees, ii. 79
Pyramids, ii. 79
Standards, ii. 80
Forcing, ii. 83
House for, ii. 83
Varieties, ii. 84
The best trees, ii. 84
Starting, ii. 84
Temperature, ii. 85
Ventilation, ii. 85
For Sale, iii. 310
Growing on walls, iii. 305
Forcing, iii. 312
Packing, iii. 323
Diseases, ii. 86
Branches dying, ii. 86
Mildew, ii. 86
Blister, ii. 87
Spot, ii. 87
Enemies, ii. 87
Red-bud caterpillar moth, ii. 87
Apricot moth, ii. 88
Apricot weevil, ii. 90
Ants and earwigs, ii. 92
AXE, i. 221
B.
BANANAS, ii. 93
Uses of, ii. 93
Varieties, ii. 93
Cultivation, ii. 94
Propagation, ii. 94
Compost, ii. 95
Culture in pots and tubs, ii. 96
Planting, ii. 97
Feeding, ii. 97
Surface dressing, ii. 97
Moisture, ii. 98
Temperature, ii. 98
Ventilation, ii. 98
Fruiting, ii. 98
Perfecting, ii. 98
BARROW, i. 222
BERBERRIES, ii, 100
Uses of, ii. 100
Varieties, ii. too
Propagation, ii. 100
Soil, ii. loo
Pruning, ii. 100
Fungus on, ii. 101
BILBERRIES AND CRANBERRIES, ii. 102
Varieties, ii., 102
Cultivation, ii. 104
BLACKBERRIES, ii. 105
Species and varieties, ii. 105
CulUval notes, ii. ;o(
Propagation, ii. 106
Situation, ii. 107
Soil, ii. 108
Planting, ii. 108
Trellises, ii. 108
Training, ii. 108
Bush training, ii. 109
Manuring, ii. 109
Durability of plantations, ii. no
Growing under glass, ii. no
Enemies, ii. no
BUDDING, i. 115
When to bud, i. 116
How to bud, i. 118
Apples, i. 339
Apricots, ii. 47
Cherries, ii. 120
Peaches and Nectarines, iii. 66
Pears, iii. 126
Plums, iii. 178
Walnuts, iii. 43
BUILDINGS, UTILISATION OF, iii. 304
South walls, iii. 304
West walls, iii. 304
East walls, iii. 304
North walls, iii. 304
Apricots, iii. 305
Cherries, iii. 305
Figs, iii. 305
Grapes, iii. 306
Peaches, iii. 306
Pears, iii. 306
Plums, iii. 307
Unsatisfactory trees on, iii. 308
o.
CAPE GOOSEBERRY, ii. in
Varieties, ii. Ill
Propagation, ii. in.
Compost, ii. in
Cultivation, ii. 112
Insect enemies, ii. 112
CHERRIES, ii. 113
History, ii. 113
Select varieties, ii. 1 14
Dessert, in order of ripening, ii. 117
Culinary, ii. 117
For various modes of culture, ii. 118
Pyramids or bushes, ii. 118
Orchards, ii. 118
For warm soils and situations, ii. 118
For south walls, ii. 118
For east walls, ii. 118
For high walls, ii. 119
For north walls, ii. 119
For long hanging, ii. 119
For forcing, ii. ng
For pots, ii, ng
Compact growers, ii. 1 19
Large growers, ii. 119
Propagation, ii. 119
Raising new varieties, ii. 119
Layering, ii. 120
Stocks, ii. 1 20
Budding, ii. 120
Grafting, ii. 121
Situation, ii. 121
Soil, ii. 121
Planting, ii. 123
Distances to Plant, ii. 124
Training, ii. 124
Standards, ii. 125
Fan-trained, ii. 125
Mode of bearing, ii. 129
Summer pruning, ii. 130
Morellos, ii. 132
Disbudding and stopping, ii. 134
Winter pruning, ii. 134
Bush and Pyramid trees, ii. 136
Cordons, ii. 137
Manures, ii. 137
Thinning the flower buds, ii. 138
Protecting the blossom, ii. 138
Fruit-dropping, ii. 138
Thinning the fruit, ii. 139
Watering, ii. 139
Feeding, ii. 139
Top-dressing, ii. 139
Washing the foliage, ii. 140
Protecting the fruit, ii. 140
Gathering, ii. 140
Culture under glass, ii. 141
Structures, ii. 141
Potted trees, ii. 141
Planted-out trees, ii. 142
Forcing, ii. 143
Borders, ii. 144
Compost, ii. 145
Starting, ii. 145
Forcing to time, ii. 146
Pruning, ii. 147
For sale, iii. 276
Orchard culture, iii. 276
Suitable varieties, iii. 276
Distances to plant, iii. 276
Pruning, iii. 276
Profits, iii. 277
In plantations, iii. 290
Forms of trees, iii. 290
Varieties, iii. 290
Distances to plant, iii. 290
Cost of trees, iii. 291
Profits, iii. 291
On Walls, iii. 305
Varieties, iii. 305
Cost of trees, iii. 305
Under glass culture, iii. 312
Forcing, iii. 312
Varieties, iii. 312
Packing, iii. 324
Diseases, ii. 147
Enemies, ii. 147
Aphides, ii. 148
Caterpillars, ii. 148
Red Spider, ii. 148
INDEX.
357
Scale, ii. 148
Slug worms, ii. 148
CIDER, iii, 342
Apples for, iii. 342 -
Making, iii. 343
CHISELS, i. 222
CURRANTS, ii. 151
Black, ii. 151
Varieties, ii. 151
Propagation, ii. 152
Situation, ii. 152
Soil, ii. 153
Arrangement, ii. 153
Planting, ii. 153
Training, ii. 154
Natural bushes, ii. 154
Pruning, ii, 155
On walls and fences, ii. 155
Feeding, ii. 156
For sale, iii. 292
In plantations, iii. 292
Suitable varieties, iii. 292
Form of bushes, iii. 292
Mulching, iii. 293
Profits, iii. 292
Packing and marketing, iii. 325
Red and white currants, ii. 156
Select varieties, ii. 157
Site, ii. 157
Soil, ii. 157
Arrangement, ii. 158
Training, ii. 158
Pyramids, ii. 159
Standards, ii. 159
Upright bushes, ii. 159
Cordons, ii. 160
Pruning, ii. 160
Winter culture, ii. 162
Mulching, ii. 163
Thinning the fruit, ii. 163
Protecting the crop, ii. 163
Gathering, ii. 163
Keeping the fruit, ii. 163
Forcing, ii. 164
For sale, iii. 292
In plantations, iii. 292
Varieties, iii. 292
Distances to plant, iii. 292
Cost of trees, iii. 292
Pruning, iii. 292
Profits, iii. 293
Diseases, ii. 164
Enemies, ii. 164
Aphidas, ii. 164
Caterpillars, ii. 164
Gall mites, ii. 165
Currant shoot grub, ii. 166
Woolly currant scale, ii. 167
Ked spider, ii. 167
Thrips, ii. 167
CLIMATE, i. 58
Dew, i. 58
Frost, i. 59
Light, i. 60
Heat, i. 60
Temperature, i. 61
Ventilation, i. 61
Syringing, i. 62
Rain water, i. 64
Softening water, i. 64.
Ammonia vapour, •. L.-J
CRANBERRIES, ii. 102
Varieties, ii. 102
Cultivation, ii. 104
D.
DAMSONS, iii. 175
Varieties, iii. 176
Propagation, iii. 177
Seeds, iii. 177
Suckers, iii. 177
Layers, iii. 177
Budding, iii. 177
Grafting, iii. 178
In orchards, iii. 180
Planting, iii. 181
Training, iii. 181
Pruning, iii. 182
Summer, iii. 182
Winter, iii. 185
Root, iii. 187
Manuring, iii. 187
Protecting blossoms, iji. 188
Syringing, iii. 188
Thinning, iii. 188
Perfecting, iii. 189
Gathering, iii. 189
Diseases, iii. 196
Enemies, iii. 198
In plantations, iii. 299
Packing, iii. 331
Marketing, iii. 331
DISEASES OF FRUIT TKEES, i. 226
Fungi, i. 227
Canker, i. 229
Gum, i. 234
Apple scale, ii 239
Mildew, i. 245
Lichens and Moss, i. 250
DUSTING APPLIANCES, i. 122
E.
EDGED TOOLS, i. 217
Budding knives, i. 218
Pruning knives, i. 218
Scissors or hand shears, i. 218
Secateurs, i. 219
Tree primers, i. 2;o
ENEMIES, i. 252
American blight, i. 253
Petroleum, i. 254
Spirits of wine, i. 255
Ants, i. 255
Aphides, i. 257
Beetles and woodlice, i. 262
Borers, i. 263
Cockroaches and crickets, i. 265
Codlin moth, i. 265
Earwigs, 1. 267
Millipedes, i. 268
Red spider, i. 269
Scale, i. 272
Thrips, i. 274
Slugs and snails, i. 276
Wireworms, i. 277
Wasps, i. 279
Weevils, i. 282
Caterpillars, i. 283
Figure of 8 moth, i. 283
Lackey moth, i. 285
Small ermine moth, i. 286
Vapourer moth, i. 286
Mottled umber moth, i. 287
Pale brindled beauty moth, i. 288
Winter moth, i. 288
Birds, i. 296
Hares and rabbits, i. 297
Mice and rats, i. 298
Moles, i. 300
Squirrels, i. 301
EUGENIA UGNI
Uses of, ii. 168
Propagation, ii. 168
Compost, ii. 168
Pruning, ii. 169
Culture, ii. 169
Watering, ii. 169
Temperature, ii. 169
Ventilation, ii. 169
FIGS, ii. 170
History, ii. 170
In Sussex, ii. 171
Select varieties, ii. 172
Black or purple, ii. 172
Brown or tawny, ii. 173
Green, yellow, or white, ii. 173
In order of ripening, ii. 174
For various modes of culture, ii. 174
For pots under glass, ii. 174
For planting out under glass, ii. 174
For outdoor culture, ii. 174
For walls, ii. 174
For forcing, ii. 174
Propagation, ii. 175
Seeds, ii. 175
Offsets, ii, 175
Layers, ii. 175
Cuttings, ii. 175
Eyes, ii. 175
Budding, ii. 176
Grafting, ii. 177
Cultural directions, ii. 177
Situation, ii. 177
Soil, ii. 177
Arrangement, ii. 177
Planting, ii. 178
Forms of trees, ii. 178
Characteristics of bearing, ii, 181
Pruning, ii. 182
Winter, ii, 183
Summer, ii. 184
Root, ii. 184
Preparing borders, ii. 184
Composts, 185
Manures, ii. 185
Top-dressing, ii. 186
Mulching, ii. 186
Watering, ii. 186
Protecting in winter, ii. 186
Under glass culture, ii. 187
Structures, ii. 187
Temperature, ii. 188
3S«
INDEX.
Ventilation, ii. 188
Atmospheric moisture, ii. 189
Trees casting their fruit, ii. 190
Thinning the crops, ii. 190
Protecting the fruit, ii. 191
Gathering, ii. 191
Potted trees, ii. 191
Pinching, ii. 192
Potting, ii. 192
Forcing, ii. 193
Varieties, ii. 174
Structures, ii. 194
Routine work, ii. 194
For sale, iii. 305
On walls, iii. 305
Suitable varieties, iii. 305
Cost of trees, iii. 305
Prices of fruit, iii. 306
Forcing, iii. 313
Varieties, iii. 313
Selling the crops, iii. 313
Packing and marketing, iii. 325
Diseases, ii. 199
Canker, ii. 199
Spot, ii. 199
Enemies, ii. 199
Thrips, ii. 199
Mealy bug, ii. 199
Red spider, ii. 199
Brown scale, ii. 199
Fig scale, ii. 200
Remedial measures, ii. 199
FLOWERS, i. 18
Formation of, i. 19
Fertilisation of, i. 19
FRUIT GROWING FOR PROFIT, iii. 255
Classes of fruit growers, iii. 255
For private consumption, iii. 255
For exhibition, iii. 255
For market, iii. 256
Labourers and fruit, iii. 256
Farm gardens and orchards, iii. 257
Small holdings, iii. 258
Landowners' gardens and fruit farms,
iii. 259
Tradesmen and mechanics, iii. 260
Supply and demand, iii. 261
Imports of fruit, iii. 261
Land and location, iii. 265
Climate, iii. 265
Soil, iii. 265
Tenure, iii. 266
FRUITS FOR SALE, iii. 309
Cool treatment, 309
Wall cases, iii. 309
Cost of eraction, iii. 309
Apples, iii. 310
Apricots, iii. 310
Cherries, iii. 310
Figs, iii. 310
Grapes, iii. 310
Peaches and Nectarines, iii. jjo
Pears, iii. 311
Plums, iii. 312
Strawberries, iii. 312
Forced fruits, iii. 312
Apricots, iii. 312
Cherries, iii. 312
Figs, iii. 312
Grapes, iii. 313
Melons, iii. 316
Nectarines, iii. 316
Peaches, iii. 317
Pine apples, iii. 319
Strawberries, iii. 319
On walls, iii. 304
For south walls, iii. 304
For west walls, iii. 304
For east walls, iii. 304
For north walls, iii, 304
Apricots, iii. 305
Cherries, iii. 305
Figs, iii. 305
Grapes, iii. 306
Peaches, iii. 306
Pears, iii. 306
Plums, iii. 307
Unsatisfactory trees against build-
ings, iii. 308
Packing and marketing, iii. 321
Apples, iii. 321
Apricots, iii. 324
Cherries, iii. 324
Currants, iii. 325
Figs, iii. 325
Gooseberries, iii. 326
Grapes, iii. 326
Melons, iii. 328
Nuts, iii. 328
Peaches and Nectarines, iii. 329
Pears, iii. 330
Pine apples, iii. 331
Plums, iii. 331
Raspberries, iii. 332
Strawberries, iii. 333
Sending fruit by post, iii. 335
Fruit plantations, iii. 284
Laying-out, iii. 285
Apples, iii. 286
Feathered trees, iii. 287
Varieties, iii. 288
Distances to plant, iii. 289
Profits, iii. 290
Cherries, iii. 290
Varieties, iii. 290
Cost of planting, iii. 291
Currants — Red, iii. 291
Varieties, iii. 291
Cost of bushes, iii. 291
Currants — Black, iii. 292
Gooseberries, iii. 293
Varieties, iii. 293
Cost of trees, iii. 293
Dressing the ground, iii. 294
Profits, iii. 294
Nuts, iii. 295
Cost of trees, iii. 295
Varieties, iii. 295
Profits, iii. 296
Pears, iii. 297
Soil, iii. 297
Varieties, iii. 297
Cost of trees, iii. 297
Planting, iii. 298
Pruning, iii. 299
Plums, iii. 299
Varieties, iii. 299
Cost of trees, iii. 299
Pruning, iii. 300
Raspberries, iii. 300
Profits, iii. 301
Strawberries, iii. 301
Varieties, iii. 302
Cost of plants, iii. 302
Profits, iii. 302
Attention required, iii. 303
FRUIT PRESERVATION, iii. 342
Cider-making, iii. 342
Apples for, iii. 342
Perry making, 344
Pears for, iii, 344
Making jam, iii. 345
Steam pan, iii. 345
Prices of jam, iii. 346
Canning fruits, iii. 346
American methods, iii. 347
Home canning, iii. 347
Crystallised fruits, iii. 348
Fruit drying, iii. 350
Useful appliances, iii. 350
Chiswick experiments, iii. 351
FRUIT GARDENS, i. 70
Form of, i. 70
Plan of complete, i. 71
Fruit garden and orchard, i. 77
Cottagers', i. 76
Renovating old gardens, i. 77
Plantations, iii. 342
Orcharding, iii. 268
FRUITS, i. 21
Formation of, i. 22
Stone fruit, i. 23
Pippin fruit, i. 23
The splitting of, i. 25
FRUITS, PERFECTING, i. 200
Protecting, i. 201
Gathering, i. 202
Storing, i, 203
Rooms for, i. 204
Grading, i. 214
FRUIT TREES, i. 72
Borders for, i. 72
Digging amongst, i. 80
Hoeing, i. Si
Raising, i. 97
Seedlings, i. 97
Cuttings, i. 99
Layers, i. 102
Suckers, i. 105
Runners, i. 106
Stocks and their influence, i. 107
Planting, i. 137
Laying out, i. 137
Planting in squares, i. 138
Opposite vacancy order, i. 140
Markers for planting, i. 142
Hillsides, i. 143
Choosing trees, i. 144
Lifting trees, i. 146
Time of planting, i. 147
Adjusting roots and branches, i. 148
Pruning and staking, i. 149
Forming stations, i. 151
Against walls and fences, i. 153
Preserving the names of trees, i. 154
Suitable labels, i. 155
Pruning (see " Pruning ")
Lifting, i. 172
Shaping, i. 178
Cup form, i. 179
Forked form, i. 180
Training, i. 183
Disbudding, i. 186
INDEX.
359
Protection, i. tm
Bird; and buds, i. i>,v,
Preserving buds, i. 191
Cages, i. 192
Protecting blossom, i. 193
Thinning the fruits, i. 197
Diseases, i. 226
Fungi, i. 227
Canker, i. 229
Gum, i. 234
Apple scale, i. 239
Mildew, i. 245
Lichens and moss, i. 250
Enemies, i. 252
Insects, i. 252
American blight, i. 253
Petroleum, i. 254
Spirits of wine, i. 255
Ants, i. 255
Aphides, i. 257
Beetles and Woodlice, i. 262
Borers, i. 263
Cockroaches and crickets, i. 265
Codlin moth, i. 265
Earwigs, i. 267
Millipedes, i. 268
Red spider, i. 269
Scale, i. 272
Thrips, i. 274
Slugs and snails, i. 276
Wireworms, i. 277
Wasps, i. 279
Weevils, i. 282
Caterpillars, i. 283
Figure of eight moth, i. 283
Lackey moth, i. 285
Small ermine moth, i. 286
Vapourer moth, i. 286
Mottled umber moth, i. 287
Pale brindled beauty moth, i. 288
Winter moth, i. 288
Birds, i. 296
Hares and rabbits, i. 297
Mice and rats, i. 298
Moles, i. 300
Squirrels, i. 301
Systems of culture, iii. 268
Orcharding, iii. 268
In plantations, iii. 284
On walls, iii. 304
FUMIGATION, i. 301
G.
GOOSEBERRIES, ii. 201
Uses of, ii. 201
Select varieties, ii. 201
Small and medium sized, ii. 201
Large-sized, ii. 202
In order of ripening, ii. 204
Lancashire prize, ii. 205
Propagation, ii. 206
Seeds, ii. 206
Layering, ii. 206
Suckers, ii. 206
Cuttings, ii. 206
Cultivation, ii. 206
Situation, ii. 207
Soil, ii. 307
Arrangement, ii. 207
Planting, ii. 208
Training, ii. 208
The Lancashire system, ii. 210
Upright, ii. 211
Standards, ii. 213
Pruning, ii. 214
Summer, ii. 216
Winter, ii. 216
Protecting the buds, ii. 216
Preserving the blossoms, ii. 217
Thinning the fruits, ii. 217
Protecting the crops, ii. 217
Forcing, ii. 218
Diseases, ii. 218
Gooseberry fungus, ii. 218
Gooseberry mildew, ii. 219
Rust, ii, 220
Enemies, ii. 220
Aphides, ii. 220
Caterpillars, ii. 220
Magpie moth, it. 221
V-moth, ii. 222
Gooseberry saw-fly, ii. 222
Red spider, ii. 225
In plantations, iii. 293
Packing and marketing, iii. 326
GRAFTING, i. 120
Tongue or whip, i. 122
Double, i. 128
Wedge, i. 130
Working large stocks by, i. 130
Cleft, i. 131
Rind or crown, i 131
Improved crown, i, 132
Notch, i. 132
Side, i. 134
Wax for, i. 135
Clay for, i. 135
GRANADILLAS, ii. 226
Varieties, ii. 226
Propagation, ii. 226
Drainage, ii. 227
Soil, ii. 228
Management, ii. 228
Watering, ii. 228
Temperature, ii. 229
Syringing, ii. 229
Fertilisation, ii. 229
GRAPE VINES, ii. 230
History, ii. 230
Large, ii. 232
Cumberland Lodge, ii. 232
Hampton Court, ii. 232
Sillwood, ii. 232
Kinnell House, ii. 233
Speddoch, ii. 233
Manresa House, ii. 233
Large bunches, ii. 234
Varieties, ii. 236
Chasselas or Muscadine, ii. 237
Frontignan, ii. 237
Muscats, ii. 238
Sweetwater, ii. 239
Late, ii. 240
For various purposes, ii. 242
Propagation, ii. 243
Seeds, ii. 243
Layers, ii. 244
Cuttings, ii. 244
" Eyes," ii. 244
Inarching, ii. 246
Budding, ii. 246
Grafting, ii. 247
Soils and borders, ii. 249
Preparation of soil for outdoor vines,
ii. 250
Borders for vines indoors, ii. 251
Raised borders, ii. 255
Agrated borders, ii. 256
Heated borders, ii. 256
Site, ii. 256
Border dimensions, ii. 256
Drainage, ii. 257
Making borders, ii. 258
Planting, ii. 259
Distances, ii. 262
Outdoor culture, ii. 263
Vineyards, ii. 263
Arrangement, ii. 264
Planting, ii. 264
Training, ii. 264
Pruning, ii. 264
Chaintre or extension system, ii.
264
On 6pen walls, ii. 265
Training, ii. 265
Modified Thomery, ii. 266
Upright, ii. 266
Horizontal, ii. 267
Informal, ii. 267
Protection, ii. 268
Culture under glass, ii. 268
Ground vineries, ii. 268
Unheated houses, ii. 270
Temperatures, ii. 271
Greenhouses, ii. 272
Vineries, ii. 273
Structures, ii. 273
Lean-to, ii. 273
Three-quarter span, ii. 275
Span-roof, ii. 276
Training, ii. 276
Long-rod, ii. 279
Extension, ii. 281
Pruning, ii. 282
Spur, ii. 282
Long, ii. 284
Combination, ii. 285
Early, ii. 285
Bleeding after, ii. 286
Management in heated structures, ii.
286
Manures and manuring, ii. 286
Covering borders, ii. 289
Resting period, ii. 290
Forcing, ii. 290
Time required from starting, ii. 290
Watering, 291
Temperature, ii. 293
Ventilation, ii. 294
Moisture, ii. 295
Mulching, ii. 296
Spring and summer management, ii.
296
Disbudding, ii. 296
Stopping, ii. 296
Tying, ii. 296
Tying-down, ii. 298
Setting, ii. 300
Thinning, ii. 301
360
INDEX.
Scorching, ii. 305
Scalding, ii. 306
Rust on the berries, ii. 306
Warts on leaves, ii. 307
Colouring, ii. 307
Exhibiting, ii. 308
Stands for, ii. 308
Fruiting in pots, ii. 310
Compost, ii. 311
Position, ii. 311
Temperature, ii. 311
Ventilation, ii. 311
Moisture, ii. 311
Training, ii. 312
Early forcing with bottom heat, ii. 313
In pots for table decoration, ii. 316
Keeping, ii. 316
Bottling, ii. 318
Cracking, ii. 322
Renovating, ii. 322
Aerial roots, ii. 324
Diseases, ii. 325
Mildew, ii. 325
Shanking, ii. 327
Spot, ii. 329
Root-rot, ii. 330
Insects, ii. 330
Mealy-bug, ii. 330
Mite, ii. 331
Moths, ii. 332
Louse, ii. 333
Red spider, ii. 334
Scale, ii. 334
Thrips, ii. 335
Weevil, ii. 335
Wireworms, ii. 335
On walls, iii. 306
For sale, iii. 310
Forcing for market, iii. 313
Packing and marketing, iii. 326
GUAVAS, ii. 336
Varieties, ii. 336
Propagation, ii. 336
Training, ii. 337
Soil, ii. 337
Potting, ii. 337
Planting, ii. 337
Watering, ii. 338
Feeding, ii. 338
Thinning, ii. 338
Pinching, ii. 339
Pruning, ii. 339
General management, ii. 339
I.
IMPLEMENTS, i. 214
Spades, i. 215
Shovels, i. 216
Forks, i. 216
Pickaxe, i. 216
Pick-mattock, i. 216
Mattock, i. 216
Drag, or Canterbury hoe, i. 216
Pick-fork, i. 217
Rakes, i. 217
Trowels, i. 217
Hoes, i. 217
INLAYING, i. 136
INARCHING,!. 136
INTRODUCTION, i. i
Historical notes on fruit culture, i. i
Roots, i. 12
Branches, i. 12
Leaves, i. 14
Flowers, i. 15
Fruit, i. 21
The splitting of fruit — Osmosis, i. 25
IRON, uses of, i., 47
LADDERS, i. 225
LEAVES, i. 14
Nature of, i. 15
Functions of, i. 15
LEMONS, iii. 48
Varieties, iii. 48
Culture, iii. 48
LIMES, iii. 48
Varieties, iii. 48
Culture, iii. 48
LIME, i. 43
As a manure, i. 43
For destroying moss on trees, i. 94
LOQUAT, ii. 340
Propagation, ii. 341
Soil, ii. 341
Mode of bearing, ii. 341
Routine work, ii. 342
M,
MAGNESIA, USES OF, i. 47
MALLETS, i. 222
MANURES, i. 41
Lime, i. 43
Phosphates, i. 45
Potash, i. 46
Magnesia, i. 47
Iron, i. 47
Soda, i. 48
Silica, i. 48
Nitrogen, i. 48
Nitrate of soda, i. 49
Sulphate of ammonia, i. 50
Farm yard, i. 50
Refuse, i. 51
Applying manures, i. 51
Surface dressing, i. 52
Summer dressing, i. 52
Mulching, i. 57
Watering, i. 57
Liquid manure, i. 56
MEDLARS, ii. 343
Select varieties, ii. 343
Propagation, ii. 343
Soil, ii. 343
Situation, ii. 343
Planting, ii. 343
General managemen ii. 34
Gathering, ii. 344
Storing, ii. 344
MELONS, iii. i
History, iii. I
Varieties, iii. 2
Propagation, iii. 3
Soil, iii. 5
Season of fruiting, iii. 5
Culture in frames and pits, iii. 6
Site for hotbeds, iii. 6
Fermenting materials, iii. 6
Beds, forming, iii. 7
Soil for, iii. 7
Planting, iii. 8
Training, iii. 8
Cropping, iii. 9
Pruning, iii. 10
Maintaining the heat, iii. 10
Economising heat, iii. 12
Ventilating, iii. 12
Adding soil, iii. 12
Fruit setting, iii. 13
Watering, iii. 13
Second crop, iii. 14
Lean-to for, iii. 14
Houses for, iii. 15
In heated pit and houses, iii. 14
Training-cordon, iii. 17
Alternate system of, iii. 17
Setting, iii. 18
Mode of bearing, iii. 19
Supporting the fruit, iii. 20
Feeding, iii. 21
Cracking, iii. 21
Ripening, iii. 22
Diseases, iii. 22
Enemies, iii. 23
For market, iii. 316
Packing and marketing, iii. 328
MISTLETOE ON APPPLES, ii. 38
MONSTERA DELICIOSA, iii. 2J
MULBERRIES, iii. 27
MULCHING, i. 57
N.
NITRATE OF SODA, i. 49
NITROGEN, USES OF, i. 48
NUTS, iii. 29
Chestnuts, iii. 29
Varieties, iii. 29
Propagation, iii. 29
Situation, ii: 30
Soil, iii. 30
Planting, iii. 30
Pruning, iii. 31
Gathering, iii. 31
Storing, iii. 31
Cobs and Filberts, iii. 31
Varieties, iii. 32
Selection in order of ripening, iii. 32
Propagation, iii. 33
Situation, iii. 33
Soil, iii. 33
Planting, iii. 34
Training, iii. 34
Pruning, iii. 36
Culture, iii. 39
Gathering, iii. 39
Storing, iii. 39
Enemies, iii. 40
Walnuts, iii. 41
Varieties, iii. 42
Propagation, iii. 42
Management, iii. 42
Mode of bearing, iii. 44
INDEX.
Diseases, iii. 45
Enemies, iii. 45
Packing, iii. 328
Marketing, iii. 328
o.
ORCHARDS, i. 82
Plan of, i. 89
Renovating old, i. 90
ORCHARD HOUSES, iii. 244
The first, iii. 244
Construction, iii. 245
Lean-to, iii. 245
Improved, iii. 246
Span-roofed, iii. 246
A cheap, iii. 247
For private gardens, iii. 248
Amateurs, iii. 249
Ventilation by drain pipes, iii. 249
Culture in, iii. 249
Peaches and Nectarines, iii. 250
Mixed fruits, iii. 250
Blackberries, iii. 251
Crabs, iii. 251
Bush fruits, iii. 251
Arrangement, iii. 251
Temperatures, iii. 251
Soil, iii. 252
Potting and re-potting, iii. 252
Ventilating, iii. 253
Syringing, iii. 254
ORANGES, iii. 46
Varieties, iii. 47
Propagation, iii. 48
Management, iii. 48
Compost, iii. 49
Mode of culture, iii. 49
Potting, iii. 50
Tubbing, iii. 50
Top-dressing, iii. 52
Training, iii. 52
Pruning, iii. 53
Temperatures, iii. 54
Watering, iii. 55
Feeding, iii. 55
Ripe fruit, iii. 55
Diseases, iii. 55
Enemies, iii. 56
P.
PACKING AND MARKETING FRUITS, iii.
321
Apples, iii. 321
Apricots, iii. 324
Cherries, iii. 324
Currants, iii. 325
Figs, iii. 325
Gooseberries, iii. 326
Grapes, iii. 326
Melons, iii. 328
Nuts, iii. 328
Peaches and Nectarines, iii. 329
Pears, iii. 330
Pine-apples, iii. 331
Plums, iii. 331
Raspberries, iii. 332
Strawberries, iii. 333
Sending by post, iii. 335
PRICES OF FRUITS, iii. 336
Covent Garden Market, iii. 336
PEACHES AND NECTARINES, iii. 58
History, iii. 58
Varieties of Peaches, iii. 59
Very early, iii. 59
Second early, iii. 59
Early mid-season, iii. 60
Main mid-season, iii. 60
Late, iii. 61
Latest, iii. 61
For a south wall, iii. 62
For a cool house, iii. 62
For a wall-case, iii. 63
For forcing, iii. 63
Varieties of Nectarines, iii. 63
Earliest, iii. 63
Second early, iii. 64
Mid-season, iii. 64
Late, iii. 65
For a south wall, iii. 65
For a wall-case, iii. 65
For an unheated house, iii. 65
For forcing, iii. 66
Propagation, iii. 66
Seeds, iii. 66
Budding, iii. 66
Grafting, iii. 66
Stocks, iii. 66
Out-door cultivation, iii. 67
Wall aspects, iii. 67
Soil, iii. 67
Borders, iii. 68
Distances to plant, iii 69
Planting, iii. 69
Training, iii. 70
Cordon, iii. 70
" U " shaped, iii. 71
Fan, iii. 72
Seymour's method, iii. 74
Mode of bearing, iii. 76
Pruning, iii. 77
Long, iii. 77
Winter, iii. 78
Summer, iii. 80
Protecting the blossoms, iii. 81
Disbudding, iii. 81
Thinning, iii. 81
Routine management, iii. 82
Syringing, iii. 82
Mulching, iii. 83
Manures, iii. 83
Feeding, iii. 83
Exposing the fruits, iii. 84
Gathering, iii. 84
Cultivation under glass, iii. 85
Structures, iii. 85
Bush trees, iii. 86
Pyramids, iii, 87
Standards, iii. 87
Pruning, iii. 88
Cluster growths, iii. 90
Routine work, iii. 92
Resting period, iii. 92
Flowering stage, iii. 92
First swelling, iii. 94
Storing, iii. 95
Last swelling, iii. 95
Ripening, iii, 96
Forcing, iii. 96
Structures, iii. 96
Varieties, iii. 98
Trees, iii. 98
Arrangement, iii. 99
Time of starting, iii. 100
Temperatures, iii. 101
Ventilation, iii. 101
Casting buds, iii. 103
Fruit not setting, iii. 103
Not stoning, iii. 103
Splitting, iii. 104
Lifting trees, iii. 104
Diseases, iii. 105
Canker, iii. 105
Excrescences on roots, iii. 105
Fungus, iii. 106
Sunburn, iii. 106
Blister, iii. 106
Gum, iii. 107
Mildew, iii. 107
Spot, iii. 108
Yellows, iii. 108
Enemies, iii. no
Aphides, iii. no
Brown Scale, iii. no
Caterpillars, iii. no
Red Spider, iii. no
Thrips, iii. in
Weevils, iii. in
Ants, iii. in
Earwigs, iii. in
Woodlice, iii. ill
For sale, iii. 310
In wall cases, iii. 310
Forcing, iii. 316
Varieties, iii. 317
Management, iii. 317
Prices, iii. 317
Packing, iii. 329
Marketing, iii. 329
PEARS, iii. 112
History, iii. "2
Uses, iii. 113
Varieties, iii. 113
For dessert, iii. 113
In order of ripening, iii. 120
Selections for quality, iii. 121
For various modes of culture, iii.
122
Baking and stewing, iii. 125
Propagation, iii. 126
Seeds, iii. 126
Cuttings, iii. 126
Layers, iii. 126
Budding, iii. 126
Grafting, iii. 126
Stocks, iii. 126
Soil, iii. 127
Situation, iii. 129
Planting, iii. 130
Distances, iii. 130
Training, iii. 132
Pyramids, iii. 132
Bushes, iii. 132
Columnar trees, iii. 132
Fan-shaped, iii. 133
Horizontal, iii. 135
Toasting-fork, iii. 135
Candelabra, iii. 136
Palmette-Verrier, iii. 136
INDEX.
Upright, iii. 137
Cordons, iii. 137
Walks of, iii. 137
Arbours of, iii. 138
Pruning, iii. 138
Summer, iii. 138
Winter, iii. 138
Spur, iii. 138
Manuring, iii. 140
Mulching, iii. 142
Watering, iii. 142
Syringing, iii. 142
Preserving buds, iii. 142
Protecting blossoms, iii. 143
Thinning the fruits, iii. 143
Protecting, iii. 143
Gathering, iii. 144
Storing, iii. 144
Cultivation under glass, iii. 145
In pots, iii. 145
Structures, iii. 146
Varieties, iii. 147
Diseases, iii. 147
Canker, iii. 147
Spot, iii. 148
Cracking, iii. 148
Specking, iii. 149
Enemies, iii. 150
Aphides, iii. 150
Blister moth, iii. 150
Chermes, iii. 150
Gall mite, iii. 150
Saw fly, iii. 152
Scale, iii. 152
Tortricina, iii. 152
Caterpillars, iii. 152
Weevils, iii. 152
Beetles, iii. 153
Moths, Goat, iii. 153
Leopard, iii. 153
Red-belted clearwing, iii. 153
Ants, iii. 153
Woodlice, iii. 153
Wasps, iii. 153
Earwigs, iii. 153
In orchards, iii. 279
Plantations, iii. 297
On walls, iii. 306
For sale, iii. 314
Packing, iii. 330
Marketing, iii. 330
Perry making, iii. 344
PHOSPHATES, USES OF, i. 45
PLUMS AND DAMSONS, iii. 171
History, iii. 171
Varieties, iii. 171
Gages, iii. 171
Dessert, iii. 173
Culinary, iii. 174
Bullaces, iii. 175
Damsons, iii. 176
In order of ripening, iii. 176
Walls, iii. 177
Soutbi iii. 177
East or West, iii. 177
North, iii. 177
Dessert, as pyramids, iii. 177
Culinary, as pyramids, iii. 177
Stan lards in gravelly soil, iii. 1 77
In strong soil, iii. 177
Propagation, iii. 177
Seeds, iii. 177
Suckers, ii. 178
Layers, iii. 178
Budding, 178
Grafting, iii. 178
Stocks, iii. 178
Situation, iii. 179
Soil, iii. 179
Aspect, iii. 180
Arrangement of trees, iii. 180
Orchards, iii. 180
Bushes, iii. 180
Pyramids, iii. 180
Cordon, iii. 181
Espalier, iii. 181
Wall trees, iii. 181
Planting, iii. 181
Training, iii. 181
Pruning, iii. 182
Summer, iii. 182
Winter, iii. 185
Root, iii. 187
Characteristic summer growths, iii. 183
Manures, iii. 187
Protecting the blossoms, iii. 188
Syringing, iii. 188
Thinning, iii. 188
Perfecting the fruits, iii. 189
Gathering, iii. 189
Storing, iii. 189
Cultivation under glass, iii. 189
Structures, iii. 190
Varieties, iii. 190
Culture, iii. 190
Trees in pots, iii. 191
Watering, iii. 191
Re-potting, iii. 192
Top dressing, iii. 192
Trees on trellises, iii. 192
Alternative system of bearing, iii. 193
Forcing, iii. 194
Temperatures, iii. 194
Diseases, iii. 196
Bladder plums, iii. 196
Gum, iii. 196
Mildew, iii. 196
Orange fungus, iii. 197
Rot, iii. 197
Enemies, iii. 198
Aphides, iii. 198
Caterpillars, iii. 198
Mites, iii. 198
Red grubs, iii. 199
Red spider, iii. 199
Sawfly, iii. 199
Slug worm, iii. 199
Thrips, iii. 199
Waeberian moth, iii. 199
Weevils, iii. 200
White scale, iii. 200
Mice and rats, iii. 200
Squirrels, iii. 200
Woodlice, iii. 200
In orchards, iii. 280
Plantations, iii. 299
On walls, iii. 307
For sale, iii. 312
Packing, iii. 331
Marketing, iii. 331
Preserving, iii. 351
PINE APPLES, iii. 154
History, iii. 154
Varieties, iii. 155
Propagation, iii. 156
Seeds, iii. 156
Crowns, iii. 156
Gills, iii. 156
Dormant buds, iii. 156
Suckers, iii. 156
Structures, iii. 157
Lean-to pit, iii. 158
Lean-to house, iii. 158
Span roof, iii. 159
Top and bottom heat, iii. 159
Arrangement, iii. id
Ground plan, iii. 161
Soil, iii. 162
General cultivation, iii. 162
Potting, iii. 163
Temperatures, iii. 164
Ventilation, iii. 165
Starting, iii. 166.
Fruit ripening, iii. 167
Winter fruiting, iii. 167
The planting-out system, iii.
168
Diseases, iii. 169
Enemies, iii. 170
Brown scale, iii. 170
White scale, iii. 170
Mealy bug, iii. 170
For sale, iii. 319
Forcing, iii. 319
Packing, iii. 331
Marketing, iii. 331
POTASH, USES OF, i., 46
PRESERVATION OF FRUITS, iii. 342
Cider, iii. 342
Perry, iii. 344
Jam making, iii. 344
Canning, iii. 346
Crystallised fiuits, iii. 348
Drying, iii. 350
PRUNING, i. 156
Importance of, i. 156
Methods, i. 157
The cut, i. 157
Right and wrong practice, i. 159
Summer, i. 163
Effects of, i. 166
Winter, i. 169
Spur, i. 170
Root, i. 174.
Q
QUINCES, iii. 201
Varieties, iii. 201
Propagation, iii. 201
Seeds, iii. 201
Cuttings, iii. 202
Layers, iii. 202
Grafting, iii. 202
Budding, iii. 202
Management, iii. 202
Situation, iii. 202
Planting, iii. 202
Pruning, iii. 202
Gathering, iii. 202
Storing, iii. 202
INDEX.
363
R.
RASPBERRIES, iii. 203
Uses of, iii. 203
Varieties, iii. 203
Summer bearers, iii. 203
Autumn bearers, iii. 204
Situation, iii. 204
Soil, iii. 204
Arrangement, iii. 205
Propagation, iii. 206
Seeds, iii. 206
Cuttings, iii. 206
Offsets, iii. 206
Suckers, iii. 207
Planting, iii. 207
Pruning, iii, 207
Training, iii. 207
Espalier, iii. 213
Pruning autumn bearers, iii. 214
Summer treatment, iii. 214
Mulching, iii. 215
Watering, iii. 215
Winter treatment, iii. 215
Manures, iii. 216
Growing large fruits, iii. 216
Protecting the fruits, iii. 216
Gathering, iii. 216
Duration of plantations, iii. 217
Diseases, iii. 217
Fungoid, iii. 217
Enemies, iii. 217
Raspberry beetle, iii. 217
Mite, iii. 218
Moth, iii. 218
Weevil, iii. 219
Sawfly, iii. 219
In plantations, iii. 300
Packing, iii. 332
Marketing, iii. 332
ROOTS AND BRANCHES, i. 12
Functions of, i. 12
s.
SILICA, USES OF, i. 48
SITUATION AND SHELTER, i. 65
SODA, USES OF, i. 48
SOILS AND SUBSOILS, i. 27
Bases of, i. 28
Sandy, i. 28
Clay, i. 29
Marly, i. 29
Calcareous, i. 29
Peaty, i. 29
Improving, i. 31
Draining, i. 31
Tools for, i. 36
Preparing, i. 36
Making stations, i. 41
STRAWBERRIES, iii. 220
Uses of, iii. 220
Varieties, iii. 221
Early, iii. 221
Midseason, iii. 222
Late, iii. 223
In order of ripening, iii. 224
Propagation, iii. 224
Seeds, iii. 224
Division, iii. 225
Runners, iii. 225
Soil, iii. 227
Situation, iii. 227
Planting, iii. 228
Distances, iii. 228
Proper methods, iii. 229
Routine management, iii. 230
Summer treatment, iii. 230
Second or fruiting season, iii. 230
Methods of keeping fruit clean, iii. 230
Watering, iii. 231
Feeding, iii. 231
Thinning, iii. 231
Protecting the fruit, iii. 231
Gathering, iii. 232
Trimming, iii. 232
Manures, iii. 232
Winter treatment, iii. 232
Hautbois varieties, iii. 233
Propagation, iii. 233
Culture, iii. 233
Alpine varieties, iii 233
Cultivation, iii. 233
Forcing, iii. 234
Varieties, iii. 234
Plants for, iii. 234
Compost, iii. 235
Potting, iii. 235
Situation, iii. 236
Watering, iii. 236
Feeding, iii. 236
Removing side crowns, iii. 236
Wintering, iii. 236
Structures, iii. 237
Starting, iii. 238
Temperatures, iii. 238
Ventilation, iii. 239
Syringing, iii. 239
Watering, iii. 240
Feeding, iii. 240
Thinning the flowers, iii. 240
Weights of fruits, iii. 240
Retarding the crop, iii. 240
In autumn and winter, iii. 240
Diseases, iii. 241
Parasitic fungi, iii. 241
Mildew, iii. 241
Enemies, iii. 242
Mice, iii. 242
Millipedes, iii. 242
Eelworm, iii. 242
Spotted garden gnat, iii. 242
Caterpillars, iii. 242
Weevils, iii. 242
Cuckoo-spit, iii. 242
Aphides, iii. 242
Red spider, iii. 243
In plantations, iii. 301
For sale, iii. 312
Forcing, iii. 219
Packing, iii. 333
Marketing, iii. 333
STRUCTURES.
Apples, span roof for, ii. 33
Apricots, wall case for, ii. 76
Span roof, ii. 83
Bananas, house for, ii. 95
Cherries, 1 span for, ii. 143
Figs, j span for, ii. 189
Lean-to, ii. 189
Span roof for forcing, ii. 195
Grapes, ground vineries, ii. 269
Lean-to, ii. 274
3 span roof, ii. 275
Span roof, ii. 276
Pit for pot vines, ii. 313
Grape rooms, ii. 318
Peaches and Nectarines,
Steep span roof, iii. 85
Lean-to for forcing, iii. 97
Lean-to, iii. 98
J span roof, iii. 98
Lean-to, iii. 99
Pine apples,
Lean-to pit, iii. 158
Lean-to house, iii. 158
Span roof, iii. 158
3 span roof, iii. 159
Span roof, iii. 159
Strawberries,
Span roof, iii. 237
3 spap roof, iii. 237
Lean-to, iii. 237
Orchard houses,
Improved lean-to, iii. 246
Small span roof, iii. 247
Large span roof, iii. 248
Amateurs, iii. 249
SULPHATE OF AMMONIA, i. 50
SYSTEMS OF CULTURE, iii. 268
Orcharding, iii. 268
Simple, iii. 268
Cost of draining, iii. 269
Fencing, iii. 269
Preparing for planting, iii. 269
Cost of planting, iii. 269
Guards for trees, iii. 271
Apples, iii. 271
Distances to plant, iii. 272
Cost of planting, iii. 272
Varieties, iii. 272
Value of crops, iii. 273
Cherries, iii. 276
Varieties, iii. 276
Distances, iii. 276
Value of crops, iii. 277
Pears, iii. 279
Varieties, iii. 279
Profits, iii. 279
Plums and Damsons, iii. 280
Varieties, iii. 280
Cost of Planting, iii. 281
Value of crops, iii. 281
u.
UTILISATION OF WALLS AND BUILD-
INGS, iii. 304
South, iii. 304
West, iii. 304
East, iii. 304
North, iii. 304
Apricots, iii. 305
Cherries, iii. 305
Figs, iii. 305
Grape-vines, iii. 306
Peaches, iii. 306
Pears, iii. 306
Plums, iii. 307
Unsatisfactory trees on, iii. 308
THE END.
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
VOL. I.
THE
FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE
BY
JOHN WRIGHT, F.R.H.S.
EDITOR OF THK " JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE " ; EDITOR OF " GARDEN WORK"
MK.MBKR OF THE FRUIT COMMITTEE OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
AUTHOR OF " PROFITABLE FRUIT CULTURE," THE GOLD MF.DAL PRIZE ESSAY OP THE FRUITERERS' COMPANY
AND LECTURER ON HORTICULTURE FOR THB SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MISS MAY RIVERS
NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS 13Y WORTHINGTON G. SMITH AND GEORGE SIIAYI.ER
IN THREE VOLUMES
VOL. I.
LONDON
VIRTUE AND COMPANY, CITY ROAD
LONDON :
PRINTED BY VIRTUE AND COMPANY,
CITY KOAD.
is Brtiicatrt!
(BY PERMISSION)
TO
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF FRUITERERS
IN RECOGNITION OF THE
ACTIVITY AND INFLUENCE OF AN ANCIENT CITY GUILD
IN PROMOTING THE
EXTENDED AND BETTER CULTIVATION OF FRUIT
IN THIS COUNTRY.
PREFACE.
" It must never be forgotten that fruit is the product of cultivated soil and cultivated talent"
SHIRLEY HIBBEBD.
TN the production of this volume it has been no small advantage to have had the
privilege of consulting the eminent poinologist, Dr. Eobert Hogg, who obligingly
glanced through many of the proof pages, and bestowed on them, where needed, the
delicate touches of a master's hand.
For matter supplied I am indebted to Mr. George Abbey, a gardener of long
experience and great knowledge. Without his valuable co-operation, the subjects,
especially tho fungoid and other enemies of fruit, could not be so complete as they
are, while elucidatory plans, sections, and sketches have enhanced the measure of my
obligations to him.
All the routine cultural teaching is presented in consonance with my own experience,
and I hold myself wholly responsible for the soundness, or otherwise, of the practices
advocated, especially tor those that may be deemed faulty in character ; and the greatest
favour that discriminating readers, experienced in fruit culture, can confer will be in
pointing out what they may consider defective, with the view to subsequent recti-
fication.
I desire to thank Mr. G. Bunyard, Maidstone ; Mr. A. H. Pearson, Chilwell, Notts ;
Mr. T. Francis Rivers, Sawbridgeworth, Herts ; Mr. A. J. Thomas, Sittingbourne ; and
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for supplying the specimens of fruits which are
portrayed in this volume by Miss May Rivers. It should be explained that the Late
Black Bigarreau and Bigarreau de Gueben Cherries (facing page 190) were gathered
from trees in pots in an unheated house at Sawbridgeworth ; and the fine Cox's Orange
via
Pippin Apple (feeing page 312) was grown in a similar way : nil the
were produced by trees in the open ground.
Works that hare been consulted in the preparation of the volume are— Wkkson s
"Califoroian Fruits " (Dewey, San Francisco); Thompaon's '-Gardeners Assistant''
and the "Popular Encyclopedia'' (Blackie); Xkhoison's "Dictionary of Gardening"
(Upcott Gilij; Hogg's - Vegetable Kingdom " (Kent & Co.); Miss Onnerod's "Manual
on Injurious Insects" (Simpkin, Marshdl, Hamilto* ft Co.); Griffith's '• Manure*,"
Fream's "Soils," and Johnson's "Gardener's Dictionary" (Bell & Sons), with the
Gardemen1 ChrvneU and the J<mal of ffortiaOton. Quotations hare been acknow-
ledged in the text, and obligations are tendered to aU sources of information.
To all those practical gardeners and expert fruit growers who spontaneously
expressed their approval of this work as it appeared in monthly parts, I desire to tender
or expect that they will con-
tinue to —
••Be to My
It is enough to fed that they are in sympathy with the endeaTour to make the
seeking to share in the
increased production of Mperior fruit
J. WEIGHT.
CONTENTS.
INTBODUCTIOV
Hoots and Branches
Leaves ...
Flowers ...
Fruit
The Splittin',' of Froit — Osmosis
GENERAL PRACTICI:
Soils and Sub-
Improving Soils — Draining
Preparing Soils ...
Manures
Lime ...
Phosphates ...
Potash
Magnesia
Iron ...
Soda
Silica ...
Nitrate of Soda
Sulphate of Ammonia
Farmyard Manure
Refuse
Applying Manures
Surface Dressings
Summer Dressings
Mineral Constituents of Fruit
Liquid Manure
Mulching
Watering
Climate ...
Dew
Frost
Light
Heat
Temperature ..
Ventilation
Syringing
Bain Water
Softening Water
Ammonia Vapour
Situation and Shelter
Form of Fruit Gardens
Borders for Fruit-trees
Fruit Garden anil Orchard
Renovating Old Fruit Garden
Digging among Fruit Trees ...
PAOI
1
12
14
18
21
25
•21
27
30
86
41
48
45
46
47
47
48
48
49
50
50
51
51
52
52
58
56
57
57
58
58
59
60
60
61
61
62
64
64
65
65
70
72
75
77
80
Situation and Shelter — continued.
Hoeing ... ... . ... 81
Orchards 82
Renovating Old Orchards ... . 90
Raising Fruit Trees ... ... . 96
Cuttings 99
Layers ... ... ... 102
Suckers 105
Bunners 106
Stocks and their Influence ... ... 107
Budding 115
Grafting ... 120
Tongue and Whip Grafting ... ... 122
Double Grafting 128
Wedge Grafting 180
Working Large Stocks ... .... 180
Cleft Grafting 181
Bind or Crown Grafting 181
Improved Crown Grafting ... ... 132
Notch Grafting 182
Side Grafting 184
Inlaying 186
Inarching ... ... ... ... 186
Planting ... 137
Laying out ... ... ... ... 187
Tree Markers 142
Hill-sides 143
Choosing Trees ... ... ... 144
Taking up Trees 146
Time of Planting 147
Planting against Wul!s :iu.l Fiuccs ... 158
Preserving the Names of Fruit Trees 1 55
Pruning ... ... ... ... ... 15G
Methods of Pruning— " the Cut " ... 157
Right and Wrong Practice 159
ftnmmer Pnminpf ... ... . . 168
Pruning Npurs ... ... ... I'.'C
Lifting Fruit Trees 172
Root Pruning . 174
Shaping and Training ... .. 178
Cup "Form ... .. 179
Forked Form 180
Training 188
Disbudding 186
Protection ... ... .. ... 190
Birds and Bud* 190
CONTENTS,
Protection — continued.
Preserving Buds ... ... ... 191
Fruit Cages 192
Protecting Blossom ... ... ... 198
Thinning Fruit 197
Perfecting and Protecting Fruit . . . 200
Protecting Fruit 201
Gathering Fruit 202
Tests for Gathering 202
Storing Fruit 208
Fruit Rooms 204
Grading Fruit 214
Implements ... ... ... ... 215
Spade 215
Shovels 216
Forks 216
Pickaxe 216
Pick Mattock 216
Mattock 216
Drag or Canterbury Hoe ... ... 216
Pitchfork 217
Bakes 217
Trowels 217
Hoes 217
Edge Tools 217
Budding Knives 218
Pruning 218
Scissors or Hand Shea s ... .. 219
Secateurs ... .. ... ... 219
Tree Pruners 220
Axe 221
Saws 221
Chisel 222
Hammer 222
Crowbar 222
Mallet 222
Barrows 222
Baskets 224
Scraper 224
Ladders 225
Diseases 226
Fungi 227
Canker 229
Gum 284
Apple Scab 288
Mildew 245
Lichen and Moss 250
Enemies ... ... ... ... ... 252
Insects 252
American Blight or Woolly Aphis ... 253
Ants 255
Aphides 258
Beetles and Woodlice 262
Cockroaches and Crickets ... ... 265
CodlinMoth 266
Earwig 267
Millipedes 268
Eed Spider 269
Scale 272
Slugs and Snails 276
Thrips 274
Kntmies — continued.
Wireworm 277
Wasps 279
Weevils 282
Caterpillars 288
Figure-of-Eight Moth 288
Lackey Moth 285
Small Ermine Moth 286
Vapourer Moth . . .... ... 286
Mottled Umber Moth 287
Pale Brindled Beauty Moth (March
Moth) 288
Winter Moth 288
Birds 296
Hares and Babbits 297
Mice and Bats 298
Mole 800
Squirrels ... 800
Remedial Appliances ... ... ... 301
Dusting 301
Fumigation 803
Spraying ... ... ... ... 805
Sprayers 806
APPLES 809
Varieties for Cultivation ... ... 815
Descriptive Lists of Apples ... ... 817
Dessert 317
Selections of Dessert Apples ... ... 819
Descriptive List of Dessert or Culinary 821
Selections of Dessert or Culinary ... 328
Descriptive List of Culinary Apples ... 324
Selections of Culinary ... ... ... 827
Apples for Special Districts, Soils, and
Forms of Trees 828
Apples suited to Different Parts of Great
Britain and Ireland ... ... 880
Southern Counties ... ... ... 380
Eastern and Midland Counties . . . 330
Northern Counties ... ... ... 331
Eastern, Midland, and Southern Coun-
ties of Scotland 832
Elevated Situations wilh Shelter ... 882
Apples suited to Vat ions Soils ... ... 838
Shallow Loam resting on Gravel and
Sand 888
Strong Loam ... ... .. ... 884
Peaty Soil 884
Selections of Apples for Various Modes
of Culture 884
Bushes or Pyramids ... ... ... 884
Low Standards ... ... ... ... 885
Apples suitable for Tall Standards ... 886
Apples suitable for Borders 887
Apples suitable for Espaliers ... ... 887
Apples for Walls 338
Propagation ... ... ... ... 888
- Stocks 889
Soil 840
Preparing Ground
Distances for Planting 344
Planting
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
COLOURED PLATES.
Descriptions of the Fruits figured will be found in the Selections of Varieties of the Different Kinds
in this and subsequent Volumes.
PAOB
BERBEREIES Vignette.
PEACHES: — ALEXANDER — RIVERS' EARLY YORK ... ... ... ... ... Frontispiece.
APPLES :— GASCOIGNE'S SEEDLING — SANDRINGHAM ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 54
PEARS: — CATILLAC — BERGAMOTTE ESPEREN — JOSEPHINE DE M KLINES — MAHECHAL DE COUR ... 78
NECTARINE :— PINE APPLE 112
PEARS: — SUMMER BEURRE D'AREMBEKG—BEURHE RANGE — BEURRE DIEL 180
CHERRIES: — MORELLO — LATE BLACK BIGARHEAU — BIGARREAU NOIR DE GUEBEN — MAY DUKE ... 190
APPLES :— BRADDICK'S NONPAREIL — KING OF THE PIPPINS — BELLE DE PONTOISE 212
PLUMS :— EARLY TRANSPARENT GAGE — RIVERS' EARLY PROLIFIC ... ... ... ... ... 286
GOOSEBERRIES: — ANGLER — LEVELLER — WHINHAM'S INDUSTRY ... 260
STRAWBERRIES: — FROGMORE LATE PINE — SIR JOSEPH PAXTON — VICOMTESSE H ERIC ART DE THURY 278
ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT.
no.
1.
'2,
8.
4.
5.
0.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
28.
Roots ... ... ...
Leaves ...
Flowers...
Fruit — Berries ...
Fruit — Drupe and Pome
Sandy Loam — Draining required
Strong Loam — Draining required
Draining Tools ...
Plan of Complete Fruit Garden
Fruit Border in Friable Soil ...
Fruit Border in Damp Ground
Cottager's Fruit Garden
Fruit Garden and Orchard
Orchard ...
Propagation by Cuttings
Heel and Bud Cuttings
Layering Vines... ... ... ... 103
Layering, Tongueing, Ringing, Notching 105
Budding Fruit Trees ...
Tongue or Whip Grafting
Double-Tongue and Weilpe Grafting .
Grafting Large Stocks and Old Trees .
Side Grafting and Inarching ... .
PAOI
»1O.
13
24.
16
5-2.
20
26.
22
23
27.
32
28.
31
29.
80
80.
71
31.
73
82.
71
83.
70
34.
77
35.
80
30.
100
87.
101
103
88.
105
89.
119
128
40.
120
41.
138
18$
42.
PAOB
188
189
140
141
142
Planting in Squares
Settiug out Squares
Equilateral Triangle and Opposite
Vacancy Planting
Setting out Triangles ...
Planting Markers, Straight and Triangle
Slope Planting ... ... ... ... 144
Terrace Planting ... ... ... 145
Planting, Pruning and Staking ... 149
Planting and Drainage ... ... ... 152
Labels for Fruit Trees ... ... ... 155
Cuts and Resultant Growths ... ... 158
Pruning— Root and Branch Treatmei t 160
Pruning — For Wood and for Fruit ... 101
Pruning — Effects of Branch Shortening
and Elongation ... ... ... 162
Summer Pruning and Pinching ... 164
Effects of Pruning and Non-Pruning in
Summer 166
Pruning — Results of Practice ... ... 167
Pruning — Cause anil Effect — A Lesson
for Learners ... ... ... ... 171
Spur Pruning 171
xii
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
48. Root Pruning— Right and Wrong Cuts 176
44. Root Pruning— Practical Effects ... 176
46. Formiug Uup-shaped Trees ... ... 179
46. Forming Fork-branched Trees ... 181
47. Laying the Foundation of the Future
Tree 188
48. Forming Fan and Horizontal Shaped
Trees
49. Disbudding for Growths and Clean Stems
50. Disbud.ling for Wood and Fruit
51. Protecting Blossom from Frost
52. Thinning Fruit 199
58. Fruit Room — Ground Plan
54. Fruit Room — Section ...
55. Tools used in Connection with the Soil
56. Knives, Scissors and Secateurs
57. The Standard Tree Pruner, Bill-hook,
Saws, and Aerial Hook
58. Axes, Bill-hook, Saws, Hammer
59. Barrows, Basket, Scraper Ladder and
Steps ...
60. Wounds in Fruit without Canker and
with Canker 230
61. Nectria ditissima Fungus causing
Canker
(32. Coryneum Beijerincki Fungus causing
Gum ...
63. Cladosporium dendriticum on Apple ...
64. Cladosporium dendriticum growing
under Membrane of Apple ...
65. Cludosporium dendriticum on Apple
. Leaf
66. Cladosporium Jendriticum growing
under Membrane of Apple Leaf
67. Oidium farinosutn (Cooke) on Apple
Blossom
68. Oidium growing on Stamens and Pistils
of Apple
69. Oidium farinosum growing on Pollen in
Open Anthers of Applo Blossom
70. Moss and Lichen Scraper
71. Infested Wood — Lichen and Moss
72. Clean Wood ...
78. Woolly Aphis
74. Woolly Aphis on Apple Tree
75. Black Fly — Aphis cerasi
76. Black Fly — Aphis cerasi — on Growths
no.
77.
78.
79.
80.
184
81.
187
189
82.
194
199
83.
209
84.
211
85.
215
219
86.
221
87.
228
88.
225
280
89.
233
90.
235
91.
239
92.
289
93.
240
94.
240
95.
96.
245
97.
98.
245
99.
100.
246
101.
251
102.
252
108.
252
104.
258
105.
254
106.
258
107.
258
108.
Xyleborus dispar infesting young Plum
Tree 268
Codlin Moth (Carpocapsa, pomonella) ... 26(?
Red Spider (Tetranychus telarius) on
MelouLeaf 269
Mussel Scale (Mytilapis pomorum) on
Apple 278
White Pear Scale (Aspidiotus rapax) on
Pear 278
Thrips (Heliothrips heemorrhoidalis) on
Vine Leaf, Shoot, and Hunch of Grapes 275
Hand-light Wasp Trap 281
Wasp and Fly Trap 281
Apple-blossom Weevil (Anthonomus
pomorum) ... ... ... ... 282
Figure-of-Eight Moth (Diloba cceruleo-
cephala) on Apple ... ... ... 284
Lackey Moth (Bombyx neustria) on
Pear 285
Small Ermine Moth (Hyponomeuta
padella) and Web of Caterpillars on
Apple Branch 286
Vapourer Moth (Orgyia antiqua) on
Cherry 286
Mottled Umber Moth (Hybernia defo-
liaria) on Plum 287
Winter Moth and Eggs on Apple
Branches ... ... ... ... 289
Winter Moth Caterpillars infesting Apple
Leaves and Blossom ... ... ... 291
Tree barked by Rabbits, and Gap
bridged over with Scions ... ... 299
Sulphur Duster 302
Indiarubber Distributor ... ... 302
Malbec Bellows ... 302
La Torpille Duster 302
Hand-power Strawsonizer ... ... 303
Bloxhara's Patent Fumigator ... ... 305
Appleby's Fumigator ... ... ... 305
Stott's Syringe for Spraying ... ... 306
Snow's Patent Garden Pump 306
The Stott Tree and Plant Washer ... 807
Stott Sprayer 807
M. Vermorel's Knapsack Pump Ecliiii- 808
Boulton & Paul's Sprayer ... ... 308
Shapes and Sizes of Apples ... ... 316
Shapes and Sizes of Apples 320
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
VOL. II.
THE
FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE
BY
JOHN WRIGHT, F.R.H.S.
EDITOB OP THE " JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTUBE " J EDITOB OF '• GABDHN WOBK "
MEMBER OP THE FBUIT COMMITTEE OP THE ROYAL HOHTICULTUKAL, SOCIETY
AUTHOR OP "PBOPITABLE FBUIT OULTUBE," THE GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY OP THE FBUITEBEBS1 COMPANY
AND LECTUBEB OH HOBTICULTUBE FOB THE SUBBEY COUNTY COUNCIL
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MISS MAY RIVERS
AND
NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS BY WORTHINGTON G. SMITH AND GEORGE SHAYLER
IN THREE VOLUMES
VOL. II.
LONDON
VIRTUE AND CO.,
CITY ROAD
LONDOK :
FEINTED BY VIRTUE AND CO,
C1TT ROAD.
CONTENTS.
VOL. II.
APPLES
Modes of Training
Pyramidal Trees
Bush Training
Ordinary Bush
Goblet-shaped Bush
PiOI
1
1
1
10
11
13
Open Bush ... ... ... ... 14
Horizontal Training ... ... ... 15
Horizontal Palmette ... ... ... 18
Upright Six-branched Training ... 19
Cordon Training ... ... ... 21
Horizontal Cordons ... ... ... 21
Single, Vertical, and Diagonal Cordon 28
Single Diagonal Cordon ... ... 25
Low Standard Trees 26
Pruning ... ... ... ... 29
Manuring ... ... ... ... 80
Watering and Syringing ... ... 81
Apples under Glass ... ... ... 81
Culture Pots 35
Enemies of Apples ... ... ... 86
Insects 88
APRICOTS ... ... ... ... ... 45
Varieties... ... ' ... ... ... 46
Propagation ... ... ... ... 47
Situation and Aspect ... ... ... 48
Soil 49
Forming Borders ... ... ... 50
Planting, Choice of Trees ... ... 50
Distances ... ... ... ... 51
Manures... ... ... ... ... 53
Feeding ... ... ... ... ... 54
Mulching ... ... ... ... 55
Training... ... ... ... ... 56
Modified Fan 57
Cordon Training ... ... ... 60
Bearing ... ... ... ... ... 62
Protecting Blossom ... ... ... 64
Disbudding ... ... ... ... 64
Stopping the Shoots ... ... ... 65
Thinning the Fruit 65
General Summer Treatment ... ... 66
Unfruitful Trees 67
Winter Treatment 68
Pruning, Long Pruning.. . ... ... 68
Short Pruning 70
Spurs 74
Flued Walls 75
Apricots under Glass ... ... ... 75
Forms of Tree Pyramids ... ... 79
Standard Trees 80
Forcing Apricots ... ... ... 83
Diseases ... ... ... ... ... 86
Enemies 87
PAOI
BANANAS ... ... ... ... ... 93
BERBERRIES ... ... ... ... ... 100
BILBERRIES AND CRANBERRIES ... ... 102
BLACKBERRIES... ... ... ... ... 105
Training 108
Manuring ... ... ... ... 109
Durability of Plantations ... ... 110
CAPE GOOSEBERRY ... ... ... ... Ill
CHERRIES ... ... ... ... ... 113
Descriptive List of Varieties ... ... 114
Selections for Various Modes of Culture 118
Propagation ... ... ... ... Hi
Site and Soil ... 121
Soil • 122
Planting 123
Distances for the Trees ... ... 124
Training 124
Standards 125
Fan-trained Trees 125
Mode of Bearing ... ... ... 129
Summer Pruning ... ... ... 130
Training Morello Cherries ... ... 132
Disbudding and Stopping ... ... 134
Bush and Pyramid Trees ... ... 186
Cordons 187
Manures 187
Protecting Blossom ... ... ... 188
Thinning the Fruit 189
Watering and Feeding ... ... 139
Protecting the Fruit ... ... ... 140
Gathering ... ... ... ... 140
Cherries under Glass ... ... ... 141
Potted Trees 141
Planted-out Trees 142
Forcing ... ... ... ... ... 143
Diseases... ... ... ... ... 147
Enemies 147
CURRANTS ... ... ... ... ... 151
Black Currants ... ... ... ... 151
Varieties of Black Currants ... ... 151
Propagation ... ... ... ... 152
Soil 153
Arrangement .. ... ... ... 153
Planting 153
Training ... ... ... ... 154
Natural Bushes ... ... .. 154
Pruning ... ... ... ... 155
Feeding ... ... ... ... 156
Red and White Cui rants 156
Varieties .. ... ... 157
Site and Soil 157
Training ... ... 158
Pruning 160
Winter Culture 162
VI
CONTENTS.
CURRANTS.
Red and White Currants — continued.
Protecting the Crop ...
Keeping the Fruit
Diseases and Enemies
EUGENIA AND TREATMENT
FIGS
Varieties...
Propagation
Situation and Soil
Form of Trees
Fan Shape
Characteristics of Bearing ...
Pruning
Winter Pruning
Summer Pruning
Compost for Border and Potting
Manures
Protecting in Winter ...
Figs under Glass
Temperature and Ventilation
Atmospheric Moisture
Trees Casting their Fruit
Potted Trees
Pinching
Forcing ...
Routine Operations ...
Structure
Diseases...
Enemies...
GOOSEBERRIES
Varieties, Small or Medium Sized
Varieties with Large Fruit
Lancashire Prize Varieties
Propagation
Situation and Soil
Training...
The Lancashire System
Upright Training
Standards
Pruning
Protecting the Buds ...
Thinning the Fruit
Protecting the Fruit ...
Culture
Diseases...
Enemies...
GRANADILLAS ...
GJUPK VINES — HISTORY
Large Vines
Manresa Vine ...
Large Bunches ...
Varieties...
Selections for Various Modes of Culture.
Propagation
"Eyes"
Grafting ... ...
Soils and Borders
Borders for Vines under Glass
Site
Border Dimensions ...
Drainage
163
163
164
168
170
172
175
177
178
179
181
182
183
184
185
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
192
194
196
199
199
201
201
202
205
206
207
208
210
211
213
214
216
217
217
218
218
220
226
230
232
233
234
236
242
243
244
247
249
251
256
256
257
GRAPE VINES.
Propagation — con tinued.
Making the Border
Planting
Outdoor Culture
Vineyard
Vines on Open Walls...
Culture under Glass
Ground Vineries
In Unheated Houses ...
Vines in Greenhouses
Vineries — Lean-to
Three-quarter Span-roof
Span-roofed Vinery ...
Training...
Long Hod Training ...
Extension Training ...
Pruning ...
Spur Pruning ...
Long Pruning
Early Pruning
Bleeding
Management of Vines ...
Manures and Manuring
Covering Vine Borders
Resting Period
Forcing Vines for Early Grapes
Starting
Watering
Temperature ...
Ventilation
Moisture
Mulching
Spring and Summer Management
Disbudding, Stopping, and Tying . .
Tying-down ...
Setting the Grapes ...
Thinning Grapes
Scorching
Scalding
Rust on Grapes
Warts on Vine Leaves
Colouring Grapes
Exhibiting Grapes
Fruiting Vines in Pots ...
Compost and Position
Temperature and Ventilation
Watering and Moisture
Training ...
Ripening the Growths
Early Forcing with Bottom Heat
Vines in Pots for Table Decoration . .
Keeping Grapes...
Bottling Grapes
Grapes Cracking
Renovating Vines and Vine Borders
Grape Vine Diseases
Grape Vine Insects
GUAVAS
LOQUAT
MEDLARS
258
269
263
264
265
268
268
270
272
273
275
276
276
279
281
282
282
284
285
286
286
286
289
290
290
290
291
293
294
295
296
290
290
298
800
301
305
806
3U6
807
807
308
810
811
811
811
812
312
313
310
310
318
822
822
825
330
836
340
348
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
VOL. II.
COLOURED PLATES.
Descriptions of the Fruits figured mil be found in the Selections of Varieties of the Different Kinds
in this and subsequent Volume.
RAM
NUTS ... Vignette.
GRAPES : — DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH— GKOS COLMAN — LAUY DOWNE'S SEEDLING Frontispiece.
APPLES : — IRISH PEACH — EARLY BED JOANETTING — STIRLING CASTLE — LORD GROSVENOR — YORKSHIRE
BEAUTY ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 16
APPLES: — LANE'S PRINCE ALBERT — CHELMSFORD WONDER — ALLEN'S EVERLASTING ... ... ... 24
APPLES :— TOM PUTT— WEALTHY— QUEEN CAROLINE 82
APPLES : — DUCHESS OF OLDENBURG — RIBSTON PIPPIN — ECKLINVILLE — BRAMLEY'S SEEDLING... ... 40
APRICOTS : — ROYAL — GROSSE PECHE — LARGE EARLY MONTGAMET ... ... ... ... ... 64
BANANA AND MONSTERA DELICIOSA 94
CHERRIES :— EARLY RIVERS 118
CHERRIES :— BIGARREAU 186
CURRANTS :— VICTORIA— WHITE DUTCH— BLACK NAPLES 156
FIGS : — WHITE MARSEILLES — TOULOUSIENNE — NEGRO LARGO — VIOLETTE IJE BORDEAUX — BOURJASOTTB
GRISE 172
GOOSEBERRIES : — YELLOW CHAMPAGNE — WHITESMITH — RED CHAMPAGNE — PITMASTON GREEN GAGE
— GREEN GAGE — RED WASHINGTON ... ... ... ... ... ... 204
GRAPES: — BLACK HAMBURGH — BUCKLAND SWEETWATER — BL\CK ALICANTE ... ... ... ... 230
GRAPES : — MRS. PINCE'S MUSCAT — ROYAL MUSCADINE — CHASSELAS VIBERT — FOSTER'S SEEDLING —
MRS. PEARSON — GROS MAROC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 256
GRAPES: — MUSCAT OF ALEXANDBIA — MADBESFIELD COURT ... ... ... ... ... ... 804
ILLUSTKATIONS IN TEXT.
»IO. PAGE 1 FIO. "OB
1. Forming Pyramid Trees ... 2 18. Specks on Apple... 87
2. Pyramid Training — Good and Bad 19. Apple Chennes ... ... .•• ••• 89
Practice 4 20. Forming Fan-shaped Apricot Tree ... 57
3. Advanced Pyramids ... ... ... 7 21. Training Apricot Trees ... ... ... 58
4. A Root and Branch Lesson 9 22. Apricot Tree, Fourth Year's Training ... 59
5. Forming Ordinary Bush Apple Trees ... 11 28. E.-tablished Full-sized Tree 69
6. Forming Goblet-shaped Bush ... ... 13 24. Forming Cordon Trees ... ... ... 61
7. Open Bush, showing Pruning ... ... 14 25. Various Growths of Apricots
8. Open Bush in Fruit ... ... ... 14 26. Long-Pruning Apricots ... 69
9. Horizontal Training 16 27. Apricot Branch — Typical Growths and
10. Horizontal Palmetto without Heading ... 18 Pruning... ... ... ... ••• 71
11. Upright Six-branched Tree 20 28. Short Pruning ... ... 72
12. Horizontal Cordons ... ... ... 22 29. -Apricot Spurs and Pruning ... ... 78
18. Single Upright Cordon Training ... 28 80. A Wall Case for Apricots 76
14. Single Diagonal Cordon Training ... 25 81. Pyramid Trees in Pots ...
15. Low Standard Tree 26 82. Standard Apricots 82
16. Low Standard Tree in Bearing ... ... 28 83. A Span -roof House for Apricots ... 88
17. Section of Span-roof Apple House ... 33 84. Apricot Moth ... ... ... ... 89
Till
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Flo. PAGE
85. Banana House ... ... ... ... 95
86. Bilberry and Pear-shaped Cranberry . . . 102
87. Cherry Cranberry 103
38. Parsley-leaved Bramble 107
89. Cape Gooseberry ... ... ... Ill
40. Originating Fan-shaped Cherry Tree ... 126
41. Fan-shaped Cherry Tree, Three Years
from the Maiden ... ... ... 128
42. Fan-shaped Cherry Tree, Full Trained ... 129
43. Cherry Spurs, Fruiting Branch, and One
Year's Wood 180
44. Cherry. — Summer Pruning, Spur For-
mation, Shortening Spurs ... ... 182
45. Three-years' Semi-fan trained Morello
Cherry 183
46. Shortening, Disbudding, also Thinning
Fruit. Right and Wrong Practice ... 185
47. Three-quarter Span-roofed Cherry House 143
48. Slug- worm on Cherry ... ... ... 149
49. Modes of Training Black Currants.
Clean Stem Tree. Natural Bush ... 154
50. Black Currant Bushes before and after
Pruning ... ... ... ... 155
51. Characteristic Growths and Forms of
Red Currant Bushes. Summer and
Winter Pruning ... ... ... 161
52. Currant Gall Mite aad Infestation ... 165
53. Currant Clear-wing Moth 166
54. Eugenia Ugni. 168
65. Annular Budding in Fig Tree 176
56. Originating Round-headed and Fan-
shaped Fig Trees 179
57. Fan-Trained Fig Tree against Wall ... 180
58. Characteristic Growths and Fruit Pro-
duction in the Fig ... ... ... 181
59. Pruning Wall and Trellis Fig Trees ... 183
60. Three-quarter Span-roofed and Lean-to
Fig House 189
61. Pruning Young Fig Tree, and Summer
Pruning 193
62. Span-roofed Fig House for Early Forcing 196
63. Erect and Pendulous Gooseberry Bushes 209
64. Single and Double Vertical Cordon
Gooseberry Training ... ... ... 218
65. Characteristic Growths of Gooseberry.
Summer and Winter Pruning ... ... 215
66. Royle's Garden Webber 217
67. Gooseberry Fungus ... ... ... 219
68. Magpie Moth, Larva, Caterpillar, and
Clean Growth 221
69. Gooseberry and Currant Sawfly ; Cater-
pillar-infested and Clean Branch . . . 223
70. Fruiting Spray of Passiflora edulis ... 227
71. The Manresa Vine 233
Flo. TAOK
72. Bunch of Gros Guillaume Grapes . . . 285
73. Bunch of White Nice Grapes 286
74. Raising Vines from " Eyes " ... ... 245
75. Budding and Grafting Vines ... ... 247
76. Vine Roots in a Good Natural Grape
Soil, and in an Unsuitable Artificial
Border 251
77. Vine for Indoor Planting 259
78. Planting Vine, termed a "Cut-back";
Disbudding ; Planting in Outside
Border 261
79. A Castle Coch Vine 263
80. Vine on Chaintre or Extension System 264
81. Single Stem-upright, and Thomery
System of Training Vines 265
82. Ground Vineries 269
83. Lean-to Vinery 274
84. Three-quarter Span-roofed Vinery ... 275
85. Span-roofed Vinery 276
86. Training Young Vine from " Cut-back "
for Fruiting in Pot, as a " Super-
numerary " and as a Permanent Vine. . . 277
87. Long Rod Training 279
88. Spur- pruned Vines 283
89. Vine Pruning on the Extension System 285
90. Bearing-Shoot, Laterals, Sub-laterals,
and Forked Growth of Vine 599
91. Flowers and Berries of the Grape Vine 801
92. Grapes at the Thinning Stage 303
93. Exhibition Grape Stand 308
94. Preparing Board for Exhibition Grape
Stand 808
95. Exhibition Grape Stand in a Box ... 809
96. Hoard Exhibition Stand 809
97. Span-roofed Pit for Early Forcing Pot
Vines 318
98. Pot Vine coiled round Stakes, and in
Fruit 815
99. Grape Room. Part Section of Grape
Room 818
100. A Portion of the Grape Room at Floors
Castle 819
101. Mr. Inglis's Method of Suspending
Bottles in a Fruit Room for Keeping
Grapes 821
102. Notching Vine Roots 823
103. Oidium Tuckeri 825
104. Fungus producing Spot on Grapes ... 829
105. Diseases of Vine caused by the Vine
Mite 831
106. Vine Louse — Attacks on Root and Leaf 833
107. Spray of Strawberry Guava in Fruit ... 387
108. Fruiting Branchlet of Loquat ... ... 841
109. Fruiting Branch of Medlar 844
THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE.
VOL. III.
THE
FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE
BY
JOHN WRIGHT, F.R.H.S.
ASSISTANT EDITOR OP THE " JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE ; " EDITOR OP " GARDEN-WORK "
MEMBER OP THE PHUIT COM1IITTBB OP THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
AUTHOR OF " PROFITABLE FRUIT CULTURE," THE GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY OP THE FRUITERERS* COMPANY
AND LECTURER ON HORTICULTURE FOR THE SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MISS MAY RIVERS
AND
NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS BY WORTHINGTON G. SMITH AND GEORGE SHAYLER
IN THREE VOLUMES
VOL. III.
LONDON
VIRTUE AND COMPANY
CITY ROAD, B.C.
CONTENTS.
VOL. in.
MELONS
Varieties
Propagation ...
Soil
Culture in Frames and Pits
Hotbeds
Training
Cropping
Maintaining the Heat...
Watering and Sprinkling
Second Crops of Melons
Culture in Hot-water Heated Pits and
Houses
Structures
Training
Eoutine
Diseases
Enemies
MONSTER* DELICIOSA...
MULBERRIES ...
NUTS ...
Chestnuts
Cob-nuts and Filberts ...
Varieties
Propagation ...
Training and Pruning
Culture
Enemies
Walnuts...
Propagation and Management
ORANGES, LEMONS, AND LIMES
Varieties...
Propagation and Management ...
Diseases and Enemies ...
PEACHES AND NECTARINES
Varieties...
Propagation and Culture
Outdoor Cultivation
Wall Aspects ...
Borders
Planting
Training...
Cordon
"U" or Two-branch
Fan
Mode of Bearing
Pruning ...
Winter
Summer
Eoutine ...
18—!
1
2
8
5
6
7
10
18
14
14
15
17
22
22
23
25
26
29
29
31
32
33
34
39
40
41
42
46
47
48
55
58
59
66
67
67
68
69
70
70
71
72
76
77
78
80
82
PEACHES AND NECTARINES — continued.
Cultivation under Glass... ... ... 85
Training ... ... ... ... 87
Short Pruning 88
Eoutine 92
Forcing, Structures for... ... ... 96
Varieties 98
Time of Starting 100
Temperature and Ventilation ... 101
Trees Casting Buds 103
Lifting Unsatisfactory Trees... ... 104
Ailments... ... ... ... ... 105
Diseases... ... ... ... ... 106
Enemies... ... ... ... ... 110
PEAKS
Varieties... ... ... ... ... 113
Selections ... ... ... ... 121
Propagation and Culture ... ... 126
Soil 127
Situation ... ... ... ... 129
Distances between the Trees... ... 130
Training 132
Pyramids and Bushes ... ... 132
Fan-shaped Trees 133
Pear Walk 187
Pruning and Eoutine ... ... ... 188
Manuring ... ... ... ... 140
Cultivation under Glass... ... ... 145
Diseases... ... ... ... .. 147
Insects ... ... ... ... ... 150
PINE APPLES ... ... ... ... ... 154
Varieties... ... ... ... ... 155
Propagation ... ... ..-. ... 156
Structures ... ... ... ... 157
Top and Bottom Heat
Soil and Cultivation ... ... ... 162
Starting 166
PI anting- out System ... ... ... 168
Diseases and Insects ... ... ... 169
PLUMS AND DAMSONS... ... ... ... 171
Varieties 171
Selections ... ... ... ... 176
Propagation ... ... ... ... 177
Situation and Soil
Arrangement of Trees . . .
Planting and Training ...
Pruning, Summer
Winter
Eoutine Operations ....
Cultivation under Glass...
179
180
181
182
185
187
189
CONTENTS.
PLUMS AND DAMSONS.
Cultivation under Glass — coiitinneil.
Cool Houses ...
Forcing
Diseases and Enemies ...
QUINCES
RASPBERRIES ...
Varieties...
Situation and Soil
Arrangement
Propagation and Planting
Pruning and Training ...
Routine Operations, Summer
Winter
Diseases and Enemies ...
STRAWBERRIES
Varieties...
Selections
Propagation
Soil
Planting...
Routine Work, Summer
Winter
Hautbois and Alpines ...
Forcing Strawberries ...
Varieties and Plants ...
Compost and Potting...
Situation
Structures
Starting and Temperature ...
Ventilation and Syringing
Strawberries in Autumn and Winter ...
Enemies
OKCHARD HOUSES
Lean-to House ...
Span-roofed House
Culture in Orchard Houses
Potting and Repotting ...
Ventilating
Syringing
FBUIT GROWING FOR PROFIT
Growing for Exhibition or Pleasure ...
Growing for Market
Labourers and Fruit
Farm Gardens and Orchards ...
Small Holdings ...
Landowners' Gardens and Fruit Farms
Tradesmen and Mechanics
Supply and Demand
Imports of Foreign and Colonial Fruit
Land and Location
Tenure .
190
194
196
201
208
208
204
205
206
207
214
215
217
220
221
224
224
227
228
230
232
238
234
234
235
286
287
238
239
240
241
244
245
246
249
252
258
254
255
255
256
256
257
258
259
260
261
261
265
266
FAOB
SYSTEMS OP CULTURE — ORCHARDING ... 268
Apples ... ... ... ... ... 271
Cherries 276
Pears 279
Plums and Damsons ... ... ... 280
FRUIT PLANTATIONS ... .. ... ... 284
Apples 286
Cherries 290
Currants, Red 291
Currants, Black 292
Gooseberries ... ... ... ... 293
Nuts 295
Pears 297
Plums 299
Raspberries ... ... ... ... 800
Strawberries ... ... ... ... 801
UTILISATION OF WALLS AND BUILDINGS ... 804
Aspects ... ... ... ... ... 304
Apricots, Cherries, and Figs ... ... 305
Grape-Vines, Peaches, and Pears ... 806
Plums 307
Unsatisfactory Trees
FRUIT FOR SALE — UNDER GLASS CULTURE
Wall Cases
Forced Fruits ...
Apricots and Cherries
Figs and Grapes
Melons and Nectarines
Peaches
Pine- Apples and Strawberries
PACKING AND MARKETING FRUIT
Apples ...
Apricots and Cherries ...
Currants and Figs
Gooseberries and Grapes
Melons and Nuts
Peaches and Nectarines...
308
309
309
312
312
313
31(i
317
319
321
821
824
825
826
328
829
Pears 330
Pine-Apples and Plums ... ... ... 881
Raspberries ... ... ... ... 882
Strawberries ... ... ... ... 833
Sending Fruit by Parcel Post 835
PRICES OF FRUITS ... ... ... ... 836
Covent Garden Market 836
Provincial Markets 339
FRUIT PRESERVATION... ... ... ... 842
Cider 342
Perry 344
Jam-making ... ... ... ... 844
Canning ... ... ... ... 846
Crystallised Fruits 848
Fruit Drying 850
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
VOL. in.
COLOUEED PLATES.
Descriptions of the Fruits figured mil be found in the Selections of Varieties of the Different Kinds
in this and preceding Volumes,
ALPINE STKAWBEERIES ... Vignette.
PEARS : — PITMASTON DUCHESS — DURONDEAU ... ... ... ... ... ... Frontispiece.
ORANGES : — BLOOD ORANGE — SUSTAIN — TANGIERINE 46
PEACHES : — ALEXANDRA NOBLESSE (RIVERS) — ROYAL GEORGE — CRIMSON GALANDE ... ... 60
PEACHES : — GROSSE MIGNONNE — BELLEGARDE — GOSHAWK — BARRINGTON — DYMOND ... ... 80
PEACHES : — NECTARINE PEACH — PRINCESS OF WALES — SEA EAGLE ... ... ... ••• 96
PEACHES : — MILTON — GOLDONI — VICTORIA — STANWICK ELRUGE — NEWTON ...
PEARS : — JARGONELLE — BEURRE D'AMANLIS — CLAPP'S FAVOURITE ... ... ... ••• 118
PEARS : — GANSEL'S BERGAMOT — VAN MONS LEON LE CLERC — PORTUGAL QUINCE — DURONDEAU
PEARS ; — OLIVIER DE SERRES — EASTER BEURRE — NOUVELLE FULVIE... ... ... ••- 152
PLUMS : — COUNT ALTHANN'S GAGE — GRAND DUKE — GREEN GAGE — EARLY ORLEANS — GISBORNE'S —
MONARCH — THE CZAR ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ••• 172
PLUMS :— JEFFERSON — VICTORIA — COE'S GOLDEN DROP— DIAMOND — POND'S SEEDLING — AUTUMN
COMPOTE ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ••• ••• 192
RASPBERRIES: — RIVERS' HORNET — SWEET YE;,LOW ANTWERP — BAUMFORTH'S SEEDLING 204
STRAWBERRIES :— LAXTON'S NOBLE— JAMES VEITCH— DR. HOGG — BRITISH QUEEN ... 224
PEARS : — FONDANTE D'AUTOMNE — LOUISE BONNE OF JERSEY — BEURRE D'AREMBERG — GLOU MORC.EAU 278
PEARS : — DOYENNE DU COMICE — SOUVENIR DU CoNGRks — BEURRE SUPERFIN 296
NECTARINES :— LORD NAPIER (RIVERS)— HUMBOLDT (RIVERS)— DRYDEN (RIVERS) 816
ILLUSTKATIONS IN TEXT.
HO. PAOB
1. Melon Plants at Planting Stage.. ... 9
2. Frame Hotbed and Manure-heated Pit ... -11
3. Notch for Ventilating 12
4. Lean-to Pits for Melons... ... ... 14
5. Three - quarters Span - roofed and Span-
roofed Melon Houses ... ... 15
6. Melon Plants from Potting-off to Plant-
ing-out for Trellises ... ... ... 17
7. Setting the Fruit and Modes of Bearing
in Melons ... ... ... ... 19
8. The Black Mulberry 27
9. Forming Basin - shaped Cob-nut and
Filbert Trees 85
10. Pruning Filbert, and Characteristic
Growths 87
11. Nut Weevil, Pupa and Larva; infested
Cosford and Red Filbert Nuts 41
.
12. Buds, Blossom, and Bearing of the Walnut 48
18. Orangery... ... ... ... ... 51
14. Forming Conical and Standard Orange
Trees 53
15. Soft Orange Scale (Lecauium Hes-
peridium) on Orange Tree Spray ... 56
16. " U " Training applicable to Peach and
Nectarine Trees ... ... ... 71
17. One-year-old Trained Peach Tree, with
Leader, Stellate, and Fan Training 73
18. Three - years - old English Fan - trained
Peach Tree 74
19. Fan-trained Peach Tree in Fruit ... 75
20. Seymour's Mode of Training the Peach
and Nectarine ... ... ... 76
21. Characteristic Growths of Peach and
Nectarine ... ... ... ... 77
Vlll
LIST OF ILL i 'STRA TIONS.
no.
22. Proper and Improper Pruning Buds —
Disbudding and Thinning — Winter
and Bummer Pruning
28. Section of Steep Span-roofed Peach-
house as a Substitute for a Wall ...
24. Characteristic Joints, Leaves, and
Lateral Growths of Peach and
Nectarine Trees
25. Natural Spurs — Short Pruning — Cluster
Growths of Peach Trees ...
26. Extension and Successional Growths ...
27. Lean-to Peach-house for Early Forcing
28. Lean-to and Three-quarters Span Peach-
houses for Forcing ...
29. Lean-to Peach-house
80. Peach Blister or Curl (Exoascus de-
formans)
81. Peach Mildew (Sphierotheca pannosa) ...
32. Spot-fungus (Glaosporium lajticolor) ...
83. Characteristic Peach Leaves ...
84. Bush, Pyramid, and Columnar Pear Trees
85. Fan Training for Espalier and Wall
Trees
86. " Toasting Fork," Candelabra, and Pal-
mette-Verrier Trained Pear Trees ...
37. Arch Trellis for Pear Trees over Garden
Walk
88. Restoring an Enfeebled Tree to Vigour,
and Transforming a Luxuriant Tree
into a Fruitful One ...
89. Pear-house at Lambton Castle Gardens
40. Roestelia cancellata on Pear Leaf and
Stem ...
41. Fungus (Cladosporium dendriticura
pyrinum) on Pear Leaves and Fruit
42. Pear Gall Mite — Attack on Pear Leaves
and Section of Leaf Gall
43. Lean-to Pit — Lean-to House — Span-roof
House for Pine- Apples
44. Three-quarters Span-roof and Span-roof
Fruiting Pine-houses
45. Ground Plan of Pinery ...
46. Pine Apple — Charlotte Rothschild
47. Characteristic Summer Growths of Plum
48. Shoots and Spurs of the Plum — -Winter
Pruning
49. Alternate System of Bearing in the Plum
50. Czar Plum Tree in a Pot
51. Orange Fungus (Polystigma rubrum) on
Plum .
I'AOI
VM.
52.
79
53.
85
54.
55.
56.
89
57.
91
58.
98
97
59.
98
60.
99
61.
62.
107
03.
107
108
64.
109
65.
133
66.
67.
135
68.
130
69.
70.
137
71.
72.
73.
139
74.
145
75.
148
76.
149
77.
151
78.
79.
158
80.
81.
159
82.
161
88.
168
84.
183
85.
86.
185
193
87.
195
88.
197
89.
MM
Planting Raspberry Canes — Planting,
Shortening, and Results ... ... 208
Bearing Raspberry Stool and Strong
Successional Canes ... ... ... 210
Training and Pruning Raspberries ... 211
Training Raspberries ... ... ... 213
Layering Strawberry Runners ... ... 226
Characteristic Plants — Proper and Im-
proper Methods of Planting... ... 229
Span, Three-quarters Span, and Lean-to
Strawberry Houses ... ... ... 237
Section of Messrs. Rivers' Improved
Lean-to Orchard House ... ... 246
Small Span-roofed Orchard House ... 247
Large Span-roofed Orchard House ... 218
Amateur's Orchard House ... ... 249
Horizontal and Upright Wooden Guards
for Fruit Trees ... ... ... 271
Orchard Cherry Tree in Blossom ... 278
Plan of Fruit Plantation 285
Feathered Apple Trees ... ... ... 287
Bush Apple Tree with Short Stem ... 289
Gooseberry Bush — Pruned and Un-
pruui'd 293
Filbert Tree after Pruning ... ... 296
Pear Trees in Pots ... ... ... 811
House of Market Grapes... ... ... 814
Pouch Tree in a Pot 317
Peach House at Bexley Heath ... ... 818
Flat and Round Basket for Packing
Apples 828
Barrel of British Apples... ".. ... 324
Grapes packed in a Basket and placed in
a "Flat" 826
Handle Basket of Grapes packed for
Market 827
Packed Green Gage Plums ... ... 332
Punnet of Strawberries ... ... ... 883
Packing Punnets of Strawberries ... 833
Chip Basket of Strawberries ... ... 334
Packing Chip Baskets of Strawberries . . . 384
Mayfarth's Juice and Tincture Press ... 843
Steel-jacketed Steam Pan ... ... 845
Steam Pan . . ... ... ... 845
Glass Jars for Canning, with Metal Top
and Rubber 848
American Evaporator, No. 3 ... ... 849
Improved Cutter of Apple Ringlets,
" Simplex" ... 850
Mayfarth'b Apple Parer, Corer, and Slicer 352
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