32 



(3) Plums at present prices seem adapted to large scale production; that is 

 in blocks of from about five acres up rather than in small lots of one or two 

 hundred trees or less. 



(4) The tendency is to plant larger blocks of one variety that can be har- 

 yested quickly and not interfere with the gathering of other fruits. The idea 

 seems to be to gather quickly as cheaply as possible and get them out' of the 

 way to make room for something else. 



(5) Plums thrive and produce just as well on the heavier and cheaper lands 

 as on the valuable peach and cherry soils. 



(6) Plums have few large yields at high prices to their credit but they give 

 a moderate return regularly for the money expended. 



(7) Orchards that have been given reasonable care have repaid the owners 

 well for their labor — and a little besides. If plums are worthy of a place on the 

 fruit farm they are worthy of attention. 



(8) The time is ripe for planting selected varieties of plums. The demand 

 will have increased very materially by the time they come into bearing. 



(9) Plums are worthy of further study and of more attention at our fruit 

 meetings. Interest in better varieties and better quality marketed in a more 

 attractive manner can only be awakened in this way. 



(10) This last suggestion I put in brackets because it is the work of organiza- 

 tions not the work of the producers. 



[How many consumers know the best varieties of pliuns and what season they 

 may expect to find them on the market? 



How many dealers allow fruit to spoil on their hands, because of direct 

 exposure to sunlight, rough handling, deep piling of baskets, no refrigeration? 

 What percentage of the great difference between the wholesale and retailers prices 

 is due waste caused by: — 



(1) Carelessness on the part of the producer. 



(2) Carelessness on the part of the transportation companies. 



(3) Carelessness on the part of the retailer. 



What percentage of waste is due to exposure to dust, dirt and winds when 

 exposed on the fruit stands? 



It is a very easy matter to put all blame for certain unsatisfactory conditions 

 on the fruit-grower — he can stand it because he is accustomed to it, but in the 

 humble opinion of the writer as vigorous an educational campaign is needed among 

 the retailers and consumers as among the growers. They are a large part of the 

 business and also require instruction. 



ACKNOV^^LEDGMENTS. 



The writer desires to thank the many fruit growers in Ontario and especially 

 in the Niagara Peninsula for their assistance and for the kindness and courtesy 

 extended to him in his visits to their orchards and homes. He desires especially 

 to thank Mr. J. E. Henry and Mr. L. B. Henry for their assistance and permission 

 to use the figures on returns previously quoted. 



Thanks are due many growers in Kew York State who willingly and cheer- 

 fully guided me through their orchards ^nd explained their methods, and to the 

 state inspectors who directed me to the leading men in their respective districts. 



