The Canadian Horticulturist. 319 



THE ENGLISH AND AMERICAN APPLE MARKETS. 



ERHAPS it is fortunate that the full apple crop in Great Britain 

 should come just when our American crop is light. From all 

 appearances it will be late in the season before Canadian apples 

 will be wanted in England at all, and in the meantime we will be 

 finding other markets nearer home. Chicago wants our Canadian 

 apples. The Americans saw our fine exhibit at the World's Fair, 

 then they opened their eyes, and now they will open their purses, 

 for our best fruit. Fine Canadian Spys are the favorite apples in Chicago, 

 and buyers from that city compete strongly with English buyers for our apples. 

 No doubt the former will bid strongly for Canadian apples this year, because 

 many of the States west of us have a very short crop. 



Another point in our favor this season, is the exceptionally fine appearance 

 of our fruit. There is always room in every market for high grades of fruit at 

 paying prices, and no doubt Great Britain will want our fancy grades, even if 

 there is a good home crop there. 



Mr. J. Thomas, of London, England, writes as follows : Being now in 

 possession of ample information regarding the condition and prospects of our 

 own apple crop, as well as that on the Continent, I have pleasure in submitting 

 the following summary for the perusal of intending shippers from American and 

 Canadian ports. 



Our home growers are almost unanimous in reporting exceptionally fine 

 weather during time of blossoming of fruit trees, which commenced early in the 

 season ; but during the period of setting, some injury has occurred from frosts 

 and east winds. Subsequent bright summer weather has, however, tended to 

 strengthen the growth of all fruit. 



In some districts there has been a continuous drought for several weeks, 

 with the result that a great portion of the fruit has fallen off; this condition is, 

 however, mainly confined to the immediate vicinity around London. 



Taking the whole of the principal apple-growing districts, the result may 

 be summarized as follows : — 



(i) That the estimated yield of apples will be nearly double that of last year. 



(2) That the condition of the fruit is very good in size and color. 



(3) That there will be a fair average yield of late sorts, showing a healthy 

 appearance, and likely to ripen well. 



Advices from France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, are almost unani- 

 mous in reporting a large yield of apples. Pears, however (I may add for those 

 interested in this fruit), are reported as exceptionally light, both on the Continent 

 and in Great Britain. 



From the above reports it is evident that, provided the weather continues 

 favorable, our markets will be fairly well supplied with apples ; and arrivals from 

 your side may only be expected to meet with some demand from November 



