334 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



THE BRITISH APPLE MARKET. 



The Prospect for the sale of Canadian apples in Great Britain this season 

 is unusually bright, according to a cable to the Montreal Star it is said that the 

 prospects for the trade are even better than in the bonanza years of 1891 and 

 1892. The report further states that there is scarcely any fruit worthy of atten- 

 tion in the British Isles, or on the continent, and that the importations of apples 

 must necessarily be heavy. Here is a circular also just received (August nth), 

 from Mr. J. B. Thomas, London, which goes to confirm the above statement : — 



Having now received reports from all the most important apple-growing districts in 

 this country, as well as from the Continent, I submit a digest of the information therein 

 furnished, which may prove useful to shippers. 



In the early spring of this year we had every indication of a very early summer, and 

 all kinds of vegetation looked healthy and promising. Farmers and growers anticipated 

 better results even than last year, which was a phenominal one. But these anticipations 

 were completely frustrated by a sudden fall in the temperature, and slight frosts during 

 the latter part of March and early in May, which destroyed the fruit blossoms and para- 

 lysed vegetation, and the hopes of satisfactory, if not abundant crops, were shattered. 



United Kingdom. — Reports from the South-eastern counties, whence London 

 supplies are principally derived, show that the apple trees suffered severely from the late 

 frosts. The tale of disaster is uniform from all quarters, and the probable yield of apples 

 varies from one-tenth to one-quarter, as compared with that of last year. The condition 

 of the fruit appears, however, to be generally good, and although the yield is sure to be 

 light, the apples are healthy, large, and likely to ripen well. 



From the Western and Midland districts reports are similar. The entire yield will 

 probably not equal one-fifth of last year's crop. 



France. — Advices from the North and North-western districts, from whence the 

 largest proportion of exports to this country is made, show an average crop. Early sorts 

 will be abundant, later kinds also promise well ; and as both rain and sunshine are pretty 

 well proportioned up to the time of writing, the quantity and condition will, in all proba- 

 bility, be satisfactory. 



Holland and Belgrium.— Our reports indicate that the crops will be considerably 

 less than the average, and, while the yield is expected to be scanty, the apples will, so far 

 as present appearances indicate, be gathered in fine condition. 



Germany. — Every prospect of a very poor crop — not equalling more than a quarter of 

 the quantity gathered last year. Of late sorts it is stated that if a light crop they are 

 sound and promise to ripen well. 



Spain and Portugal. — The yield is an average one and of fair condition, but the 

 bulk of shipments to this country will be over at latest in the month of September. 



It is, then, abundantly clear that the great bulk of the crops on this side will be con- 

 sumed before supplies from your side arrive, and that shippers need not allow any con- 

 sideration of our crops to limit the extent of their operations. Given a good crop on your 

 side, and gathered in good condition, there is every prospect of a large trade being done 

 with this country during the ensuing season. Shipments to London may commence end of 

 October, and earlier to our northern seaports. 



Messrs. L. W. Williams & Co., of Liverpool, write: — 



From reliable reports we learn the crop in the United Kingdom is extremely light, 

 while Continental advices also show their supplies will barely meet home requirements, 

 fine varieties being scarce, therefore, we anticipate there will be a good demand for large 

 fine fruit, which quality only recommend shipping, and would strongly advise senders to 

 abstain from exporting inferior and small stock, which will not be wanted. 



Messrs. W. W. White & Co., of London, England, write : — 



Last year America and Canada had a bad crop, whereas in England we had a very 

 heavy one— the heaviest for twenty years — and very few apples were expected to be wanted 



