i6o The Canadian Horticulturist. 



of nostrums advertised for human ailments and sold, and the large fortunes 

 accumulated thereby, we must admit that there is still a cloud of ignorance to 

 be dissipated, and the work of Fruit Growers' Associations in this direction can 

 be made in the highest sense philanthropic. 



Now, the question presents itself : What fruits successfully raised in our 

 Province are of the greatest utility for food ? The apple, undoubtedly, claims 

 the first place ; with varieties of good keeping qualities, it can be made to 

 supply our wants the entire year. The pear and plum come in to supply a 

 change over a limited period. The grape can be made available half the year, 

 by precautions in storing it for winter use, and stands second to no fruit for its 

 delicious qualities and healthfulness. Fortunately, it is not, as formerly, an 

 expensive luxury, but within the means of all our population, if they do not 

 choose to raise it. 



What higher testimony can be adduced that fruit was intended by the 

 Creator to be used to a large extent in sustaining life, than the regularity in 

 which it comes in season ? When we are satisfied with one variety, another 

 comes in with its tempting special properties to gratify our desires. Thus, in 

 order, the strawberry is looked forward to with delight, so that when the season 

 arrives, we deplore its brevity. The raspberry, blackberry, currant and goose- 

 berry supplying variety, and each its special flavor to satisfy the animal craving 

 for fruit. The procession moves with regularity and freighted with abundance, 

 and, as you have seen, science tells us why. Besides, wherever man's lot is 

 cast, he finds nature has placed by his side the food intended to supply his 

 wants. We see, at the equator, fruit flourishes in the greatest abundance and 

 luxuriance, which signifies that this was intended for his main food. The 

 supply seems to be wisely graduated till we reach the Arctic circle, where 

 warmth-giving food is demanded to sustain life. I think it should appear to 

 us all, that our lot has been happily cast in a climate where nature's supply at 

 hand seems to indicate that, to sustain our bodies in the highest degree of 

 health, our diet should be proportioned in this order : fruit, vegetables, and, 

 lastly, meat. Nature gives us fruit in tempting forms, and in greater variety, in 

 the summer, when meat is less called for, and its grateful juices the most 

 beneficial. 



We will now consider the order in which fruit should be eaten at our meals, 

 and, perhaps, the innovation suggested may meet with criticism. Nevertheless, 

 I propose to reverse the present order of things, and place fruit at the beginning 

 of each and every meal ! Why has it been so general to begin breakfast with 

 an apple, an orange, or a pear? Because those who practise it find it benefit 

 cial. Then what is good for one meal is equally applicable to all. 



To again allude to the apple, which holds the pre-eminence as a health- 

 giving article of food, I believe we should use more and export less. Could the 

 laboring and poorer classes, who now consume comparatively few, be encour- 



