FRUITS 73 



even, regular form, without split or blemish, and 

 ought to be ripe and ready for eating when staged. 



BANANAS 



These are seldom exhibited. Large, smooth, clear- 

 skinned, well ripened " fingers," with flesh of a rich 

 flavour, are meritorious. Badly grown, discoloured 

 fruits are defective. 



BLACKBERRIES 



These fruits must be large, bright, jet black, and of 

 even shape, and should be shown on the stalk, the 

 latter serving as a "handle." 



CHERRIES 



These must be large, plump, smooth, of a rich bright 

 colour according to the variety; juicy, and of sweet, 

 agreeable flavour. Shrivelling in the stalks or fruit is a 

 defect. 



FIGS 



In these luscious fruits the qualities of size and 

 flavour ought to be combined. Size without flavour is 

 a serious defect. The fruits should be ripe and just 

 ready to crack, with a " dewdrop " in the eye, and 

 they should be covered with a fine bloom. They are 

 defective for exhibition unless they are ripe and 

 sugary, or if misshapen, blemished, or badly cracked. 



GRAPES 



Broadly speaking, bunches of grapes ought to be 

 large, broad-shouldered, and tapering evenly. Every 

 berry should be fully developed, the bunches being 

 compact and solid, but not overcrowded. Perfect 

 cleanliness, freedom from bruise, spot, shanking, or 



