36 HINTS ON PROFITABLE FRUIT GROWING. 



Of hardy fruits, apples are by far the most important, 

 but they are not so suitable for cultivating for small 

 market growers as strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, 

 currants, or plums. The " bush fruits " (the gooseberry 

 and currants) are well adapted for growing between 

 plums, and these often go thus together. Strawberries 

 and raspberries are the most largely cultivated by 

 farmers, and are, in some parts of Kent and other home 

 counties, quite a leading feature of land culture. 



Cherries were formerly to be seen planted extensively 

 on some of the large farms within twenty miles of 

 London, and their names are still retained as designat- 

 ing some of the fields. They would pay well fifteen or 

 twenty years after planting, even now, where the land 

 is quite suitable ; but the Morello is the only kind likely 

 to be planted to much advantage by small cultivators. 

 Cherries form almost a distinct and large business in 

 some districts in Kent. 



Pears can only be undertaken with profit by those 

 who can wait for a crop, and where the situation is 

 favourable. On the quince stock, or against walls, the 

 best varieties answer well. 



Nuts are likely to pay as well as anything, if the 

 situation is favourable. Cobs and filberts might be 

 tried if any likely soil and situation offers, but they 

 require ten to twelve years before they are in their 

 prime. A few young trees, as a trial, if a spare light 

 corner can be found, ought therefore to be got in by all 

 enterprising fruit growers, as they yield a crop in three 

 or four years, and English filberts sell well in nearly all 

 parts of the world. 



Of all the "top" or tl standard" fruits, however, 

 nothing will pay quicker and better than a good selection 



