Smudging 53 



On an average it is estimated that in two years out of five the fruit 

 crop in England is a failure, and nearly always the immediate agent of 

 the destruction seems to be frost. 



If, therefore, it is argued, the fruit crop could be effectively protected 

 against frost, instead of the uncertainty which at present is so unpleasant 

 a factor in fruit growing in this country, there would be the reasonable 

 prospect of regular crops, and commercial arrangements such as at present 

 are impossible could be made for dealing with them, Another result 

 would be, it is claimed, that fruit growers, assured of continuous crops, 

 would thin systematically and a better quality of fruit would be put 

 on the market, instead of being tempted, as now, to leave on the trees 

 all the fruit that comes when there is a crop, from fear of losing any of it. 



For two years various devices have been advertised in this country. 

 Several demonstrations have been held, and some growers have purchased 

 experimental quantities, but up to now not one of the processes can 

 advance the recommendation which, it appears, can be advanced at the 

 other side of the Atlantic, viz. that it has saved a crop. Until this can be 

 said the adoption of any of them will naturally be slow. Those who have 

 already tried smudging are unable to say that the crop was appreciably 

 heavier where it was applied than where it was not. It is an ill task to 

 decry a new invention and every succeeding generation has provided its 

 own confirmation of the stupidity of the mental attitude that says " it 

 can't be done" but it may be permitted to point out that it is at least 

 unwise to promise as good results here as are reported to have been 

 obtained in America. The difference in climate and atmosphere between 

 a comparatively small island like ours and a vast continent like America 

 is considerable and must be taken into account. Many modifications may 

 be necessary before devices which may be successful in America become 

 suited to our requirements. 



Again, it is held by competent observers that the fruit crop is made 

 or marred in the autumn, and that thougli the frost in spring appears 

 to work the destruction, it is really only the sword of the Assyrian 

 executing the doom pronounced in the autumn. 



The wet, almost sunless autumn of 1909, for instance, prevented the 

 proper ripening of the wood, so that the blossom in spring was debilitated 

 and lacked stamina sufficient to withstand the buffeting of what Thomson 

 called the "ethereal mildness". Notwithstanding, there have been oc- 

 casions when a healthy promising prospect has been marred by one 

 severe frost, and if a workable weapon of defence can be placed in the 

 grower's hands it cannot fail to be of great advantage. 



The introduction of methods of smudging is too recent to admit of 

 the cost of working being clearly ascertained. Apart from the cost of 

 installing plant, which will be from 7, 10s. to 10 per acre, the cost of 

 keeping the fires in action for a single night is about 25s. for 1 ac. 



[w. G. L.] 



