ORCHARD PLANS 115 



As already pointed out, however, one of the 

 main objects of the plant developer to-day is to 

 produce hardy varieties, and doubtless it will be 

 possible in the future to grow most varieties of 

 orchard fruits in regions that are now regarded 

 as lying wholly beyond the northern limits of 

 their possible culture. 



STUDYING THE MABKET 



Of course the proximity of the market is an 

 item of chief importance. Yet it may be said 

 that nearness to market is by no means an 

 absolute essential. For of course it is well 

 known that California fruits are now chiefly 

 grown for shipment to the Eastern States. 

 So nearness to a railroad is even more impor- 

 tant, as hauling fruit for any great distance 

 before it is packed for eastern shipment is a 

 great detriment to its shipping and keeping 

 qualities. 



Except in a few cases, like that of the prune, 

 it is always necessary for the California plant 

 developer to consider the shipping quality of his 

 fruit. A fruit to be shipped a long distance must 

 be of firm flesh, good color, and a reasonably 

 tough skin. And especially it should be uniform 

 in size and of such shape as to admit of economi- 

 cal packing. Moreover, it should ripen at a sea- 



