FRUIT FARMING. 37 



wedge ; but only too many commence at the blunt end, 

 investing largely at once in everything, and therefore their 

 business soon tapers down to nothing. The wise begin at 

 the point of the wedge and develop their calling naturally, 

 healthfully, — learning, by experience and careful observation, 

 how to grow fruits profitably, and which kinds pay the best. 

 There ought also to be considerable capital to start with, and 

 an absence of the crushing burden of interest money. No 

 fruits yield any returns before the second or third year ; 

 and there are often unfavorable seasons and glutted mar- 

 kets. Nature's prizes are won by patient, persistent indus- 

 try, and not by Wall Street sleight of hand. 



Location is very important. A fancy store, however well- 

 furnished, would be a ruinous investment at a country cross- 

 road. The fruit farm must be situated where there is quick 

 and cheap access to good markets, and often the very best 

 market may be found at a neighboring village, summer re- 

 sort, or a canning establishment. Enterprise and industry, 

 however, seem to surmount all obstacles. The- Rev. Mr. 

 Knox shipped his famous " 700 " strawberry (afterward 

 known to be the Jucunda, a foreign variety) from Pittsburg 

 to New York, securing large returns ; and, take the country 

 over, the most successful fruit farms seem to be located 

 where live men live and work. Still, if one were about to 

 purchase, sound judgment would suggest a very careful 

 choice of locality with speedy access to good markets. Mr. 

 J. J. Thomas, editor of "The Country Gentleman," in a 

 paper upon the Outlook of Fruit Culture, read before the 

 Western N. Y. Horticultural Society, laid down three essen- 

 tials to success : i . Locality, — a region found by experi- 

 ence to be adapted to fruit growing. 2. Wise selection of 

 varieties of each kind. 3. Care and culture of these varie- 

 ties. He certainly is excellent authority. 



