80 THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE. 



and in ' all those things ' which concern the farmers of this great country." Beyond 

 all doubt , the growing of fruit is one of " those things," and not the least important, 

 that concerns tillers of the ground : and it is most desirable that it be more generally 

 and intelligently conducted. No such illusive theories will be advanced as are pro- 

 mulgated by writers who, devoid of experience in fields and gardens, advise the general 

 substitution of fruit for ordinary farm crops ; but young fruit trees should be established 

 on all homesteads where they will thrive, and in numbers proportionate to the needs of 

 families and the demands of adjacent populations. The necessity of an increased and im- 

 proved supply of home-grown fruit is recognised by all the leading authorities ; by the 

 Agricultural Department of the Government, by the Royal Agricultural and Eoyal Horti- 

 cultural Societies, by the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, by pomologists of high repute, 

 by statesmen who desire to increase the products of the country for the country's 

 good. All deplore the general condition of our orchards, and the consequent departure 

 of capital that is inevitable for obtaining supplies of British fruits from distant 

 lands. It is a national duty to reduce, and, as far as seasons permit, remove, that great 

 anomaly, and the landowners of the Kingdom largely share in the obligation. This not 

 a few of them recognise, hence the disposition that is now manifest, but has not always 

 been shown, to grant facilities, on an equitable basis, to tenants to place a portion of the 

 land they occupy under fruit cultivation. This has been done, in many instances, with 

 great advantage, but not in all, for many fruit plantations are not profitable, through 

 causes that will be indicated when we come to consider fruit-growing for profit. 



It is intended that the different processes of raising, growing, and managing the 

 several kinds of fruits that are produced in this country, both under glass and in the 

 open air, as refreshing luxuries for the affluent, and as food necessities for all, shall be 

 made as clear as long practice in the work can aid us in doing so with pen and 

 pencil, in the hope, and with the object, that persons of various grades may derive 

 benefit from the information conveyed, and that the fruit-producing resources of the 

 United Kingdom will be materially developed, to the advantage of cultivators and 

 consumers. 



Before entering on the practical part of the work in hand, in which the different 

 kinds of fruits, and subjects pertaining thereto, will, as far as is convenient, be treated 

 alphabetically, it seems desirable that what may be termed the science of the whole 



