282 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Deducting all expenses, interest on capital, rent, tithe, rates, and working, the clear 

 profit averages 20 30 per acre for trees in full bearing. This lasts from the fifteenth 

 to the thirtieth year, for plum trees do not continue profitable nearly so long as those of 

 the apple, cherry, and pear, hence plums are frequently put between them and removed 

 when the permanent trees become large. This is necessary when the land is held on a long 

 lease, but for standard plum trees on grass, a thirty years' lease will secure the tenant 

 against loss. 



Very high prices are obtained for plums at times, 28 38 per ton, and then, the 

 crop is scarce in most districts, but the fruits large. Quoting high figures and ignoring 

 low is quite misleading, for very high prices only occur about every fifth year. Plum 

 trees occasionally bear enormous crops, u glutting " the markets, the fruit scarcely pay ing 

 the growers who have a good business connection, while those relying on local demands 

 or sending erratically to market derive no profit, but incur loss in gathering and other 

 expenses. In 1893, the average lowest price for plums was 3s. per bushel (sieve), and 

 the highest 6s., mean average 4s. 6d. per bushel == 8 8s. per ton; but there is far 

 more fruit sold at the lowest and mean than at the highest average prices, therefore it 

 is safest to take the average of the first two 4s. per bushel = 7 9s 4d. per ton = 

 52 4s. per acre. Some growers, however, averaged 5s. per bushel = 65 5s. per acre, 

 and made from 20 30 per acre profit. 



Damsons usually sell well at prices ranging from 6s. 10s. per bushel, and in years 

 of scarcity they bring double these prices. Damson trees, however, are more certain 

 croppers than plums, consequently give a heavier yearly return, and average about 

 3s. 6d. 4s. 6d. per bushel nett = 52 4s. per acre. In 1893, damsons only realised 

 3s. 5s. per bushel, and profits were considerably lessened through the earliness and 

 shortness of the damson season. The yearly return for an acre of thriving trees in full 

 profit ranges from 21 35 clear of expenses. 



The whole of the returns relating to the several orchard fruits are based on the 

 trees at the best period of production, and on the principle of their being of the most 

 suitable marketing varieties, planted in favourable situations and soils, and from first to 

 last accorded judicious and intelligent culture. Of the value of ordinary farm orchards 

 we have no evidence. Few farmers keep account of such " trifles" as fruit, if they did 

 they would find that 'most of the scraggy apologies for orchards are mere waiters of grass 

 by the trees that cumber it, while the fruit is scarcely worth gathering. The farmers' 

 salvation in whatever he grows rests in high cultivation, the greatest bulk of the 



