FRUIT FOR SALE UNDER GLASS CULTURE. 



3'7 



money than peaches, but the trees perfect about one-third more fruit on a given area of 

 surface. 



Peaches. Alexander ("Waterloo is very similar) is the best variety for very early 

 forcing ; Bale's Early for succeeding ; Stirling Castle, Royal George, Dymond, and 

 Grosse Mignonne for mid-season forcing. 

 (For other varieties, see page 63). Some 

 growers prefer the trees trained to trel- 

 lises, 1 foot from the glass, wonderful fruit 

 being so produced ; others prefer the trees 

 in low standard form and planted out, 

 while a few growers consider the orchard- 

 house system cultivation in pots or 

 planted out shows better results. Where 

 water is abundant, trees in pots (see 

 illustration, Fig. 72), afford good crops, 

 otherwise it is a more costly means of 

 production than the others. The tree 

 represented is one of many grown by 

 Mr. Rivers, and is reproduced from a 

 photograph. The plan ted- out low stan- 

 dard method is the simplest, and in light 

 roomy structures it has been found the 

 most profitable. The trees are allowed 

 to grow freely for the first two or three 

 years, cropping them moderately ; then 

 permitted to carry two or three fruits 

 per foot of area, or as many as the trees 

 will perfect ; and when they commence 

 falling off in bearing, are rooted out 

 and others planted. Fruits 18 ounces 

 in weight have been grown on low standard planted-out trees, but such weights 

 are exceptional. Alexander peaches have realised 2 2s. per dozen at the end 

 of March and early in April. The cost and risk of production is not greater to 

 have Alexander, Waterloo, or Early Louise peaches ripe in April than to have 



Fig. 72. PEACH TREE is POT. 



