80 FRUIT CULTURE. 



quently be purchased in the streets of that city at a much 

 lower rate than it can be bought in many of our provincial 

 towns within a short distance of the growers. Therefore 

 the question of the most suitable market to which, to send 

 the fruit requires careful consideration, in order to avoid 

 waste of capital, inadequate profits, and loss or deteriora- 

 tion in the food supply of the people. 



In the case of a number of small growers residing in 

 the same district, much might be done to mutual advan- 

 tage by co-operation in the matter of distribution, not 

 only as to conveyance, but in finding and arranging for 

 the supply of the best markets. 



There are three methods of transit adopted road, rail, 

 and water. The Road, where it is practicable, is un- 

 doubtedly the best, possessing the advantages of delivery 

 direct from the garden or orchard to the salesman, dealer, 

 or consumer, in the freshest possible condition. Another 

 advantage in thus sending in cases, where large quantities 

 are grown and heavy vans are employed in the delivery, 

 is the usual practice of loading back with manure, which 

 is always required by the grower, and is usually obtained 

 very cheaply in the neighbourhood of delivery ; also empty 

 baskets, punnets, and cases are brought back by the vans. 

 But besides this delivery of large quantities in heavy 

 vans, much more might be done than is at present the 

 case, in the delivery to consumers or retailers by light 

 vans. This is especially the case in provincial towns, 

 where an enterprising grower, willing to take the trouble, 

 may send regularly to customers supplies of fruit, over a 

 lengthened period ; and in some cases this may be com- 

 bined with other produce of the farm or garden, such as 

 eggs, poultry, butter, and vegetables. Consumers would 

 gladly avail themselves of such regular supplies fresh 



