32 The Principles of Fruit-growing 



In America are thousands of acres of one variety, and the 

 conditions under which the fruits are grown are so similar 

 as to produce uniformity in the product. We speak one 

 language, and, although we are two nations, we live in 

 practically the same political environment. We go to 

 Europe, and to our own great markets, with wholesale 

 quantities. 



In Europe, on the contrary, nearly every fruit-growing 

 center is special; it may be unique. The industry is the 

 outcome of years, maybe of centuries, of local effort and 

 tradition. There is no general uniformity of methods and 

 varieties. Community of interests on a continental base 

 is impossible. There are insurmountable difficulties of 

 physiography, of races, languages and political systems. 

 In the staple products, the European grower may not be 

 able to compete with Americans in his own markets, so 

 long as those markets remain naturally open. 



The American fruit-grower quickly assimilates new 

 methods. He is unfettered by tradition; and how much 

 this means only those can understand who know the 

 European customs and ideals. He is bold and confident. 

 He easily buys and sells land. He controls his own efforts 

 and destinies. He has much help from teachers and experi- 

 ment stations. 



In many parts of Europe, the farmer is a tenant, and 

 he therefore has luvfle interest in planting trees. But even 

 if he owns land, the area is usually small, notwithstanding 

 the fact that there are many very large individual planta- 

 tions. The environments of the Old World farmer are 

 relatively inflexible. The result is that his methods tend 

 to become stereotyped and rigid. He lacks the inspiration 

 that comes of conditions which are easily recast and 

 modified. His small areas must be so crowded with many 



