General Considerations. Y 



T. The selection of varieties. Success in commercial 

 fruit growing depends much upon the selection of the 

 proper varieties for growing. These, must be so well 

 adapted to their environment that they will be regularly 

 productive, and their fruit must be of a character that 

 commands a good price. Most varieties can be grown to 

 perfection only in certain districts, and it is usually diffi- 

 cult to ascertain what varieties will do best in a given lo- 

 calit3^ Much may be learned from reading, from observa- 

 tion and from the experience of fruit growers and fruit 

 dealers, but the grower will still find it necessary to experi- 

 ment largely for himself. A " trial ground " is an essen- 

 tial part of the commercial fruit plantation. 



The successful market varieties of the different fruits 

 vary in different localities and at different periods. It is, 

 therefore, impracticable to recommend a list of varieties in 

 a work of this kind. 



8. Commercial and domestic varieties. Varieties may 

 be divided into two classes with reference to the trade for 

 which they are grown. Those intended for sale in the 

 open market, especially if they must be shipped, require 

 different properties from those intended for delivery direct 

 to the consumer. The former maybe cd\\Q(\. commercial 

 varieties, the latter domestic varieties. 



Commercial varieties demand attractive appearance, large 

 size and good carriage and keeping qualities. High edible 

 quality is generall}' considered of secondary importance. 

 It should be remembered, however, that fruit is purchased 

 by the consumer primarily for its jDleasing and refreshing 

 edible qualities, and that the more pleasing and refreshing 

 a given sample is found to be, the more of it will be pur- 

 chased as a rule. High edible quality should be regarded 

 as one of tLj essentials of a market variety. 



