14 



vast amount of these in the eastern slope of our country, 

 and, still more wonderful, the land on the Pacific slope ! Of 

 these, California alone has a territory eight hundred miles in 

 length and two hundred miles in breadth, — three times as 

 large as all of the New-England States, four times as large 

 as the State of New York or Pennsylvania, — having millions 

 of acres for fruit-cultivation. 



Some have feared that there might be an over-production 

 of fruit ; but the whole crop may now be saved and utilized 

 by the new methods which are being constantly invented for 

 curing and distributing this surplus. In fruit districts large 

 amounts of capital are invested in establishments for the dry- 

 ing and canning of fruits, which promise to put the surplus 

 of abundant seasons in condition for preservation till wanted 

 for consumption or exportation. Some of these are yet to be 

 tested ; but no doubt exists that we shall eventually thus 

 utilize our fruits, and make them not only profitable, but a 

 ■ source of increasing revenue. 



The perfection now attained in the drying and canning 

 process — possessing the great advantage, for transportation, 

 of reducing the weight three-fourths or more by the removal 

 of water, and rendering it capable of shipment to all climes, 

 and of being preserved perfectly for years — will , in all proba- 

 bility, overcome this difiiculty, which only occurs on bearing 

 and abundant jeais. The demand abroad for dried fruits is 

 very large, and is daily increasing. The exports for the year 

 ending June 30, 1877, were 14,318,052 poiuids ; and, if they 

 can be afforded at a little less price, it is thought it would 

 be enormous. England, Germany, and Australia would be 

 great purchasers. Besides, we are constantly inventing new 

 methods for preserving fruits by preparations in various 

 nuti-itious and elegant forms, which might absorb our abun- 

 dant crops, and take the place of those unhealthy preserves 

 and sweetmeats in which our markets abound, and Avhich are 

 so injurious to the health of our people. 



By the production of new varieties from seed, we have not 

 only secured native kinds adapted to every section of our 

 country, but varieties which have prolonged the season of 

 fruits in some sections, either by early or late kinds, for one 

 or more months. Especially is this to be seen in tlie peach, 

 grape, and strawberry ; so that many of our markets are sup- 

 plied for a much longer period than ever before. 



