IMPROVING SMALL FRUITS 47 



nature, but also the exacting and increasingly 

 complicated demands of the grower, the shipper, 

 and the consumer; for together they constitute 

 the jury that finally determines the value of his 

 product. The tests of these jurists are applied 

 from different standpoints and for different 

 purposes. 



The grower is solicitous for an early-bearing, 

 prolific tree, immune to fungous diseases or in- 

 sect pests; one that will flourish with little care, 

 pruning, or other attention. 



The shipper and dealer are unconcerned 

 about the characteristics of the trees, or their 

 productiveness, but they are eager for an at- 

 tractive fruit — large, bright-colored, handsome; 

 in particular for one that is very solid — so hard 

 that it can be handled like a cannon ball, which 

 makes it a superb shipper. 



The consumer, on the other hand, prefers a 

 reasonably tender, highly flavored, and easily 

 digestible fruit. 



Unfortunately the consumer seldom obtains 

 such a fruit unless it is grown near by or within 

 his own community ; for the ideals of the shipper 

 and the dealer, at variance with his preferences, 

 intervene between him and the orchardist. 



For instance, better varieties of strawberries 

 for table use have been developed than can be 



