98 THE STATE AS FARMER 



crops will improve, and then we shall be 

 in a better position for applying ' scientific 

 methods ' to the whole of our great fruit areas 

 and for bringing an untold blessing to the 

 State. It is absolutely untrue that we can 

 afford to lose a single apple by neglect. It 

 is not only that millions want them who do 

 not get them. There are other millions who 

 do not use fruit and vegetables sufficiently 

 because they hardly know their value and 

 their economic use. They require to be 

 taught, because they are ignorant of it, 

 the truth of Mr. Harris's description of this 

 ' really wholesome and pure food product.' 



But no agency short of the State itself 

 can insist upon the planting and care of 

 orchards, the collecting of the crops and the 

 due grading, pulping, and prompt delivery 

 of them. In a well-organised depot there can 

 never be a ' glut ' of anything. We do not 

 speak of a glut when we have a well-eared 

 and thick field of wheat to reap and when 

 men and women spend long hours in bringing 

 about the due safety of the ripe sheaves. 

 We might have an abundant harvest of this 

 noble food, which is the natural companion 



