2 ORCHARD FRUIT TREE CULTURE 



remark that it is "a new industry." It is, of course, true that 

 orchards existed long prior to the period mentioned, that some few 

 of more than ordinary perspicacity had planted orchards and grown 

 marketable fruit, but these were essentially individual undertakings, 

 not national ; the treatment of the trees often being on empiric 

 lines and the marketing methods crude. For every orchard of 

 fruits suitable for the market and table there were several planted 

 for the making of cider and perry ; planted, too, in any odd plot, 

 and more especially where it was not conveniently situated for 

 ploughing. Soil, aspect, elevation were not regarded, and it was 

 quite a common thing to see fruit trees planted in low sheltered 

 spots, so that the fruit might escape the force of the wind ! Even 

 paddocks, close to the homestead, into which horses, pigs and 

 poultry were turned, were planted with quite unsaleable varieties, 

 the farmer being fully content if, from the top crop, he could make 

 sufficient cider for his harvesters, at a time when the custom of so 

 regaling them was a much more recognized institution than now. 



Out of these crude beginnings has sprung, and is still springing, 

 a well-organized scientific industry of vast national importance, 

 which, apart from its economic value, is beautifying our country, 

 providing a healthy and fascinating outlet for the energies of the 

 growers, offering employment to thousands of skilled labourers 

 and supplying increasing quantities of wholesome fruit, now 

 acknowledged as a prime necessity in the nation's dietary. 



Notwithstanding the great progress already made, this industry 

 is still in its infancy ; it belongs to the future. At the moment it 

 is facing all the difficulties incidental to youth, and is facing them 

 boldly. In many respects it is in the experimental stage research, 

 trying, testing are in the air, yet such are the prospects that there 

 is scarcely a man in the whole community but owns to a most 

 robust faith as to its future. 



If nothing else afforded sufficient ground for confidence, as 

 distinct from optimism, it can be found in the fact that the supplies 

 from the home producer are so far below the demands that in 1920 

 no less than 8,000,000 worth of apples alone were imported, 

 and though this huge total may have been somewhat due to the 

 shortage in our crops, it was only 2,000,000 in excess of the total 

 for 1919. This assuredly affords a very substantial ground for 



