FRUIT CULTURE FOR PROFIT. 419 



zontal position, leaving the embryo fully exposed ; in 

 others they remain incurved, offering material protec- 

 tion. Then the substance of the petals differs con- 

 siderably, practically almost to the extent of the differ- 

 ence in our own clothing between a summe'r and a 

 winter coat* 



It has often been a matter of surprise to me that these 

 important facts have not commanded more attention from 

 our horticulturists. Here statistics would be of immense 

 value to the cultivator, and those who have the leisure and 

 inclination to provide them would be rendering a national 

 service in doing so. 



Again, in selecting sorts we must not overlook the fact 

 that the same sorts of fruits do not flourish equally well in 

 all soils and situations. This I think, is more a question 

 of climate than of soil, and should be dealt with from that 

 point of view. Once more, the season at which the fruit 

 becomes marketable is an important point to the vendor. 

 A day often makes a great difference in the price of 

 strawberries, and apples should be early or late, with the 

 exception of such favourite sorts as Blenheim Orange and 

 Cox's Orange Pippin, to avoid clashing with the excess of 

 foreign importations. In my judgment the best foreign 

 apples do not equal good English fruit in quality, but they 

 often look more tempting, and answer the same purposes, 

 especially for cooking. 



Of large fruits grown for profit, apples would seem to 

 stand first, plums next, then pears, then cherries ; of small 

 fruits, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and currants 

 are the most important. Filberts may also be planted to 

 give a profitable crop in odd sheltered spots where other 

 fruits would not grow well. But these different fruits do 

 not all require precisely the same climate and soil. The 

 apple is, perhaps, the least particular in these respects, 



* Flowers of Fruit Trees were here handed round in illustration and con- 

 firmation of these remarks. 



