140 FRUIT FARMING 



CHAPTER XXII. 



PROBABLE PROFITS AND EXPENSES. 

 Regarding this important subject, it is best to 

 strictly confine ourselves to facts. At the outset we 

 must observe that a sober view should be taken of the 

 matter, although fabulous prices are occasionally made, 

 the seasons for two or three years may prove adverse, 

 and actual loss may be incurred, which means that 

 some loose capital is necessary. The most certain return 

 is doubtless produced from a mixed plantation of 

 Gooseberries, Currants, Raspberries, Plums and Apples, 

 with part Pears and Cherries. After many notes taken 

 on the subject, ^25 to 30 per acre may be relied on as 

 an average nett profit of a plantation of this kind 

 when in full bearing ; if Standards only on grass, 

 about 10 to ^15 per acre. In this case the grass is 

 of course fed off by Sheep, and would probably pay 

 rent without the fruit. Where soft Bush Fruit only 

 is grown, the profits vary from 15 to ^25 per acre, 

 on an average crop. Where a large variety of fruit 

 is planted, entire failure is very rare indeed ; and as 

 before stated, the average price when sold by auction 

 is very regular, as higher prices in a scarce year 

 compensate for deficient quantity.f 



t IMPORTANT RECORD FRUIT SALE AT PADDOCK WOOD. Mr. W. R. Torapsett held his 

 30th Annual Sale of hard fruit at the Railway Hotel, Paddock Wood, on August 9th, 185)9, 

 and there was a very large attendance, all London markets being represented, as well as 

 local fruit merchants and buyers. The sale comprised excellent produce on 502 acres, 

 consisting of Apples, Pears, Plums, Damsons, and Nuts. The lots embraced the young, 

 extensive, and exceptionally well cultivated orchards belonging to Mr. Isaac Reader, 

 whose fruit alone fetched no le.s a sum than 2,300, and then one splendid lot remained 

 unsold, the reserve price not being realised. The total amount reached at this sale was 

 about 7,000, and it is consequently a record and important one as concerning the fruit- 

 growing world. Local Paper. 



