55 



throughout the province, and are seeking in every possible way to disseminate 

 information and direct the intending orchardist so that he may avoid mistakes 

 which are likely to be made in a comparatively new country and profit by the 

 experience of those who have become successful. 



A number of demonstration orchards have been established in "different 

 districts, and during the past year eighty acres of trees have been set out for this 

 purpose. Educated and trained men are being stationed at strategic points whose 

 duties will be to give every assistance in their power in the way of advice and 

 direction as to the varieties best adapted to the different districts, and the most 

 successful way in which to handle the orchards. Packing schools are being 

 inaugurated during the winter months, and are largely attended. 



One of the difficulties that has been encountered so far has been that -a large 

 number of inexperienced men have been led to purchase fruit ranches on the 

 strength of the large profits which have been obtained in individual cases by men 

 who have been particularly successful. The growing of fruit, like any other busi- 

 ness, can only succeed when followed up with rigid and well-directed effort and 

 it is a serious mistake, even in British Columbia, to think that large profits can 

 be obtained without the exercise of industry and close application. The Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture is fully seized with this fact and is doing all it possibly can 

 to assist the in-coming settler to secure a satisfactory location. 



Care in Location Necessary. 



Owing to the variety of climate obtaining in this province on account of 

 altitude and geographical location, it is necessary to study the peculiar conditions 

 in any given locality, in order that the varieties of fruit which succeed best may 

 be ascertained and recommended. This work is being carried out very carefully 

 by the Provincial Horticulturist and should prove extremely valuable to those 

 contemplating making their home in this province. 



The department is also paying considerable attention to disseminating 

 information as to the best markets available for British Columbia fruit, and for 

 several years has maintained a commissioner, whose duty has been to watch 

 the markets and to furnish direct information to the different co-operative 

 organizations and shippers as to the trade conditions, more especially in the 

 prairie provinces. An extension of this idea, in which all the fruitgrowing pro- 

 vinces might join, would work out to their mutual benefit. 



Ideal Conditions for Small Fruits. 



There is a considerable territory surrounding the city of Victoria and in 

 various other parts of the Island of Vancouver, that is ideal for the production 

 of small fruits and cherries. There is also an excellent local market that will 

 readily absorb all that can be produced for years to come. This line of fruit- 

 growing offers great attractions, and should be carefully investigated by those who 

 are looking for an opportunity to establish themselves in a profitable business. 



The quality and colour of the apples grown here are not as good as of those 

 produced in the interior, but pears and plums of some varieties do very well. 



Mr. Brydon's Orchard. 



Through the courtesy of the provincial government, a somewhat extended 

 tour of the southern portion of the Island was made by motor. In this we were 

 joined by Mr. Thos. A. Brydon, whose home orchard was visited. This property 

 consists of about twenty acres, planted with apple, plum, pear and cherry trees 

 and has been carefully handled, Mr. Brydon paying particular attention to spray- 

 ing and thorough cultivation. He believes that the Baldwin, King, Wealthy 



