160 



are usually allowed to lie in a heap for several days, to equalize the moisture that 

 may be in different batches. They are then packed in boxes usually containing 50 

 lbs. each. 



The cores and peelings of this first grade of apples are not wasted. They and 

 the inferior apples that reach the evaporating factory may be classed together, as 

 they usually undergo the same treatment, although worked up separately. Accord- 

 ing to the market, these two materials are used as a source of cider, or are evapor- 

 ated, and shipped to jelly makers on this continent, or sent to Europe, where •thej'- 

 are used in the fabrication of certain grades of wines. Sometimes the apples are 

 quartered before being evaporated ; sometimes they are treated whole. 



Let us glance now at this process in its relation to the fruit-grower. In the 

 first place, an evaporating factory presents a means of rendering marketable fruit 

 which otherwise would be unsaleable, and in the second place it gives employment 

 for several months of the year to a large number of hands, thus giving an increased 

 home market for fruit-gj-owers' products. These benefits have been recognized by 

 fruit-growers in places where evaporating factories exist, and the inhabitants of 

 such localities have been willing to offer inducements to companies to locate in 

 their midst. 



If it be granted that an evaporating factory is of advantage to fruit-growers, the 

 question arises : What is to be done in the fruit-growing districts where no such fac- 

 tories exist? Can the individual fruit-grower evaporate his own apples ? There 

 are small machines made for this purpose and widely advertised. Experience has 

 shown, however, that they do not give as good results as they should, and as are 

 claimed for them, and there is difficulty in finding a market for the small lots, and 

 of course working on a small scale the expense of manufacturing is greater than in 

 a large factory. In the opinion of the writer, evaporation on the large scale should 

 be the object of those who would derive benefits from the process, and he would 

 suggest that the fruit-growers of a district combine, and agree to support a' factory, 

 as they do in the case of cheese-factories and creameries, and it is altogether likely 

 that someone could be found who would be willing to erect the not very expensive 

 jilant r.equired and conduct the manufacture. It must not be forgotten, however, 

 that experience is a very desirable quality in the manager of an evaporating factory, 

 and unless such is at hand the promoters of an evaporating business should begin 

 operations on a very small scale, gradually expanding as experience is gained by 

 their manager. 



Commercial Orchards in the Province of Quebec : bt Eev. E. Hamilton, 



Gbenville, Que. 



By commercial orchard I mean an orchard planted solely with a view to the 

 revenue to be drawn from it. In planting such an orchard, the chief, I may say 

 the only object, is to make money, and to attain that end only such sorts as are cal- 

 culated to yield a profit will be planted, whether they be good or only mediocre. It 

 may be that a third or fourth class fi'uit, such, for instance, as the Ben Davis apple, 

 may yield better returns with a smaller outlay of capital, talent and labour, than a 

 high-class fruit like the Northern Spy, and in such a case it would be the right one 

 to plant. It is questionable, however, if the public would not in time get over the 

 depraved taste that permits the purchase of such poor fruit as the Ben Davis. 



The apple is the orchard fruit, par excellence, of the Province of Quebec. A very 

 few pears are produced, as well as a few plums and cherries, but the quantity is so 

 inappreciable as not to call for mention ; so that, when I speak of orchards, I mean 

 apple orchards exclusively. 



It is matter of regret to all of us who take a lively interest in the subject that 

 the range of our larger fruits is so limited, and it is to be hoped that in the near 

 future it may be greatly extended, as a good deal of well-directed eflfert is being put- 

 forth in that direction. 



