CHAPTER n. 



FRUITS. 



An important element in the enjoyment of 

 country life consists in the cultivation of the 

 various fruits adapted to the climate. The 

 adornment of the grounds with ornamental trees 

 and flowers may be considered, by many, to be 

 more important than products which involve 

 care and constant watching, and which can be 

 purchased at less cost, perhaps, than we can 

 raise them. Yet the advice given by Gerarde, 

 two hundred and fifty years ago, needs but 

 slight modification in our day : " Forward, in the 

 name of God, graffe, set, plant, and nourish up 

 trees in every corner of your grounds, the labour 

 is small, the cost is nothing, the commoditie is 

 great, yourselves shall have plenty, the poore 

 shall have somewhat in time of want to relieve 

 their necessitie, and God shall reward your 

 good mindes and diligence." Every one who 

 engages in this occupation will testify to the 

 strong and healthy interest awakened by the 



