COMMERCIAL GARDENING 



than a small amount of large size. But in the extreme, 

 i.e. undue smallness through heavy cropping, returns are 

 often very unsatisfactory for the producer. Experience 

 and good judgment are, in consequence, needed to place 

 the true value upon a variety which is claimed to possess 

 an unusual development of the productive character. 

 Still, it never pays a market man to grow " shy" forms 

 of anything, however good the quality may be, as there 

 is the same risk of loss from weather influences and the 

 same cost in cultivation. It is always possible, on the 

 other hand, by the aid of the right manures, by the 

 highest culture, or by judicious thinning, to increase the 

 size of produce if there be a sufficiently good crop to pay 

 for the outlay. 



Constitution and Duration. — The hardiness of a variety 

 and the period during which it continues in use are also 

 properties which demand consideration in all sections. 

 As regards the first the difference is often conspicuous in 

 forms of plants so closely allied that without determining 

 the fact it could never be expected. The chief reason 

 which has led to the extensive growth of the Pershore 

 Plum in Worcestershire is the well-proved constitution, 

 i.e. hardiness and fertility of the variety, in contrast with 

 others during a series of years. In consequence the 

 tree has been planted largely in various positions, and 

 the weight of evidence is, that although admittedly of 

 inferior quality as a garden plum, the average returns 

 are too good to allow its being discarded in favour of 

 others, for a crop may often be had when other varieties 

 are almost fruitless. Similar results are found with 

 many plants which come within the scope of the com- 

 mercial gardener, and in any case a hardy constitution, 

 that is usually also resistant to insect pests and fungus 

 diseases, is a most valuable character for raisers to im- 

 prove and growers to secure. 



The duration of the season or yielding period of a 



