138 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



delivery of hampers of fruits and vegetables to families 

 in towns, as often as may be required each week. It 

 would be possible to extend this considerably, especially 

 where farming is combined with market gardening, as 

 other produce, such as butter, eggs, fowls, ducks, etc., 

 can be included in the arrangements. We know some 

 market gardeners who have followed this method for the 

 past twelve years with substantial advantage to them- 

 selves, and satisfaction to those they have supplied. 



Obviously several of the systems described could be 

 worked in conjunction with each other, and it is essential 

 that no opportunity be lost which offers the slightest 

 chance of sufficient remuneration. After having in- 

 curred all the expenses of cultivation, it is little short of 

 a calamity when the produce cannot be sold to good 

 purpose, particularly when the demand is so great in all 

 the centres of population. Usually it is found that one 

 method must be depended upon for the chief bulk of 

 the supplies ; all the others come in as useful helps as 

 the occasion demands. 



Exportation of produce rarely concerns the home- 

 grower, unless a portion of his business is devoted to the 

 manufacture of preserves, either jams, jellies, or pickles. 

 If means and experience have permitted the development 

 of an up-to-date factory, and his productions have 

 gained sufficient celebrity to be in demand in other 

 countries, the export trade may be something consider- 

 able. But that will constitute a business in itself, which 

 scarcely comes within the scope of a treatise like the 

 present one. Similar remarks also apply if ordinary 

 nursery stock is included in the produce of the holding, 

 as occasionally exportation will be needed. 



