56 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



better markets. At the same time, within reasonable 

 limits, size commands a money value which growers 

 cannot afford to overlook. For example, in the "West 

 of London fruiterers' shops, extra large fruits of Cox's 

 Orange Pippin Apples may be seen at 6d. each, equal 

 to about 2s. per lb., and small fruits of the same variety 

 similarly well coloured, and quite as good in quality, 

 are sold at 6d. per lb. Again, another illustration is 

 afforded in a cabbage-growing district where small 

 varieties of the Ellam's Early type have been almost 

 entirely discarded in favour of selections of the larger 

 Offenham. The demand for early cabbages is great, 

 but the larger heads command the best prices, although 

 the smaller ones of the above named have often more 

 solid hearts and in many cases a greater proportion of 

 eatable substance. As regards cooking apples also, 

 large fruits secure a much better market than small 

 ones, especially early in the season, provided they are 

 not coarse or ill-formed. Therefore in the selection of 

 varieties the property of size cannot be altogether over- 

 looked, though it must not be followed throughout as 

 an invariable rule that the largest produce pays the 

 best. 



Colour exercises some influence upon prices, especially 

 in fruits, brightly coloured Apples in particular realising 

 a much more ready sale than those of dull tints. Con- 

 sequently a variety which possesses a good constitution 

 and fertility with richly coloured fruits, whether new 

 or old, is worthy of attention. Pears are mostly deficient 

 in bright colours, except shades of yellow, but the few 

 which do display more tempting tints are always market 

 favourites. Strawberries, Raspberries, Red Currants, 

 and Plums are all rendered more saleable by bright, 

 rich, and clear colours, and this also applies to Tomatoes 

 with equal force. 



In most vegetables the only colour which has a selling 



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