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The series of coiniuercial fruit shows which began with Kent 

 and has gradually been extended to other fruit growing centres 

 has already served to quicken the interest and stinuilate the 

 spirit of emulation among fruit growers. These shows s^rve to 

 afford information of what the more progressive and scientific 

 growers are accomplishing. They are dispersing the old idea 

 that any grower can gain by a policy of selfish seclusion ; they 

 serve the purpose of education by bringing the gi'owers together 

 for mutual counsel, and for the discussion of topics of general 

 interest ; they afford stimulus from the sporting spirit of com- 

 petition ; they serve to enUghten the public of what home 

 growers are striving for, and they demonstrate what with skill, 

 courage and persistency the most advanced have accomplished ; 

 they serve also to concentrate attention on those varieties of fruit 

 which are best calculated to meet the public taste. But shows 

 in fruit growing centres are insufficient. It is necessary to have 

 a crowning edifice in London where entries which have obtained 

 a prize in the Provincial Shows may be brought together and 

 re-staged in competition with one another — if possible for some 

 substantially attractive prizes for the best among the best. 



The home grower has hidden his candle under the bushel too 

 long. Too long has he neglected advertisement. It is a modesty 

 which is not convenient, and it has given long measure to the 

 illusion that if fruit that is attractive for the table is desired, one 

 must get it from overseas supplies. The undoubted excellency 

 which home grown fruit has attained, has yet to be brought home 

 to the citizens of the metropolis and the provincial capitals of 

 industry. This is a matter in \vhich Government support can 

 be helpful to the carrying out of any extended enterprise. It is 

 satisfactory to note that arrangements are well under way for 

 the organisation of a show of commercial fruit in liondon in the 

 forthcoming summer on n scale such as has never been attempted 

 before. 



The commercial fruit show in the fruit growing area may be 

 called " educational " — this to be held in London may be called 

 a " demonstration " show. It is fitting that the fu'st demon- 

 stration show should be held inTjoiulon — the hub of our Empire. 

 It is w^ell to enlighten the citizens of the metropolis first — but it 

 is not enough to do this and stay. The teeming populations of 

 our commercial and industrial centres are euually unenlightened 

 in this respect, and it is part of the proposed plan in subsequent 

 years, to hold a drmonstiation show in i^uh (^f the ])rincipal 

 provincial cities. 



