5^4 



Cider Orchards. 



is needed before this hypothesis can be considered to be 

 proved. 



Other important points in connection with the selection of 

 varieties are, (a) the yield of juice which frequently varies by as 

 much as 10 to 15 per cent, of the weight of the fruit in the case 

 of different varieties ; (b) the degree of firmness of the flesh, 

 hard-fleshed varieties being less easily bruised in gathering 

 and handling than soft-fleshed kinds, and, therefore, less liable 

 to decay and to the consequent taint in flavour, while they are 

 more suited for storage when that is necessary. 



In cases where it is proposed to plant a series of orchards, 

 the idea of grouping the varieties, not only by their ripening 

 periods, but also by their relative rates of fermentation would 

 be worth consideration. Thus there might be orchards, 

 the produce of which would yield either a sweet or a 

 dry cider, whether consisting of early, mid-season or late 

 varieties. Some arrangement of this nature would certainly 

 tend to simplify matters for the cider-maker, and would probably 

 add to the value of the orchards from the growers' point of 

 view, since a definite idea of the quality of the produce of 

 such orchards for cider-making purposes could be formed, 

 and better prices for the fruit would be obtainable, just as 

 at the present time better prices can be obtained for fruit of 

 known value than for mixed fruit, about which little is known. 



Varieties recommended. — Concerning individual varieties 

 which can be recommended for propagation, any list 

 which is given should be regarded as provisional only. 

 The experimental work at the National Fruit and Cider 

 Institute on the vintage qualities of different varieties of 

 repute has shown that many kinds have been rated hitherto 

 above their real value, and that there are in existence 

 several comparatively or absolutely unknown sorts, which 

 appear to be of superior quality, so far as can be judged from 

 the limited experience of them, which it has been possible 

 to gain since the commencement of the work three years ago. 

 A very large number of varieties have been tested and the 

 most promising kinds are being propagated at the Institute. 

 Obviously, conclusive results cannot be arrived at in work 

 of this character for several years, but meanwhile growers are 

 anxious to have some guide as to the most suitable varieties 



