FRUIT CULTURE IN FRANCE. 
176 
Gaillon, and Andelys some growers annually obtain an income 
of 10,000 francs from their orchards. The finest specimens are 
now sent to the ijorthern capitals of Europe, whereas formerly 
they went to San Domingo. 
Let me quote as an example of successful culture the 
" commune " of Leroy (Eure), where the Bo7i CJiretien variety is 
cultivated, where all the fruit which will not pass through a 
ring '07 metre in diameter is bought by Russia at 30 francs per 
100 Pears ; and one of my correspondents tells me that at 
Moultier-Allemand (Hautes-Alpes), in the Durance valley, two 
Pear trees of the Boy ale d'hiver variety were in 1865 so laden 
with fruit that their crop fetched 800 francs, not including the 
owner's own supply and presents to his friends. 
The Apple (Pyrus Malus). 
This is the fruit which of all others ought to tempt all market 
growers, on account of its being good nearly all the year round, 
and keeping fresh and good for eating. It also will bear a lot of 
rough handling and carriage. In fact, it is a good all-round 
fruit. How often we have watched it being loaded wholesale on 
boats or waggons ! If the fruit is fairly presentable, it is sent to 
market in sacks or large baskets, but the choicest specimens are 
packed in small hampers or baskets with dry hay or oat straw to 
protect them. It is not at all necessary to praise the Apple, for, 
as we have already said, it is the most popular fruit for direct 
consumption either for the market, for the workman, the 
traveller, the hunter, or the schoolboy, who always prefers 
an Apple to any other fruit. The housewife considers it of 
first-rate importance among household necessities ; and the 
broker has no hesitation in buying an enormous quantity of this 
favourite fruit at one time. 
The Apple tree is not particular as to soil, and is largely 
cultivated in the country at farms and along the roadsides and 
lanes, its only fault in the latter case being the drooping 
habit of its branches ; but, of course, it is easy to choose 
varieties with erect branches, and grow them like Oranges. 
But for the less frequented roads, along the pastures, the 
heaths, cattle enclosures, and waste land, any kincl of Apple will 
suffice. 
D2 
