THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF HARDY FRUIT GROWING. 
281 
PRIZE ESSAY ON THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF 
HARDY FRUIT GROWING. 
By Mr. Lewis R. Castle. 
No subject connected with the cultivation of land in the United 
Kingdom is of greater importance at the present time than an 
inquiry into the condition of hardy fruit culture, and the 
probability of its extension being generally advantageous. The 
prevailing depression in agriculture, the decreasing returns from 
farm land, with the attendant deteriorating cultivation, render it 
imperative that attention be paid to every means which affords a 
reasonable prospect of improving a staple industry. 
Two great sources of erroneous impressions have, however, 
to be carefully avoided ; one is unreliable statements of results, 
and the other is the more pardonable enthusiasm which induces 
optimistic views that can seldom be fully realised. It is 
essential, therefore, if substantial good is to accrue, that the 
subject be reviewed impartially. The results of many years' 
experience in some of the best and worst districts of the United 
Kingdom are, therefore, here given with the object of enabling a 
fair judgment to be formed on the whole question — of the 
difficulties to be encountered, the expenses to be provided for, 
the risks to be avoided, and the returns to be expected from the 
capital, knowledge, and labour devoted to hardy fruit culture. 
The Demand for Fruit. 
All who are familiar with our large cities know that 
enormous quantities of fruit are disposed of, and that for fresh 
hardy fruit at a moderate price the demand is unlimited. The 
vast supplies of imported fruits also prove this, the annual value 
of the importations during the past five years (1890-1894) having 
exceeded £4,500,000. 
The importation of Apples in the last three years, which 
have been fairly typical seasons, are especially interesting. In 
1892 the returns show that 4,514,700 bushels of Apples were 
brought into Great Britain, valued at £1,353,812, an average of 
a fraction under 6s. per bushel. In 1893 the total fell to 
^,459,984 bushels, valued at £843,532, an average of 4s, lOd, 
