THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF HARDY FRUIT GROWING. 283 
their business. All alike complain of the low prices now 
obtained, and the difficulties of contending with imported 
produce. 
That the returns are not so advantageous as they were in 
past years is unquestionable, but too much importance must not 
be attached to mere complaints." Though prices are lower 
and supplies increased, the demand has also largely extended, 
and there are larger markets. It can be affirmed with confidence 
that, were it possible to compile a huge debit and credit account 
respecting the financial condition of all the fruit growers in 
Kent, not only would the balance be satisfactory, but it would 
show how the producing power of highly rented land can be 
increased under the best cultivation. 
Kent is, however, a favoured county in many respects ; and 
the same may be said, perhaps, of Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, 
Middlesex, and Essex. In the western counties of Gloucester, 
Hereford, Worcester, Somerset, and Devon, which have from 
18,000 to 27,000 acres each, mainly devoted to orchards, the 
results are very similar, where new plantations have been formed 
on the best market-garden system, with a proportion of small 
fruits and good methods of culture.* The Vale of Evesham is, 
perhaps, more strictly comparable to Kent, for a colony of fruit 
growers has there been formed, and the area under fruit is being 
extended, though the same " complaints " are heard as with 
many of the Kentish growers. 
In Wales the total acreage is distributed over twelve counties, 
but the principal centres are Brecon (chiefly orchards), Denbigh, 
Glamorgan, Montgomery, and Radnor ; but there has been a 
general falling off in the acreage, the difficulties and expense of 
carriage being largely in the way of extending fruit culture in 
the Principality. 
Scotland also does not show a large acreage — a total of about 
7,000 acres — but excellent fruit is grown in the counties of Lanark 
(2,400 acres), Perth (1,100 acres), Haddington (500 acres), and 
Edinburgh (360 acres), the Scotch Apples, Gooseberries, and 
Strawberries often comparing very favourably in size, quality, 
and price with those grown in more southern regions. 
* A large proportion of the older orchards are, however, in a very- 
unsatisfactory condition, and hundreds of acres might be cleared with 
advantage, replanting in accordance with modern practice. 
