THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF HARDY FRUIT GROWING. 311 
other hand, the return can be increased by selecting the finer 
dessert fruits to be sold by the dozen, or planting more closely. 
Established standard Apple trees produce 5 tons or more to the 
acre, but generally yield a lower average price, ^9 to £12 per 
ton. 
Pears at the same distance as the Apples yield less return, 
unless where exceptionally fine fruits are grown to be sold by 
number in boxes, when a good return may be realised. Healthy 
established orchard trees will also yield large crops occasionally, 
but can only be sold at low prices, generally averaging £9 per 
ton, or £18 to the acre. 
Nuts are very uncertain ; fabulous returns are stated to be 
obtained, but they are contrary to my experience. A crop of 
28 lbs. is a good one for a small tree, but prices are extremely 
low as a rule. 
Results and Peospects. 
The average yield of hardy, well-cultivated, and carefully 
selected fruit per acre will be worth about £30 to £40, which is 
increased in well-managed mixed plantations containing Apples 
and Plums. The average annual expenses are £10 to £20 an 
acre, exclusive of the capital sunk in the first preparation of the 
land and in planting, which I have already said may range from 
£50 to £100 per acre. Thus, if a fruit grower can clear ex- 
penses (including his own time and labour), and secure an 
average annual balance of £10 to £20 an acre, he may be 
satisfied with his work. In good seasons he will have more, and 
wide experience points to the conclusion that, under the conditions 
enumerated as essential to success, it is at least possible for a 
man to earn a comfortable living at fruit-growing and pay a fair 
interest on his own or other people's capital. The enterprise 
must, however, be started and carried out strictly on a com- 
mercial basis, by men who have acquired a thorough knowledge 
of the subject, who have their hearts in the business, and who 
are prepared to work energetically and wait patiently for the 
results of their labour. 
