330 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
the very best varieties, and liberally manuring the trees, to 
enable the fruit to swell to an extra large size, a better average 
result can be obtained. 
Another item of interest is the ease with which Cherries 
may be dried. The dried Cherries which the writer tasted from 
Mr. Trotter, gardener at Bromsberrow Place, near Ledbury, were 
excellent, and cooked admirably, proving that in seasons of 
abundance the fruit can be sold at a remunerative rate in a 
dried state. 
Bush Fruits. 
For a man with but limited capital, bush fruit and Straw- 
berries offer the greatest prospect of commercial success, as the 
first cost in purchasing them is comparatively small, and under 
fairly good treatment quick returns are secured. 
Where Black Currants will grow well, I question if any bush 
fruit will pay so quickly, or give such a return per acre. We 
have always found a first-class demand for the fruit at prices 
never lower than £22 per ton, and sometimes much higher. 
However, putting the yield at three tons per acre when the 
bushes are in full bearing, we have £GG per acre. Deducting 
picking expenses at the rate of 4s. per cwt. (the price that we 
pay for gathering Black Currants and Raspberries), brings the 
figures down to £54 per acre, which will leave a good round 
sum for net profit after rent, manure bills, and all other expenses 
are paid. 
Land most suitable for Black Currant culture should be at 
least moderately deep, fertile, moist yet properly drained, and if 
it lies with a warm aspect so much the better, as it will enable 
the grower to put* the fruit on the market before any great 
quantity arrives from other growers. It would be difficult to 
state how long a plantation of Black Currants will continue 
profitable, so much depends on the mode of pruning and the 
manuring, and also the keeping in check of insect foes. If the 
major portion of the old wood is cut out immediately the fruit is 
all gathered, and every encouragement given to the strong young 
growths from the bottom to ripen well, very large fruit will be 
produced in quantity, and the bushes will continue healthy and 
vigorous for an indefinite period. 
The varieties that wo have found to grow best on our light 
