THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF HAROY FRUIT GROWING. 333 
would be folly to despise, as they are very good indeed, and look 
very attractive when put on the market in the green state in 
which they arrive. But if we plant only the very finest varieties, 
and do them thoroughly well in every respect, we can more than 
hold our own against the French or any other competitors. By 
planting such excellent varieties as Keepsake and Whinham's 
Industry on good land, fairly sheltered from cold winds, we can 
obtain large berries almost as early as the imported fruit, 
superior to it in size and appearance, and selling at prices 
ranging from lis. to 25s. per cwt., according to the supply and 
demand. Other extensive growers have found the following 
varieties to give satisfactory results — Lancashire Lad, Grown 
Bob, WJiitesmith, and (for bottling) Warrington. The profits, 
except in specially favourable circumstances, can scarcely be 
considered large, as the expenses of picking are somewhat heavy 
and if the berries are late the prices are low. A fair average 
net return per acre is about £20. Sometimes very high figures 
are made, but these extraordinary results must not be looked 
upon as an indication of what can be done generally. 
Steawberries. 
Judging from the immense quantities of Strawberries planted 
of late years, in addition to the great area previously devoted to 
the crop, many would think that the supply must be more than 
equal to any possible demand ; such, however, does not appear 
to be the case, as the price keeps up to the same average as 
formerly when less quantities were grown, and I see no reason 
why Strawberry culture should not give as good a profit in the 
future as in the past. No great amount of skill is requisite to 
produce heavy crops of fine berries, provided a fertile soil planted 
with the best varieties is at hand, and due attention given after- 
wards to mulching, removal of runners, and the destruction of 
weeds. 
It is very probable that Boyal Sovereign will be a universal 
favourite amongst market growers in the future, as it is early, 
vigorous, large, and freely produced, of firm flesh, travelling 
well, in fact all that one could desire for the market. Sir Joseph 
Paxton is still the favourite maincrop Strawberry for market, and 
no mistake will be made in relying upon it as one of the best and 
most certain varieties to plant. Sir Charles Napier and Stirling 
o 
