xvi PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



they were preserved might best be described as concentrated liquid sugar, 

 so sweet was it and sticky. Much less sugar (probably only a third) should 



be used. 



Orange Peel. — Preserved in syrup and exceedingly good, the bitter- 

 ness of the peel and the sweetness of the syrup harmonising well. 



Quince. — I am a little in doubt whether this was our English Quince, 

 or the Loquat, which is often called Japanese Quince. In texture it was 

 excellent, much softer than our English Quince usually is when preserved 

 whole or in quarters, and the flavour a little less pronounced, which most 

 people would consider a gain. The syrup had escaped from this bottle, 

 so I had the lumps of fruit laid on basket lids in a very cool oven for two 

 or three nights, and the result is a first-rate fruit sweetmeat, most 

 palatable. 



Nectarines. — The best as well as the most distinct and unusual of all 

 the preserved fruits sent. The fruits, though in very sweet syrup, re- 

 tained a delightful acidity together with the distinctive flavour of the 

 fresh fruit. They appear to be called " White Apricots " locally. 



Young Bitter Oranges. — Kesembling those sent from the south of 

 France, but decidedly better for those who like sweet things. These were 

 almost crystallised or glace, the syrup having almost solidified. 



Cherries. — Very well made, but far far too sweet, so much so as to 

 leave little flavour beside. 



Apples. — No flavour at all. Quite useless for the English market. 



Mosphila Jelly (Azeral Haivthorn). — Very well made and possessing 

 a pleasant acidity, but only little flavour of fruit. 



Crystallised Fruits, Mixed. — They were neither crystallised nor 

 glace, and had the appearance of fruits preserved in very thick syrup and 

 then sprinkled over with coarse-grained sugar. To make them saleable 

 they must be presented quite dry. 



Speaking of the preserved fruits generally, the Nectarines (or White 

 Apricots) and the Orange Peel were first rate, the Apricots, Quince, and 

 young Bitter Oranges very good. All these, if they were sent in better 

 bottles and could once get a fair trial on the London market, would, I 

 believe, meet with a ready sale. 



W. Wilks, 



Sec. E.H.S. 



Larnaca, Cyprus : 17 April, 1908. 



Dear Sir, 



I am very pleased with the success of the few exhibits sent to 

 your show in March, and I beg to thank you for giving me the opportunity 

 of showing Cyprus fruit. I have reported the matter to his Excellency the 

 High Commissioner, who is very pleased. I hope to place Oranges and 

 Lemons on the London market in December. Several firms have offered 

 their services as agents. I also hope to send further exhibits to the 

 B.H.S.J as their work in this connection is very valuable to the Colonies. 



Yours faithfully, 



W. J. Ansell. 



