118 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the reason for tfeis being the greater difficulty in bringing about the same 

 perfection of culture in a large fruit as in smaller ones. That the highest 

 quality and flavour may accompany size, I need only refer to the 1 Noblesse ' 

 Peach and ' Victoria ' Nectarine, both of the largest size and unquestionably 

 of the best flavour. And of Grapes take the Black Hamburg and 

 4 Muscat.' These when well grown are amongst the largest in bunch and 

 berry, and have few, if any, equals in quality and flavour. On the other 

 hand take the Melon, the Gooseberry, and even the Strawberry, and some 

 others in which I think great size would be counted a defect. It is seldom 

 associated in these fruits with high quality and flavour. 



" With regard to vegetables the considerations are not quite the same. 

 Size and weight, when associated with other necessary qualities which go 

 to make a perfect specimen in some, will always carry substantial 

 advantages. Take Leeks or Celery for instance. The larger they are, 

 provided they are well bleached, well hearted, and free from any signs of 

 bolting, so much greater their value. 



" On the other hand, if we come to Potatos, large size, even if accom- 

 panied by other good qualities, is a serious defect, reducing the value of 

 the tuber considerably both for the home and the market. It is the same 

 with many other vegetables, notably the Cauliflower, the Turnip, and the 

 Cabbage, so that size and weight in individual samples of vegetables have 

 not relatively the same value as in fruit. The goal to aim at in the growth 

 of vegetables is the golden medium between the two extremes." 



Mr. E. H. Woodall : — " The public demand first of all something that 

 pleases the eye. However good a thing may be, or however excellent its 

 flavour, still the ignorant buyer will prefer that which looks well. The 

 only thing to do is to raise new fruits, and new varieties which shall not 

 only look well, but taste well also. Put flavour into your Alicante or 

 Colmar Grapes, and less manure and water to your vegetables, and the 

 first step will have been taken. But first of all raise the taste of the buyer 

 — it is even more the buyer's fault than the grower's, for the latter 

 naturally must grow what will find a ready sale. The amateur world 

 grows what it prefers, and only educates its eye and taste by experience, 

 which seems the special need of the casual buyer. 



" As to flowers, it is those who only take a passing glance who prefer 

 the big things individually or en masse. Knowledge alone makes one 

 appreciative of refinement of shape, colour, and habit ; so it is to the art 

 schools and the rising generation one must look for educating the eye for 

 true excellence. It is too late for the present generation, I fear." 



Mr. Wythes, V.M.H. : — " For years I have advocated more attention to 

 quality, and not mere size, in both fruits and vegetables. 



"Take vegetables : what value is there in huge Brussels Sprouts, com- 

 pared to a small or a medium compact one — huge Cauliflowers as big as a 

 pail compared to one of the size of a cricket-ball? One is strong, coarse, 

 and nasty, the other delicate, a vegetable that an invalid can enjoy. Huge 

 marrows, Le. in a seed state, arc worthless, whereas if cut young, and 

 cooked whole, they are delicious. 



"In a few cases fruits may not be coarse if large. They differ 

 according to culture. Grapes, for instance, Peaches, Nectarines, Figs of 

 certain varieties, if well grown, do not lose quality, but, on the other 



