SUBURBAN FRUIT-GROWING. 



311 



that an exceptionally good set of Apples followed. The question 

 of shelter is therefore a very important one, and there is nothing 

 so injurious to fruit blossom as frost accompanied by a dry, 

 cutting wind. In all the gardens that I have visited, the Pears, 

 where there are any, are all on the sheltered side of the tree, away 

 from the north-east wind ; and whether the wood be well 

 ripened or not the question of good crop or bad depends, in my 

 opinion, mainly upon the condition of the weather when the 

 trees are in bloom. 



An error prevails that the K.H.S. has increased the evil of 

 too many varieties of Apples and Pears by granting certificates 

 to a great many new sorts. This is not the case. The Society 

 rarely grants a certificate for a new Apple or Pear, and then only 

 when the variety is a real acquisition. In fact the R.H.S. is the 

 only body that has done anything to remedy the evil of too many 

 sorts. The Apple Congress held at Chiswick in 1883 under the 

 auspices of the R.H.S. was the first considerable attempt made 

 to deal with the evil. All the known and unknown varieties of 

 the Apple that could be brought together were there, and an 

 immense number were marked as third-rate or worthless. Many 

 varieties so called were proved to be the same Apples under 

 different names. Some had as many as thirteen or fourteen. 

 Much of the evil has arisen in the cider districts, where many 

 trees raised from pips have been allowed to stand without being 

 grafted, as their fruit could be used for cider-making, and having 

 received a local name they have got included in the list of Apples. 

 It must not be forgotten, however, that many of our best Apples 

 were chance seedlings obtained in this way. 



In the matter of fruit the taste of the public has changed very 

 much. Formerly a small crisp Apple, suitable for dessert, such 

 as the Golden Pippin, the Nonpareils, Golden Knob, &c, was in 

 favour. High colour was thought to indicate inferior quality, 

 and it is only of late years that highly coloured Apples have 

 come into favour. It was thought that British Apples were 

 inferior in colour to American varieties, but a glance at the fruit 

 exhibited to-day will convince every one that our Apples are i not 

 deficient in this respect. The populations of the large cities and 

 towns have greater purchasing power than was formerly the 

 case, and fresh fruit is largely consumed as an article of diet by 

 the masses instead of being considered a luxury. 



