INCREASING THE HOME FRUIT SUPPLY. 
23 
INCREASING THE HOME FRUIT SUPPLY. 
By Edward A. Bunyard, F.L.S. 
[Read April 11, 191 7 ; Mr. J. Hudson, V.M.H., in the Chair.] 
At a time when we are scrutinizing very carefully our home supplies 
it may be of value to include in this survey the average garden, and 
to see where and how we may best increase its usefulness in the pro- 
duction of fruit. It is, I think, quite possible to augment very 
materially our fruit supply from this source alone, and my remarks 
will be addressed to those who grow or wish to grow fruit for their 
own consumption. In the average garden which we are consider- 
ing, the fact that first strikes a fruit enthusiast is the absence of any 
considered plan to extend the season of fruit as long as possible. 
The herbaceous border has had long hours of careful thought 
devoted to it, so that it may present an ordered succession of bloom 
throughout a long season, and in most gardens undergoes an un- 
ceasing revision. In the fruit garden it is seldom that much trouble 
is expended on this particular matter. 
A vast crop of ' Jargonelle ' Pears, far beyond the home needs, is 
often found, and, after 'Williams' are over, a pearless season is ex- 
perienced until ' Doyenne du Cornice ' comes to cheer November days. 
This superabundance of the earlier fruits is a very common feature 
of the average garden. A standard Apple or Pear which produces 
several hundred fruits which will only keep for a fortnight is an obvious 
mistake for a small household. Such varieties would be better grown 
as pyramids, and for the large trees mid-season and late fruits chosen. 
Where, however, such large standard trees exist, or even a large wall 
tree, the balance can be redressed by regrafting most of the branches. 
The amateur is too apt to think that a large tree is a fait accompli 
which must be borne with, but a visit to Kentish orchards would 
show him the fruit farmers often regraft their trees many times till 
they find the variety which " does " best. Large branches nine inches 
in diameter of Apple and Pear trees can be quite successfully grafted 
if the wood is healthy. A few hours' study of a nurseryman's catalogue 
will suggest how gaps can be filled up and the season extended at 
either end, and so much has been published on this subject that it 
is hardly necessary to give lists here. 
A few fruits deserve a wider cultivation for their utility in extending 
the season. Such are Autumnal Raspberries which with varieties 
such as the ' Alexandra ' and ' Hailsham ' carry the Raspberry season 
through till mid-October. These autumn varieties should have the 
canes well spaced out. The Alpine Strawberries too are invaluable 
