522 
Fiirmhuj in Devon and Cornwall. 
For irrigation is from November to April, the water being 
allowed to run a week at a time on different parts of the 
meadow. The beneficial effect of the irrigation is very apparent, 
and results in an early growth of grass, which is of great value 
in early spring for ewes and lambs, and for flushing the milk 
of cows. 
Fruit Farming. 
Much land, especially in Cornwall, is devoted to the growth 
of strawberries and other small fruits; also potatoes, broccoli, 
and other vegetables and flowers for the early markets of our 
large towns. During 1889 the Great Western Railway con- 
veyed some 300 tons of strawberries, 4,500 tons of new potatoes, 
and 8,000 tons of broccoli from the two counties. The South- 
Western Railway also conveyed its share, whilst other large 
quantities were sent by water to the various seaports. 
The earliest and best strawberries and other fruits are grown 
on the banks of the Tamar, which divides the two counties, and 
are forwarded thence to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and 
other large centres. Latterly, raspberries, gooseberries, and other 
bush and tree fruits have been largely grown in the neighbour- 
hood of Penzance, St. Erth, and Marazion, the latter the oldest 
town in Cornwall. The cultivation of the tomato by the aid of 
a cold frame has been introduced since this vegetable came into 
such popular favour. Some enterprising gardeners have of late 
taken, with much success, to growing grapes and peaches in 
hothouses for sale in London and other large towns. 
It may be worth mentioning here that a few years ago 
caterpillars were very prevalent in the district referred to, and 
did much damage to the gooseberry bushes ; but a dressing of 
hellebore boiled in water and syringed on to the bushes effectually 
destroyed the insect. The writer's informant bought his helle- 
bore on that occasion by the ton, and found it a most 4 effectual 
expenditure. 
Vegetable Farming. 
In the neighbourhood of Penzance and around Falmouth 
many acres of the earliest potatoes are grown, and are followed 
by early cauliflower and broccoli, all of which find their way to 
distant markets. On the outskirts of the little fishing village 
Mousehole, and its neighbour Paul or St. Pol, there are number- 
less small gardens — mere beds they might be called, so small are 
they individually — which ai'e devoted to the growth of these crops. 
Wherever along the slopes of the coast between Penzance 
and Land's End there is any soil overlying the rocks, no matter 
