160 
Fift ij Years of Fruit Farming ^ 
that has been applied before it could get down to theif roots 
deeper in the soil. 
During the last fifty years there has been a great neglect 
in respect of apple and pear culture. Fruit trees and bushes 
coming to bear quickly have been preferred before the trees of 
more tardy production. Where standai'd trees have been planted 
they have been generally plum or damson trees. 
The apple and pear revival, which is just now undoubtedly 
taking place, is due to the appreciation of the fact that these 
English fruits are not what they should and might be, and that 
there is a good and steady demand for fine specimens. In districts 
suitable for apple and pear culture, tenant farmers see a prospect 
of a return eventually larger than can be obtained from ordinary 
crops. In the case of the trees being planted on grass land, there 
will be a certain yield from the grass until they begin to bear. 
Where the trees are planted with fruit bushes, there will be an 
early and, possibly, a considerable profit until the trees come into 
bearing. Landlords, since they have realised that tenants must 
not be restricted in the matter of cropping and cultivation in 
the present condition of agriculture, in some instances have 
afforded facilities to tenants for planting fruit trees, and have 
wisely encouraged this improvement of property. The success 
which has crowned the energy and skill shown pre-eminently 
by Lord Sudeley has induced other landowners to promote 
fruit cultivation in a liberal and intelligent manner. 
Besides, in these late years the public have taken up the 
question of fruit growing. Many Conferences have been con- 
vened upon the subject, especially with respect to apples and 
pears. Exhibitions have been held at which incredible numbers 
of sorts of these fruits were shown, generally of splendid quality, 
proving that fine apples and pears can be produced with proper 
management. 
The orchards in Devonshire and Somersetshire have re- 
mained almost stationary for the last fifty years, and even for 
a longer period. There are indications of awakening here and 
there on the part of the farmers. Very old trees are being 
replaced by young trees of approved sorts, but there is not by 
any means a general disposition to make a clean sweep of 
almost useless veterans, of whose bearing powers, in long past 
years, fabulous tales are narrated, and to fill their places with 
trees that will soon begin to bear. But little attention is paid 
in these counties to the production of fruit for eating or culinary 
purposes. Cider is the burden of the song. 
Compared with other counties, the increase of fruit land in 
these cider-making counties has been curiously insignificant, 
