Fifhj lears of J^ruit Farminc/. 
produced, and to lielp the commei'cial position of tlie fruit 
industry. In the same way the orchards of Normandy have been 
greatly benefited by the actions of the SociSte Gentnde d'Horti- 
culture do la Seine Inferieure, of which evidence is plainly given 
in their appearance with respect to pruning and general healthi- 
ness, also in their regular filling up with young trees. 
Attention has been directed for some years to cider making, 
to the introduction of better processes, to the cultivation of 
varieties best suited for cider, to the erection of proper places 
for I he storage of fruit, as well as for keeping the cider at a 
right temperature. Prices have increased with the demand for 
first-class cider in cask and bottle, also for second- and third- 
class cider, which is supposed to serve as the foundation of cheap 
champagne and other wines. Between 1830 and 1840 fine 
cider was worth from Is. to Is. 6d. per gallon, and common 
qualities made from bd. to lOfZ. per gallon. At this time prices 
run from Is. to 2s. per gallon for cider in the cask. Good 
bottled cider is worth from 9s. to 12s. per dozen. Second 
quality in cask makes from 6d. to Is. per gallon. Perry is 
worth now from 4dl. to Is. 6d. per gallon, showing an increase 
of about 15 per cent. Higher rates hold for cider and perry 
from noted orchards and from the best varieties of apples and 
pears. It is stated that " Fox Whelp " cider has made as much 
as 30s. per dozen, and "Taynton Squash " perry 28s. per dozen. 
In the condensed publication of the Herefordshire Pomona, 
before spoken of, it is remarked that 
rierefordsliire, Devonshire, and Somersetshire, and other districts capable 
of producing cider and perry of good quality, have a peculiar advantage in 
the possession of a branch of agricultural industry that may be made very 
remunerative. It is one the least likely to be interfered with by the fluctu- 
ations of ordinary trade, and has, therefore, with proper care, only the seasons 
to contend with. The present state of our legislature is most favourable to 
its extension, since there are no longer any restrictions upon its produce by 
taxation, nor yet on its sale direct from the orchards, whilst as regards foreign 
competition there is no probabiUty that the supply for our home consumption 
can be seriously interfered with, for this, if for no other reason, that beverages 
which only contain so slight a proportion of alcohol are readily susceptible 
of re-fermentation caused by the constant shaking incident to conveyance 
from a distance.' 
In Worcestershire there has been an important addition to 
the acreage of fruit land. This is one of the cider and perry 
making counties, and a considerable proportion of its fruit 
acreage consists of orchards proper. Much more improvement 
has been made in these than in Devonshire, Herefordshire, and 
' The A2)2)le and Pear as Vintage Fruits, 1886, page 85. Hereford: Jakeman 
and Carver. 
