Fifl]) Years of Fruit Farming. 
1G3 
Soraersetsliiro. Orchards have been replanted with approved 
varieties, or worn-out trees have been i-eplaced by these ; un- 
profitable sorts have been cut back and regrafted with more re- 
munerative kinds. Farmers realise the importance of selecting 
good kinds, and plant only those they believe will be most re- 
munerative ; and it is found that however keen as business men 
they may be, an extra sixpence or two in the cost of a tree does 
not prevent them when they are assured of getting clean, healthy, 
well-grown trees that are true to name. Soft-fruit bushes have 
been planted in Worcestershire to some extent, both black and 
red currants and gooseberries. Black Naples, Lee's Prolific, 
and Carter's Champion are the favourite sorts of black currants. 
The red currant known as Trainer's Red Grape is preferred. 
Among gooseberries the Crown Bob, Lancashire Lad, Warring- 
ton, one of the most useful of the multitude of kinds. Whin- 
ham's Industry, and Keepsake are chiefly grown. 
I'lum-trees have been largely planted within the last twenty 
years in Worcestershire, notably in the vale of Evesham, the 
soil and climate of which are most suitable for their growth. 
They are set from 15 to 18 feet apart, with two rows of currant 
or gooseberry bushes between the rows of trees, and two or three 
bushes in the spaces between two trees. The principal varieties 
cultivated are the I'ershore, Victoria, and River's Early Prolific, 
which have originated within the last fifty years. A damson or 
prune, known as Damascene, termed by Dr. Hogg the long 
damson, or the Shropshire damson, is extensively grown. A 
few cherry orchards have been made in the Evesham district. 
These have answered remarkably well, and there are many 
instances of excellent returns from some of them. 
In the Evesham district there has been an increase of one- 
fourth in the acreage of fruit land since 1845. With reference 
to apple-growing in this part of Worcestershire, it is said that 
in spite of the many new sorts of apples now offered, the 
Blenheim Orange still stands pre-eminent, and the first question 
asked in offering apples for sale is, put in the vernacular, " Be 
'em Blemmins ? " The Blenheim Orange has in fact got a hold 
of the market possessed by no other sort. Among other 
varieties planted or grafted on old trees, are the Wellington, 
Warner's King, Lord Suffield, Tower of Glamis, Ecklinville 
Seedling, Golden Noble, Cellini Pippin, Beauty of Kent, Stone's 
Apple, and the handsome Worcester Pearmain. 
A great advance has taken place in Gloucestershire in respect 
of fruit-growing, mainly since 1870. In this county there is a 
considerable acreage of orchard land, whose fruit has been used 
for cider-making, as in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, but, 
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