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Cider and Perry Factories. Orchard Prospects. 
manipulators, and eventually it is believed to reappear, as Hock, Champagne, Sherry, or Port, 
according to the prevailing demand of the market at the time. 
The establishment of Cider and Perry Factories would prove of the greatest advantage in 
the Orchard districts. A ready home market for the best fruit would soon cause the inferior kinds 
to be got rid of; and the manufacture of Cider and Perry of superior quality, would restore their 
character to the outer world, and render them properly appreciated. Under present circumstances 
when a great “ hit ” of fruit occurs, the Apples and Pears are scarcely saleable at any price, the 
home barrels are all filled, and the waste is enormous. It sometimes happens at these times, 
that a barrel of Cider is placed in the yard, ready tapped, and with a mug standing by it, that all 
comers to the house may help themselves. Such prodigal hospitality is by no means desirable, and 
if the demand for Cider were as great as it might be, its value would soon put a stop to such wasteful 
use. 
It is precisely in these good seasons, when fruit is so abundant and well ripened, that the 
best liquor can be made. It would be the golden opportunity for a Factory, supported by capital. 
Very great quantities of Cider and Perry could be made, and laid by in cask, and in bottle, to meet 
the failures of future years. With good management, a Company formed for the manufacture of 
Cider and Perry in this way, could not fail to give a very handsome return to its proprietors, and at 
the same time to increase greatly the value of the Orchards. 
VII.—ORCHARD PROSPECTS. 
English Agriculturists have now to meet the competition of the world, and it is desirable, on 
every account, that they should enlarge their sphere of action. Instead of confining themselves so 
much to corn and cattle, as they have hitherto done, they should pay closer attention to the growth 
of other products which will command a constant and lucrative market in our own populous and 
wealthy towns; such as hops, where the soil is suitable; poultry and eggs; milk, butter and cheese; fruit 
of all kinds ; and such vegetables as local circumstances may require, or good judgment determine. 
Happy, in these times, are they, who living in districts specially adapted for the growth of hardy 
fruits, can turn their efforts in this direction. Our Orchards ought to supply economically, and 
profitably, the markets of our towns and cities with an abundance of Apples and Pears ; and be 
able to meet there, moreover, an active competition from America, from the Continent of Europe, 
and even from Australia. It is true that the rent of land is dearer and the fruit seasons much 
more uncertain in England ; but these disadvantages are almost balanced by the greater expense 
of labour, (at least in America, our greatest rival) ; by the increased expense of packing ; the 
cost of carriage ; the liability to injury; and by the still more serious item of profit to the 
middlemen, or importers. The importation of fruit must always be more difficult than that of 
grain, and the cost greater ; this cost, moreover, must"increase so soon as the commercial depression 
of the last 4 or 5 years passes off, and ship freightage returns to its ordinary rates. There is 
every reason therefore to believe that steady perseverance in Orchard culture will meet with a 
successful reward. 
The occurrence of favourable seasons affords the great opportunity for remunerative Orchard 
management. At these times, in addition to increased cellar storage for vintage fruit; and the sale 
