November 1 , 1913 . 
THE GARDENERS' MAGAZINE. 
817 
KENT COMMERCIAL FRUIT % 
SHOW. i 
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The third animal show of the Association 
of Kent Fruit Growers was held in the 
Corn Exchangie, Maidstone, on Tuesday and 
Wednesday, October 28 and 29, and it was 
successful and very encouraging. As an 
exhibition, it differed widely from those of 
the usual horticultural societies, there being 
no attempt at artistic effect or decorative ar¬ 
rangement. The whole energies of the society 
are devoted to plain utility and stern com¬ 
mercial requirements. Thus the receptacles 
used were plain deal boxes of uniform size, 
lined with blue paper, and careful and sen¬ 
sible packing was estimated as a most im¬ 
portant feature. Spectacularly the show 
would have been wonderfully attractive had 
by Mr. S. Skelton, West Farleigh. Maid¬ 
stone, whose apples were of great size, even, 
and well finish^. Tlie method of packing 
was what is technically termed “one-two- 
flat."’ This is done by placing a row of apples 
on either side of the box, with one fruit in 
the c^itre between two couples. Tlie boxes 
contained three layers with fourteen fruits 
each, the approximate weight per box being 
forty pounds. Mr. G. E. Champion, Linton, 
Maidstone, came second, showing fruit of 
the scarlet form of Bramley’s, which were 
mo^ attractive in appearance than the green 
fruits. They were not, however, so large, 
there being twenty-one fruits in a layer. 
They were “ square ” packed, a method which 
tl» first prize exhibit. Mr. A. J. Carter, 
Billingshurst, Suasex, took third prize, his 
frhit being extraordinarily deep crimson in 
colour, but not over-large.* Fourth prize was 
secured by S. Skelton, F>q., for a nice, ser¬ 
viceable lot of fruit, packed square-check pat¬ 
tern. 
Lane’s Prince Albert mustered twenty-nine 
entries, and, whilst quality was of a high 
standard, it was remarkable how widely the 
variety differed in colour and form in ex¬ 
hibits from various localities. A. Miskin, 
Esq.. Chart Sutton, secured first prize, and 
his fruits were certainlv a beautiful lot. 
They were square-clieeiMd packed, and, 
although this method shows off the applee 
to best advantage, there was a good deal of 
comment on tile part of growers to the effect 
that the system makes bruising unavoidable. 
S. Smith, Esq., Barming, \Aidstone. took 
second place, his fruit wing of fair size, 
licautifully even, and packed eyo upwards 
two-two pattern. Third prize went to E. B. 
Burns, Esq., Ea^ Farleigh, Maidstone, who 
had typical fruit packed two-three check 
pattern. A. J. Carter, Esq., Billingshurst, 
KENT COMMERCIAL FRUIT SHOW. 
Yiew showing Bramley’s Seedling Apples; first prize exhibit on the extreme right. 
the fruit been set up on dishes or baskets 
^th decorations of flowers and foliage; but 
that is not the purpose of the Kent growers, 
and the animat^ conversation between ex- 
hibiti)rs and judges turned on the respective 
Dierits of the various styles of packing de¬ 
monstrated. The show afforded interSting 
and valuable evidence of the strides made in 
British fruit culture. 
All through the fruit was of Splendid 
quality^ and it was apparent to all that 
our growers are realising the importance of 
<^ar€ful grading, packing, and system, as well 
ff^)d cultivation, of the most useful and 
varieties. The association is doing 
good'work, and we watch its progress with 
much gratification, sinee it is of direct bene- 
tii ^ .what is now an important industry 
nat will undoubtedly increase in extent and 
to the community. 
Ihe schedule opened with a class for six 
ooxes of Bramley’s Seedling, and, as show- 
high esteem' in which this apple is 
of commercial growers, it is worthy 
^ *han forty entries were 
bcoming. The first prize was secured 
risk of damage by bruising than the diagonal 
method. W. W. Hubble, Esq., Hunton, Haid. 
stone, secured third prize. The boxes in this 
case appeared to be rather too full, albeit a 
slight bulge on the lid is an advantage 
rather than otherwise. Mr. 0. Ellis, Bram- 
ley, Surrey came fourth. It must be added 
that many exhibits of superb quality had to 
go cardless, so keen was the competition in 
this remarkable class. 
Six boxes of Newton Wonder, another very 
popular apple, made an excellent class of 
twenty-six entries, and throughout the whole 
number the quality and colour of the fruit 
merited high praise. F. Smith. Esq., Lod- 
dington, Maidstone, secured the leading 
^ward, and it would be difficult to find a finer 
lot of fruit carrying such rich colour, and 
capitally paclad in two-two check pattern. 
Tb- apples are in this style of packing ar- 
rantred in twos alternately to left and right 
of the box, the cheek of the apple being ex¬ 
posed to view. Mr. A. Miskin, Chart Sut- 
Maidstone, came second with a very 
nice lot of fruit packed in same st^-le as 
Sussex, showed bright red, showy fruits, 
scarcely recognisable as Prince Al^rt. but 
nevertheless an exhibit of high quality, 
fourth prize being awarded. 
Blenheim Orange, still a grand and indis¬ 
pensable apple, did not form so large a class 
as might have been expected, but the nineteen 
entries staged w’ere splendid examples, and 
were a centre of attraction to visitors. 
Messrs. Gaskain and Whiting, Dargate, 
Faversham, took first prize with a grand 
half-dozen boxes, every fruit being of large 
size, beautifully modelled, and rich in colour. 
The system of packing was square-check, but 
even if that should be citicised the quality 
of the fruit was beyond reproach. Second 
prize was secured by Messrs. W. Skinner 
and Sons, Boughton, Monchelsea, their 
fruits being large but not so even. W. W. 
Hubble, Esq., came third with a good ex¬ 
hibit packed three-four check. 
Some immense fruits were shown in the 
class for six boxes of Lord Derby, an apple 
exoallent for cooking, and remarkable for 
its size, but not at all a pretty one. Messrs. 
Gaskain and WTiiting were again the success- 
