SIZE V. QUALITY

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 101, 1 May 1914, Page 5

SIZE V. QUALITY

' . [TO THE EDITOB.] . •Sii", —Permit meyto .point out, by way' of advice to ' those about to embark capital and labor in the fruitgrowing industry, that quality and flavor a^e more important factors in fruit than size and appearance, however highly colored, as well as ee'curing for it successful sale\ and constant demand, here as well as in foreign markets. Failing these necessary conditions, the demand for our fruit might be seriously injured, for export against that grown in other countries. It hardly, needs allusion to be made, after recent exhibitions, to the present tsize and color of all choice table fruits and the loss in flavor of most of the new and overgrown varieties at present recommended for cultivation, which fail to compare | favorably with those previously j grown. This is particularly the'case j with cooking fruit, which has little j or ... more flavor than a squash or! gourd', clearly illustrating that size j is inimical both to quality and to j flavor. Intelligent and reliable I nurserymen can be depended on to j advise buyers of fruit stock on this j truly important point, which is j clearly demonstrated by orchards now planted oh stony and poor land'heretofore considered quite' unsuitable for the purpose, aaid even valueless for crop or pasture, but now producing excellent fruit of medium size a,nd j good flavor, with superior keeping I and packing qualities, and thus! demonstrating that the specially rich and good soils due to river deposit in past ages are best suited for j dairying- purposes, lucerne and hop. growing, or' for market gardens in preference to orchards, where the roots aaid size of the trees "too quickly j develop and grow fruit which' is I flavorless and soft. Like most Uther j important matters connected with the fairm or orchard, Nature must be; in accord with it, and her productive | powers'duly considered for its special use. Many residents here can call to mind the orchard tise now made of j the Moutere hills, for years considered valueless for cultivation or' grazing, which produces fruit of high ' quality and in great demand. i AN OLD FRUIT-GROWER.1"