Fruit-growing.

Another source of income which bids fair to add materially to the wealth of the Colony, is that of growing fruit for export. We now page 14 know, that at least apples and pears can be landed in the London market at a season when supplies from other countries have ceased. But the fruit must be of superior quality and of the right kind, if high prices are to be obtained. Those orchards which are now being planted will probably find when they come to maturity, a well-established export trade to relieve them of their produce.

The American farmers are great orchardists. Whole districts in the State of New York, once devoted to wheat-growing, are now devoted to growing apples and pears. It is true that they have a teeming population as customers at their doors, but if they have this, we have the advantage of the opposite seasons. This, coupled with the cool chamber and quick transit, places us in a fairly good position. From five to ten acres of apples well selected, would prove more remunerative than any other portion of the farm, after the trees came into full bearing. Planted in rows 30 ft. apart, the intervening spaces should never be planted with small fruits. Father grow drill crops, by which means the ground can be kept free from weeds and in the best condition. By this treatment the land will be producing enough to cover the cost of working till the trees come into profitable bearing. Never allow a spade to be used near the trees, the fork is the proper implement. A well selected and well cared for orchard will yield from £50 to £100 per acre when in full bearing.