FARM, GARDEN, AND ORCHARD NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2492, 30 June 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

FARM, GARDEN, AND ORCHARD NOTES.

Prior of Fruit in Covbnt Garden.— On 2Sth April apples in Covent Garden market were quoted at 2s GJ to 4s Gd per half sieve ot Si gallons. Galifornian Easter Beurre pears were still in the market, and selling at 2s each. Dickens ox Farming. — Charles Dickens never wrote a truer word, whether on farming or any other subject, than when ho said : Of all the estates that anywhere are ever planted, tilled, or harvested, none pays better for cultivation and attention than the little bits which lie within the ring fence of the heart and head.

Sale of Tasmanian Apples is London. —By the favour of Mr Charles May we are in receipt of copy of account sales of 480 cases of Tasmanian apples, ex Victoria, sold on 20th April by Keeling and Hunt, London. A'.friston sold at 13s Gd per bushel; Ribstou Pippin, Ms to 18s; Alexander, Ila ; Scarlet Pearmain, ICs Gd and 17s ; Adams' Pearmain, Ss to 15s ; Golden Russet.t, lGs Gd ; Pearson's Plate, 0s 9d to lis 6<l; Stunner Pippin, 16s; Nova Scotiiin apples, 20s to 23s petbarrel of about 3i bushels.—Melbourne Leader.

Fruit Packing. — American fruit exporters iusii-t that fruit should be handled as carefully and as little as possible, and so packed that it cannot move uutil taken out for consumption. Experience has taught tliem to distrust the keeping qualities of any apples wli.c.h have lain on the ground OV'T niuht; consequently they are kept apart. and usually put up for local markets as a separate grade. Their principal market, is London, and freight and other expenses are from os to 5s Gd per barrsl. It is found that, a very few spotted apples in a barrel or a slight slackness, as it. is called (when the fruit is found to move in the package when shaken), will reduce the price from 20 to .50 per cent. This beinsr the case, the importance of this subject cam bo easily estimated.