The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1857-11-13
pepartment.
PROFITS OF FRUIT CULTURE.

We hear frequent complaints Of the high
prices demanded for the different kinds of Fruit
offered in our own market, but the fact that such
prices are paid, generally without much reluc-a
tauce, proves that the supply is mol sufficledt,
that tHuit is necessity, or that at least it is
such a tempting luxury that-fpw are willing 10
do without it. Good Strawberries sell readily
at Twenty-Five and very fine ones as high as
thirty seven cents per quart. Raspberries COM
mand nearly the same price. Peaches sold,
few months since at from s so to s. pei bush
ell, ana we have known very fine Apples to com
mand $3.50 per bnshel in scarce seasons
Grapes and good Pears are seldom offered, their
cultivation having been heretofore almost en-
tirely neglected.
But the prices paid in Harrisburg are trHIng
when compared with thoS~ of the city markets.
A few weeks since tad the curiosity to price
the fruits offered for sale in The Philadelphia
market. Very ordinary Peaches Were selling
at so to 50 per basket containing but little
more than half bu~hel, while the same guam
tity of iue ones mot to be compared with our
Griffiths} sold al -Four dollars. Miserable little
Spckle Pears were held at seventy-tive cents per
half peck, or Sc per bushel. Much as we were
surprised at being asked such extra prices for
tered some OF the Confectionery ard Fruit
stores DuchesSe de, Augonlpme pears, weigh
ing from one half TO three quarters ola pound
sold at from 80 to 80 cents each, White Doy-
enne, Flemish Beauty, Louise bonne de Jersey,
&c, at from 10 0 cents each, Isabella Grapes,
under the name f'Berks County Sweet" re-
tailed at 90 cents per pound, equal to at least
80 cents per quart, and Black Hamburg, White
Syrian and others raised under lass al 81 per
pound.
One retail fruit dealer assured US that he paid
80 per dozen Tor all the Duchesse pears he
could gel, and 80 cents each for all weighing
pound or more, which he sold at Is cents and
81 each. The same person paid from s. TO So
per bushel for SeckleS and the other varieties OF
Pears we have named.
Our object in mentioning these facts is to at
tract the attention OF farmers and others to this
profitable branch of Agriculture-the most
profitable branch, perhaps, Of all. There need
be no fear OF the business being overdone within
u century to come, or least within the lifetime
of any tree planter now living, in fact it is
doubtful whether too much fruit can ever be
produced for the constantly increasing demand.
The new method of preserving fruit in air-tight
cans and jars, alone causes demand for more
than was used for all purposes ten years ago.
Even if prices should be reduced one half the
business will be highly profitable, aud ifthe pro-
ducer is not satisfied with his home market he
can have his fruit carried to Philadelphia, or
even New York for comparatively nothing.
and in the present age OF railroads, the samt
remark may apply to most sections OF th'
country.
We say, then, to our Agricultural readers
plant Fruit trees and while you are planting
select the best varieties. A tree of the bes
variety, costs no more than the worst. 1t is NJ
more difficult to plant, requires no more atten
ton, occupies no more space, and produces a
good crop, which is worth two or three o
even FIVE times as much as that of an ordinary
quality. We believe fruit is a necessity, as WI
know Of no other way to account for the uni
versa craving for it, and if it is, the farmer vii
be doing the public benefit, while he is at tn
same time enriching himself, by increased at
tention to its cultivation. But if il is only
luxury-an innocent, wholesome luxury-ther
are enough of the wealthy, and persons of mod
crate means who will have it at almost an
price.
We repeat, then, Farmers, plant fruit tree
for the benefit of the public, of yourselves an
your chiIdren.-Pat. & Union.