We have received the following report from Mr. Ronald Whiteway, J.P., secretary of the Cider Makers' Federation: .' The third year's distribution of free trees to farmers by our federation has now been completed and brings the total for the whole period up to 58,182 trees.
"It will he remembered that this scheme was started in December, 1933, by the Devon Cider Makers, in conjunction with the Devon County Agricultural Committee, with the object of encouraging farmers to improve their cider apple orchards. The manufacturers offered one tree free for every ton of apples purchased by them, for three years, and these were thankfully accepted by most of the growers.
A Wonderful Success
" / am glad to report that the whole scheme has been a wonderful success and has undoubtedly done much to ensure for future years a steady supply of home-grown fruit for the cider factories and so prevent the necessity of importing apples from France.
"In addition to the cider manufacturers supplying free trees, the Devon County Council have worked with us by increasing their staff of horticultural advisers, under the able supervision of Mf. Manning, and all farmers can now receive free advice as to the correct methods of planting, staking, spraying, pruning, etc.
" It is certainly most encouraging in these days of agricultural depression to take a drive through our lovely Devon lanes and see the work which is taking place in the orchards, and to realise the optimism which is being displayed by all concerned in the increased production of cider apples."