On Thu, 28 Jul 2005 17:08:42 +0100, "Bob Hobden"
wrote:


"Klara" wrote ...

Came across an article about fruit trees in Hungary. Apparently in the
first half of the last century fruit trees were planted along many roads
in Hungary, on the principle that if there were to be trees anyway, they
might as well bring some refreshment to the (at the time) foot-weary
traveller.

Someone was asking: what happened to the trees? Seems that those that
survived were grubbed up, for three sad reasons: First, because even
though at the time they bore excellent fruit without much intervention,
they would now need heavy spraying to achieve the same. Second, because of
the exhaust, which would contaminate the fruit. And third, because were a
single caterpillar to fall on the top of a lorry, it would no longer be
allowed across national borders.

So, no more cherries for free (or plums, or peaches, or apples, or,
apparently, mulberries....)


Well I've seen both Apricot trees and Grape vines planted on roundabouts in
SW France. Their roundabouts and roads, even country ones, do make ours look
so unkempt and shabby.

I think it's worth mentioning that, round here at least, around our
unkempt and shabby roads can be found apples, crab apples, hazelnuts,
redcurrants, sloes, damsons, rose hips, elderberries, blackberries,
raspberries and wild strawberries.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk