UNLIKE this year's virtual springtime drought, the same season a century ago was hit by much rainfall.
The Journal of 1903 tells the story: "Present indications point to an exceptionally unfavourable year for fruit consumers. The rainfall in many districts during the spring has done more to damage fruit crops than has been experienced for many years. One leading authority estimates that the crop of favourite fruits such as plums and damsons will be from half to a quarter less than the average, and that gooseberries and currants will be scarce. A few days of bright sunshine would, however, save the strawberry crop.
"Overall though, the outlook for the consumer is more serious than for the grower who prefers to get a high price for a small output rather than a low price for a large one."
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