4 INTRODUCTION. 



the country, we have been enabled to solve doubts and eluci- 

 date many facts connected with fruit-growing. 



In addition to the scarcity of horticultural information 

 suited to the South, a farther inducement for the writing and 

 compilation of this work was suggested by the impulse lately 

 given to agricultural and general improvement; and from the 

 tide of emigration now flowing into Virginia and the South 

 from the North and elsewhere, seem to render a treatise on 

 "Fruit Culture" almost indispensable, as, it is presumed, such 

 new settlers have many things to learn in regard to our cli- 

 mate, &c., that will not admit the delay attendant on practi- 

 cal experience; and more especially will information be de- 

 sired as regards ^^ apple ayid peach culture'' — the art of pro- 

 ducing the most valuable of fruits. 



The advantages to be derived from diffusing among the 

 people a scientific, comprehensive and practical treatise on 

 horticultural and pomological subjects suited more especially 

 for our Southern and Southwestern latitudes, must be appa- 

 rent to all who have bestowed the least thought upon the sub- 

 ject. Not only is the culture of fruit a source of pleasure, 

 but, if rightly understood and practiced, it is in many locali- 

 ties a money-making occupation — an interesting, easy and 

 safe way to accumulate wealth — conducive to the health and 

 comfort of man — "a labor of love," with ever increasing 

 pleasure as the work proceeds. 



Nothing immoral can grow out of employment so benefi- 

 cial, but, on the contrary, an occupation so innocent and use- 

 ful has a tendency to exalt our views of the goodness of 

 Providence in bestowing the rich gifts of the vegetable king- 

 dom with a profuse hand. The Almighty Power that sus- 

 tains the universe, that points the course of the glorious 

 orb of day and the silvery retinue of night, also unfolds the 

 tender blossoms and flowers, and teaches our hands the art 

 to aid in developing the green tree, the prolific buds and the 

 golden fruit. 



Sound and matured fruit is at all seasons grateful to the 

 palate, nutritious, medical and desirable. It is especially in 

 demand during the inclement season of snows and bleak 



