6 INTRODUCTION. 



State. Virginia, grow better than those brought from Northern 

 States, and that our nurserymen know better what trees to 

 recommend for different locations within the State, and are 

 more reliable than those obtained from traveling agents. The 

 same may be said of more Southern localities. 



A good wTiter says, "It is much to be regretted that so 

 many orchards throughout the South are so badly cared for. 

 It is not enough, as some appear to think, to plant an orchard 

 and fence it, and go annually for a crop of fruit. There are 

 thousands of trees that have never been pruned nor manured." 



In favorable situations these trees will still live and pro- 

 duce fruit, but in localities less favorable they die or gradu- 

 ally produce smaller crops and poorer fruit. The good effects 

 of a liberal dressing of manure, and in most cases ashes, is no 

 where so apparent as when applied to a poor scrubby orchard. 



As a substantial element of food for many, as a valuable 

 agent in preserving and promoting good health, and as a lux- 

 ury which all classes may enjoy with a zest and a relish, 

 "there is no substitute for the apple within the wide range of 

 food for man." To the non-producer and to those to whom it 

 is denied by climate, such gratification is unappreciated or un- 

 known; and the same, to some extent, may be said of the 

 peach. Both are devoured by most animals with avidity, and 

 both are especially nutritious and fattening food for hogs. 



"Good fruit upon the farm or in the garden may be justly 

 regarded as the best indication that the agriculturist has been 

 mindful of his duty to his family and himself, while he has 

 been considerate in looking to the sure and liberal pecuniary 

 reward which will follow the labors of the careful, industrious 

 and intelligent cultivator. The growing of fruits is not only 

 an attractive pursuit in which men become intensely enthusi- 

 astic, but it is profitable employment. Hence, under favora- 

 ble circumstances, every desirable point for raising fruit 

 should be speedily and thoroughly improved." 



"If the Board of Health of large cities," says a judicious 

 writer, "could have power to regulate the prices of fruits at 

 certain seasons of the year, without establishing a bad princi- 

 ple or precedent, benefit would follow; and it would be a 



