INTRODUCTORY. ix 



cedure, as well as in testing novelties in the way 

 of new fruits, flowers, and vegetables. I have also 

 always held fast to those varieties and to the modus 

 operandi which have proved to be good. 



The cultural details are set out in as plain, 

 simple, and concise a manner as possible, consistent 

 with making my meaning clear. Thus the instruc- 

 tions given in the work come within the com- 

 prehension of all consulting its pages, from the 

 schoolboy upwards. 



I hope this work may be received by those 

 interested in the subject of which it treats in the 

 same kindly spirit that induced me to w r rite it; 

 also that the unavoidable references to the success 

 which I achieved in the culture of the peach may 

 not be put down to egotism. 



In conclusion, I wish to express my indebtedness 

 to the editor of the Gardeners' Chronicle, for per- 

 mission to use electros of fruits, leaves, etc., not 

 otherwise obtainable ; also to Messrs. Thomas 

 Rivers & Sons, Messenger & Co., Wrinch & Sons, 

 Mr. Charles Turner (Slough), and Mr. W. Duncan 

 Tucker, for their kindness in lending the electro- 

 blocks which illustrate this work. 



H. W. W. 

 LIME HOUSE, 



RAYLEIGH, 

 May, 1903. 



