6 PREFACE. 



And so we might go over a long list of fruits already 

 proven to be adapted to Florida's soil and climate, but 

 these examples will suffice to show that in the horticultural 

 possibilities of our beautiful sunny State we stand yet 

 upon the threshold. 



And as it is with the list of fruits, so it is, in a great 

 degree, with the manner of their culture ; to a certain ex- 

 tent we yet grope in the twilight, and must be content to 

 observe, to inquire, to compare, to study, to experiment, 

 seeking to avoid the errors of some and to imitate the 

 successes of others. 



To place at the service of the Florida fruit grower the 

 result of years of patient observation and experience, both 

 personal and collected from trustworthy sources, in a plain, 

 concise, and practical form, so that the veriest novice may 

 make a success of his new pursuit in his Florida home, has 

 been the earnest purpose of the author. How far and in 

 what degree this purpose may have been attained, it is 

 left to the reader to decide. 



