PREFACE. 



The great importance of the apple in our state, the many failures 

 among those who have attempted to grow this fruit, the common opinion 

 that an apple orchard can not be made a paying proposition, and the 

 hopeless neglect and consequent failure to produce what might be 

 beautiful and profitable orchards, together with a dearth of litera- 

 ture on the subject, are some of the things that induced the author to 

 write this little book. It is published with a realization of its incom- 

 pleteness and possible errors, but if it will in a small way, at least, serve 

 as a guide to future profitable apple culture in California, the efforts 

 put forth will in no way be regretted. 



While primarily a treatise on apple culture, several of the chapters 

 are designed to teach lessons that will be valuable in the culture of other 

 fruits: For example, chapters on Pruning, Intercropping and Cover 

 Crops. 



1 wish to express thanks to Dr. A. J. Cook, under whose direction the 

 investigations were conducted, and who has at all times cooperated 

 with me in the work. His valuable assistance in reading the manu- 

 script is appreciated. 



Thanks are also due Prof. A. V. Stubenrauch, Pomologist of the State 

 I.'niversity at Berkeley, Mr. W. H. Volck, County Horticultural Com- 

 missioner of Santa Cruz County and Mr. W. S. Ballard, Pathologist, 

 Fruit-Disease Investigations, United States Department of Agriculture, 

 i-rK-h of whom kindly read parts of my manuscript; also to Mr. E. J. 

 Vosler. Secretary of the State Commission of Horticulture and Mr. H. S. 

 Smith. Superintendent of the State Insectary, for the same courtesy. 



For illustrations I am indebted to the State University, Mr. C. B. 

 AYVeks, County Horticultural Commissioner of Tehama County, 

 Mr. O. E. Bremner, County Horticultural Commissioner of Sonoma 

 County, and Mr. J. F. Benton of Arcata. 



GEO. P. WELDOX. 



Sacramento, California, November 5, 1914. 



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