viii PREFACE 



of the counties. In many cases it would appear that the 

 interest does not last beyond the planting, and that after- 

 wards the trees are left entirely to themselves, without 

 the least care even to preserve them from the attacks of 

 insect pests and fungous diseases. The occasional crops 

 the trees are capable of producing in these conditions are 

 gathered often without much care, and in seasons when 

 fruits are scarce the blame is placed upon the trees. In 

 many instances fruit-trees are permitted to encumber the 

 ground long after they have ceased to be profitable, and 

 in others the varieties are unsuited for the locality or for 

 the positions they occupy. 



It is hoped that the present volume will induce many 

 to take up Apple and Pear culture with the determination 

 to succeed. If they do this they are not likely to regret 

 the step taken, for the pleasures of the fruit-grower are 

 just as real as the delights of the flower gardener, whilst 

 the habits of the trees are no less interesting than those of 

 the showiest flowers indeed the interest is carried a step 

 further, for the flowering is merely the preparatory stage 

 for a bountiful harvest. 



Mr. Bunyard has given practical advice on the details 

 of cultivation, both in the private fruit-garden and in the 

 homestead where fruit is cultivated for market. From his 

 great experience, also, he has made selections of varieties 

 both of Pears and Apples for various purposes, and to 

 save the reader any confusion the lists have been kept 

 moderately short. It should be added that the fruits 

 depicted in Mr. Waltham's colour-photographs were all 

 cultivated by the author. 



THE EDITOR. 



