PREFACE. 



It is scarcely necessary to remark that this volume is not, in any 

 sense, intended to be exhaustive, nor to take the place of other excellent 

 publications that treat the subject of horticulture in detail. The aim has 

 rather been to find out the best methods of orchard and garden culture 

 under irrigation, so far at least as Colorado experience has gone ; to give 

 practical rules so far as possible for the application of water to trees and 

 plants, and to furnish a list of the leading varieties best adapted to this 

 portion of the Rocky Mountain region. 



The numerous applications to the author in the past few years for a 

 practical handbook on the subject in question, with more especial refer- 

 ence to the needs of this portion of our country, has prompted the publi- 

 cation of this little book. 



That Colorado and adjoining territory, particularly on the South and 

 West, are destined to become large producers of the horticultural staples, 

 there seems little doubt. The wide diversity of soil, climate and varia- 

 tions of altitude, the dryness of air and almost perpetual sunshine from 

 the skies, together with reasonable assurance of an ample water supply, 

 all combine to make success possible in many directions. Hence, there is 

 scope and hope for much that must necessarily be denied to other portions 

 of our land, that do not possess these natural advantages and distinctive 

 conditions. 



While this is true, it should be remembered that we have scarcely 

 more than entered the experimental period in horticultural development. 

 The effect of altitude and constant sunshine on fruit stock, the influence of 

 irrigation on soils as well as fruits, the "duty" of water, the best means 

 of guarding against early and late frosts, and from the rapid transitions 

 in some districts from zero weather to the temperature of Spring ; these 

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