PREFACE. Vll 



they run through all the stages of growth 

 unchecked by frost or cold, and are planted 

 by nature in the very soils which are best 

 adapted to produce their fruit in greatest 

 luxuriance. From these favorable climes 

 they have been brought to struggle with 

 our changeful seasons, and are often 

 planted on soils in every way unsuited to 

 them. If, therefore, we expect them to 

 not only do as well but much better than 

 they did at home, it is but fair to suppose 

 that we must give them extraordinary 

 attention, and by our vigilance avert the 

 ill effects of sudden alterations of tem- 

 perature. 



The intelligent reader will understand, 

 from these illustrations, that if we would 

 control the laws of nature to work for our 

 profit we must exercise a diligence and skill 



