xx INTRODUCTION 



gardener must know not only what to do, and when it 

 should be done, but why it should be done. In fact the 

 first two conditions are contingent on the third. 



To understand the habits and requirements of plants; 

 the properties of the soil which contribute to their well- 

 being; the signs and warnings and prophecies of Nature; 

 so that one may work close and follow her leads realizing 

 always that she is a fickle dame who may not hesitate to 

 trump a safe trick or play low on third hand with the most 

 careful and experienced partner! to develop, in a word, a 

 sixth sense which keeps one en rapport with the "feel" of 

 the soil and the season; this is to become a member of 

 the informal but world-wide fraternity of "gardeners." 

 The initiation is long, and to a degree strenuous, and it 

 must be self -administered. 



Let the gardener, then, read this book with a diligent 

 eye for such advice and suggestions as he can apply to his 

 own problems, but without any attempt to follow it blindly: 

 for the real work, like the profit there may be (ten dimes 

 saved is a dollar earned!), and the pleasure there is sure to 

 be, must belong to the gardener, and cannot be put between 

 the covers of a book. 



CRANMERE FARM, 

 April, 1917. 



