INTRODUCTION. 3 



which, had for a long time been neglected, are improving in all those qualities that render 

 them valuable, namely, size, symmetry, colour, and the flavour peculiar to each kind 

 and variety. Very marked is the advance that has been made in the most serviceable of 

 all, the apple the king of fruits of temperate climes. By laxity in planting in past 

 years and errors in selection and routine, we failed in supplying the wants of the nation, 

 and gave an opportunity for enterprising cultivators in other countries to furnish what 

 we failed to produce ; but it can no longer be said that our soil and climate are unequal 

 to the production of apples which, with few exceptions, are equal in appearance and 

 superior in quality to the bulk that can be brought from abroad. This is proved to 

 demonstration by a few cultivators, and it is for the many to profit by their experience, 

 and so establish a great home industry in an essential commodity. 



Naturally less in demand, because not generally used for culinary purposes yet not 

 less enjoyed by a large and important section of the community are pears. And where 

 can better pears be found than the best that are grown in our gardens ? Larger fruits of 

 special varieties, produced under costly and tedious methods, may come in small consign- 

 ments from the Continent, but they are no more representative of the general culture 

 there than the prize animals at Smithfield Show are representative of the flocks and 

 herds that browse in our pastures. The great mass of the people, and even the majority 

 of those who have gardens, have but a faint conception of the excellence in which pears 

 are grown by British gardeners, when varieties are wisely chosen and the best methods 

 of culture adopted. 



Passing to what are popularly known as " stone " and " soft " fruits, which are 

 used in a greater number of ways than any others, namely, in cookery, for dessert, for 

 bottling, preserving, and jam and jelly making, we are, if we turn our natural resources 

 to the best account, without any formidable rivals in production. Nowhere on the 

 face of the earth can plum trees be found more heavily laden with golden, red, and 

 purple fruits, than in the gardens and orchards of the United Kingdom, where intelligent 

 methods of culture are pursued. It is the same with cherries in those districts that are 

 suitable for their production, highly profitable crops being gathered of fruit distinctly 

 superior in quality to imported consignments from other lands. 



In fruit-bearing bushes our supremacy in production cannot be disputed, and it ought 

 most certainly to be maintained. Outside the gardens of England, Ireland, Scotland, 

 and Wales, there are, generally speaking, no such bountiful crops and superior fruit of 

 raspberries, gooseberries, and currants to be found as are annually raised in them I uiid 



