8 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



in the open air, is absolute. The most experienced of them will be the first to admit 

 the truth of this, because the longer their practice the greater the number of difficulties 

 they have had to contend with, through various causes incidental to the occupation. 

 Than the best British gardeners who have made a special study of the subject, there are 

 no better growers of fruit in the world ; but even these splendid practitioners are ever 

 searching for more knowledge on moot points and on the obscure influences that are the 

 weak links in their chain of experience. If that is so, as undoubtedly it is, with those 

 who are admittedly masters in the art of fruit-growing, how much greater is the need for 

 guidance to the immeasurably greater number who have not had equal opportunities for 

 making themselves proficient in the work. It is not possible to over-estimate the impor- 

 tance of a sound, thorough, well-grounded system of education on fruits and their 

 superior production; and men who, through no fault of their own, have not had the 

 training they desire will gladly avail themselves of any means of information at their 

 command, to better fit them for the duties they may be called on to discharge. 



Passing to a younger generation the great army of apprentices and probationers in 

 the gardening ranks we find them as a body intelligent, devoted to their calling, and 

 anxious to become proficient in it. They usually become expert in the cultivation of 

 flowers, but on first incurring the responsibility of providing the requisite supply of 

 fruit not a few have failed ; yet unquestionably the production of the best examples of 

 the different kinds is a most important part of their duties. A young gardener may be 

 able to grow grapes, peaches, and other kinds of fruit, and grow them well, but if the 

 crops ripen when they are not wanted, and are consequently not forthcoming when 

 needed, cultural ability will count for little in building up his reputation. It is essential 

 to know the time and temperatures required by different varieties for bringing them to 

 maturity, as only then can crops be relied on when they are specially desired. That is 

 one of the hardest lessons young gardeners have to learn, and the teachings of their 

 experienced elders in this work will, it is hoped, be helpful to them. 



Various other persons, who have not been trained in the work of fruit culture, and 

 hence are ranked in the category of amateurs, may with the aid of sound guidance engage 

 pleasantly and usefully in fruit production. The term amateur is commonly used with- 

 out its meaning being comprehended. It signifies a lover, and has reference to per- 

 sons who engage in occupations because they derive pleasure from them. Their chief 

 object is not pecuniary gain. They do not work for wages, but for the love of what they 

 indulge in, and if this is of benefit to them, their families, and friends, so much the 



