FOREWORD. 



The appearance of pear blight in the Sacramento and San Joaquin 

 valleys some twenty years ago resulted in the destruction of a large 

 acreage of the best pear orchards of California. Resolute action in the 

 adoption of proper control measures brought about a rapid recovery of 

 confidence in the future of this industry, and since that time most 

 encouraging progress has been made in the practical application of 

 remedies in the control of pests and diseases, in the study of resistant 

 rootstocks, in better handling of the crops, and in bettering market 

 conditions. Today California stands indisputably at the head of the 

 world's pear growing districts, both in quantity and quality of the 

 fruit produced. 



The need of a good reliable handbook on the pear industry of the 

 state has been very evident for some time, and Mr. George P. Weldon, 

 Deputy Commissioner of the State Commission of Horticulture, has 

 been charged with the investigation of conditions, and after much 

 patient and careful research work has completed such a manual. The 

 extensive experience Mr. Weldon has had in this and other states has 

 especially fitted him for this work, and I am sure that this publication 

 will be welcomed and appreciated. It is hoped that it may be of service 

 to those actually interested in the upbuilding of this industry, which 

 is certain to remain one of the largest fruit specialties in California. 



G. H. HECKE, 

 State Commissioner of Horticulture. 



Sacramento, California, May 1, 1918. 



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