viii PREFACE. 



It is hoped that it will be found useful, not only as a 

 guide to those entering upon fruit culture without having 

 had opportunities of acquiring a practical knowledge o 

 the subject, but also as a handbook to the lecturers and 

 teachers in the numerous technical colleges and rural 

 schools in which the subject is now taught. 



The author takes this opportunity to acknowledge with 

 thanks the assistance kindly given him by Mr. J. J. 

 Willis, of Harpenden, respecting soils and their com- 

 position ; by Mr. J. Fraser, of Kew, in the section dealing 

 with insect pests; and by Mr. Wallis, the foreman at 

 Lowfield Nurseries, with regard to the selection of 

 varieties for planting for different purposes. 



