PRINCIPLES OF PLANT CULTURE 



CHAPTER I 

 INTRODUCTORY 



Before taking up a systematic study of plant culture, 

 we may profitably consider a few principles of a more 

 general nature. 



1. Close Observation offers the best means of gaining 

 knowledge of material things. The habit of accurate 

 discernment, and of studying the relations of and the 

 reasons for things and facts as we find them, should be 

 constantly cultivated. Knowledge once gained must be 

 applied in the proper place, the proper manner and at 

 the proper time, or the highest success in any calling 

 cannot be expected. 



2. The Difference between Art and Science. Art is 

 simply knowing how to do a thing without reference to 

 reasons. Science considers the reasons for doing it in a 

 particular manner. Art implies more or less of skill 

 gained through practice. Science implies a knowledge 

 of the objects to be gained by a given operation and the 

 conditions affecting the process. 



An intelligent but ignorant person might be taught to 

 prepare and insert a cion (386)* in the most approved 



*The numbers in parenthesis in the text refer to the numbered para- 

 graphs in this book, and are intended to help students to a better under- 

 standing of the subject. Students should be urged to look up these cross 

 references. 



