PREFACE 



PROBABLY every teacher who studies along any one line for a 

 series of years becomes convinced that he has learned things that 

 would be of value to men in this line of work. 



The writer offers this excuse for writing the present book, and 

 perhaps the further justification might be added that for a 

 number of years he has had charge of a relatively large orchard 

 where he believes that he has sifted out his theories and discarded 

 those that " won't work." He hopes that this belief will be 

 shared by any who may attempt to follow his directions, and 

 that the book may prove a real help in solving some of the 

 problems which every orchard owner, whether experienced or in- 

 experienced, is certain to encounter. 



The writer also ventures to hope that the book may be helpful 

 to instructors as a text for class use. He has attempted to cut 

 out the non-essentials and to present the essentials in a reason- 

 ably brief manner and yet with sufficient detail to be followed 

 easily when one attempts to put them into practice. 



FRED C. SEARS 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, 

 AMHERST, January 1, 1914. 



Editor's Note. 



THIS book is suited to the needs of College and Short Course Classes. 

 Its practical nature as well as its philosophical treatment makes it a book to 

 be desired by both fruit grower and student. High schools and special 

 agricultural schools devoting some time to the particular study of horti- 

 culture will find in this book the themes for their most profitable con- 

 sideration. 



The reader will be favorably impressed with the spirit of the writer 

 throughout, particularly on questions where authorities may differ; the 

 vigor and novelty of treatment are refreshing to those who are familiar 

 with older works on the subject. 



