viii. PREFACE. 



urgent such vague ideas as are already possessed 

 constitute the only guide. As a consequence, many of 

 the operations carried out under such circumstances 

 come to an unsatisfactory conclusion. 



The purpose of this book is to supply such informa- 

 tion as the grower of vegetables is likely to require in 

 connection with the productive part of his business, 

 from the preparation of the soil to the marketing of 

 the produce. Both ordinary and intensive culture 

 are dealt with. I have endeavoured to convey the 

 information clearly, in full detail but free from super- 

 fluities, and it is my earnest hope that it will be 

 found of real help. 



It was not without hesitation that I decided to add 

 another to the long list of books on horticultural 

 subjects, but I have made the venture because, in 

 spite of their number and variety and the great value 

 of some of them, I have hitherto failed to find one 

 which satisfies me as being just the book those en- 

 gaged in the culture of vegetables for a livelihood are 

 in need of. The result may easily prove that I also 

 have failed to produce what is required, but I shall at 

 least know that I have tried, to the best of my ability, 

 to do work which needed doing. 



Throughout the production of the book practical 

 friends have been very helpful, and I have consulted 



