INTRODUCTION. o 



estimated, still let us not forget our own apathy, 

 our loose methods, and our unsystematic, unbusi- 

 nesslike procedure not forget, but abandon 

 them ; proceed on sounder principles and more 

 intelligent lines, then the time will come when we 

 shall to a far greater extent than now, and far 

 more creditably, share in providing our population 

 with the most wholesome of food, which will bp 

 increasingly required FRUIT the outcome of 

 home effort and well-applied labour in British 

 gardens and orchards 



Let trees and bushes be planted, of varieties ot 

 proved merit, in soils and situations in which they 

 will thrive, and they will be growing into fruitful- 

 ness contemporaneously with the removal of legal 

 and commercial impediments ; thus those who take 

 action the soonest will be the first to profit by 

 whatever changes may be made. Even under 

 existing conditions, fruit culture, well conducted, 

 has been of real service to many, and while land 

 under ordinary cropping has depreciated in value 

 during late years, that on which young orchards 

 and thrifty trees are established has increased in 

 price. What better testimony can be needed of 

 the improving character of fruit culture? And what 

 more conclusive evidence is required for its exten- 

 sion than the predominance of cankered trees and 



B 2 



