IV . PREFACE. 



modern development. This is specially true of the com- 

 mercial growing of the orange, grape, strawberry, apple, 

 tomato, melon, and indeed all fruits and nuts that can be 

 widely distributed in fresh or preserved form. 



Modern facilities for transportation have had much to do 

 with this rapid development, together with the much- 

 published information and literature that naturally grew 

 up in connection with these extended systematic operations. 

 Indeed the literature connected with growing fruits for 

 market has advanced far more rapidly than that pertaining 

 to home-making, home propagation, and the principles 

 connected with the modes and methods used in the varied 

 divisions of work. Hence in this volume the needs of the 

 student, amateur, and beginner have been regarded in 

 every section and every chapter. 



To prevent duplication and to give a clearer presentation 

 of the union of theory and practice, the work and the rea- 

 sons therefor are given in connection, or reference is made 

 to other explanatory sections. 



The division of systematic pomology, or the description 

 and classification of fruits and nuts, is quite distinct and 

 separate as a study. In some respects chapters on this 

 subject are used for reference in time of need as we use a 

 dictionary, while the theory and practice of horticulture 

 is a continued study in which about all classes are interested. 



A number of years ago Daniel Webster said: "Horticul- 

 ture is one pursuit of natural science in which all sexes 

 and degrees of education and refinement unite. It attracts, 

 delights all. It seems to be a common field where every 

 degree of taste and refinement may unite and find oppor- 

 tunity for their gratification." 



Hence the principles and practices of horticulture are 

 outlined in Part I in a separate volume. 



Sytematic pomology, giving a description of the fruits 



