INTRODUCTION. 139 



tager makes all the exertions he can, to obtain fruit 

 of one kind or other, by planting a tree against his 

 hut, or a bush or two in the corner of his cabbage- 

 garden. 



The cultivation of fruit has occupied the atten- 

 tion of the people in all ages, and in all countries ; 

 and in many parts of the world, it constitutes the 

 chief employment of the inhabitants. The vine- 

 yard and the wine-press, the garden of figs and olives, 

 and the orange-orchard, give employment to mil- 

 lions, and bring wealth to thousands. Even in these 

 kingdoms, the cultivation of fruits for the pub- 

 lic market, and for making cyder and perry, gives 

 employment, and brings wealth to many. The 

 quantity of these liquors drunk in some counties 

 of England appears almost incredible. I may be 

 allowed to add, that the manufacturers and me- 

 chanical labourers in all our great towns willing- 

 ly spare their odd pennies for a pound of apples, 

 or of plums. With a pint of gooseberries they 

 please their children, and with a pear, perhaps, their 

 wives. Fruits, in this case, may be supposed to 

 bring peace : in many cases, they promote health ; 

 certain diseases being cured, and many being warded 

 off by their use. 



The cultivation of fruits, then, would appear to 

 be no trivial matter. It engages the attention of 

 many, in one way or other, from the nurseryman 

 who sows the pip and puts on the graft, to the rec- 

 tifier, and the rich wine-merchant. It has engaged 

 the attention of the writer for twenty-five years ; 

 who now cheerfully bestows this further labour, in 



