PREFACE, ix 



because the soil, the exposure, the age and vigor of the trees, the different stocks on which 

 they've been grafted, all produce differences that embarrass the greatest experts to such a 

 degree that they can't handle it. 



3°. Flower buds, by their size, their shape, & the shape of their stalks, offer quite 

 obvious differences for identifying a number of varieties. The greengage, for example, has 

 stalks larger than those of any other kind of plum. But for many trees these differences are 

 too small to use as distinguishing features, especially if one examines the fruiting buds in 

 all varieties of the same species. But the size & shape of the flower buds are less likely to 

 vary than are the color & size of the shoots. 



4°. The size, shape, and shade of color of flower petals in certain species such as 

 the peach tree, can permit one to distinguish one variety from many others. But it requires 

 study and dedication to master these frequently minor distinctions. 



5°. The leaves of trees identify their species better than do the parts that we've just 

 mentioned. Many varieties of a species can be recognized by their leaves. But some of 

 these characteristics are shared by several varieties, & the leaves on the same shoot aren't 

 always the same shape and color. That's why 



