x PREFACE. 



we've seldom described the leaves on shoots. Rather, we've kept to the large leaves on 

 fruiting branches whose size, shape, and color are better established. We've described the 

 small leaves that accompany the large ones only when they reveal something exceptional. 

 The dimensions that we've assigned to the leaves, as well as to other structures, should not 

 be taken too rigorously. A vigorous young tree planted in good earth with a northern 

 exposure will have much larger leaves than a tree that is old or in decline, or one that is 

 exposed to strong sunlight in poor soil. Our decision to give dimensions for healthy leaves 

 on trees in good condition allows us to compare leaves from different species or varieties 

 of trees. 



In conclusion, an examination of shoots, flower buds, or leaves alone leaves much 

 uncertainty about the species or varieties of the trees. But by collecting & combining the 

 observations on these structures, the majority of species and varieties of fruit trees can be 

 distinguished from one another. 



6°. The same factors that produce variations in the characteristics of other parts of 

 trees also can alter the fruit. But these alterations never make all of the fruit of a tree 

 unrecognizable. If the quirks of nature, terrain, exposure, &c. hide 



