PRINCIPLES OF PLANT CULTURE 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Before taking up a systematic study of plant culure, 

 we may profitably consider a few principles of a more 

 general nature. 



1. Close Observation offers the best means of gain- 

 ing knowledge of material things. The habit of ac- 

 curate discernment, and of studying the relations of and 

 the reasons for things and facts as we find them, should 

 be constantly cultivated. Knowledge once gained must 

 be applied at the proper place, the proper manner and 

 at the proper time, or the highest success in any calling 

 cannot be expected. 



2. The Difference between Art and Science. Art is 

 simply knowing how to do a thing without reference to 

 reasons. Science considers the reasons for doing it in a 

 particular manner. Art implies more or less of skill 

 gained through practice. Science implies a knowledge 

 of the objects to be gained by a given operation and the 

 conditions affecting the process. 



An intelligent but ignorant person might be taught to 

 prepare and insert a cion (386)* in the most approved 



* The numbers in, parenthesis in the text refer to the numbered 

 paragraphs in this book, and are intended to help students to a 

 better understanding of the subject. Students should be urged to 

 look up these cross references. 



2 (9) ' 



