INTRODUCTORY. 



HE author has been constantlv associated in every 

 conceivable way with the hardy fruits and orna- 

 mentals for over thirty years. He has thought, 

 talked and written about them daily during that 

 period ; moreover, he has lived in their midst all 

 this time, has handled and cared for them from the 

 bud and scion to the fruit and flower. For some 

 time past he has long-ed for an opportunity to tell the story that 

 follows. Simple as it is, it is the result of practical experience. 

 In the beginning of this work the author had in mind two 

 principal motives — one to satisfy and gratify a long cherished 

 wish to sit down and write in plain C'ery-day language, a 

 simple, readily understood story, to endeavor to exclude all 

 foreign and unnecessary matter, to be brief and concise, yet to 

 cover all essential matters relating to cultural methods. Still, 

 personal reminiscences have occasionally crept in ; they have 

 been irresistible. Hard as I have fought and opposed them, 

 they have at times dominated me, for the time being — luring- 

 me away from a well decided plan and purpose. If an apology 

 is needed it is for this infringement on the reader's rights. 

 The other motive was to be able to answer more intelligently 

 and practicablv the many letters I receive from friends and 

 correspondents on horticultural matters. For some time past 

 it has been a hard and laborious task to answer these letters 

 individually. In the following pages I have tried to anticipate 

 and supply, in a general way, what the average letter for in- 

 formation inquires about. P'or the possible mistakes and omis- 

 sions the author asks your kindly consideration. ISIy hope and 

 earnest wish is that the reading of this book will directly or 

 indirectlv influence all to grow their own fruit and beautify 

 their home grounds. 



THOMAS J. DWYER. 

 CoRXW.\LL, N Y., January 25th, 1903. 



