INTRODUCTION. xi 



li'uit to what may be termed the exhibition standard, that is, 

 the highest state of perfection to which it can be lirought. 

 This can only be done by moderate cropping, or just what the 

 plant with good management is able to sustain and perfect. 

 When more than this is attempted, then waste begins, first iu 

 inferior produce, and ultimately in the premature sterility and 

 decay of the plant. Another prolific source of non-competition 

 is the belief of many that their place is not adapted for the 

 growth of exhibition specimens ; but it should be borne in 

 mind that numerous difficulties have to be surmounted in all 

 cases where growing for competition is carried on, and that if 

 soil and situation be unsuitable for one class of plants, the}- 

 may be well adapted for the cultivation of others, which may 

 be profitably and successfully grown. Thanks are due to those 

 who come forward with high-class exhibits, and thus keep 

 up the standard of perfection in all divisions of horticultural 

 produce. 



Within recent j-ears great excellency has been attained in 

 fruit and vegetable culture. That this has not been altogether 

 the result of improved varieties needs little demonstration. It 

 will as readily be admitted that it is mostly the outcome of 

 an increased knowledge of the best methods of culture, and 

 a better acquaintance with the science which unfolds to us 

 the hidden treasures of Nature. 



It is matter for regret that so little has been done till quite 

 recently to promote the study of Science' as applied to Horticul- 

 ture ■ and while we hear much about the establishment of schools 

 for educating and training youths in the science and art of other 

 branches of rural industry, such as Agriculture and Forestry, 

 very little has been said in reference to the equally strong claims 

 of Horticulture. When the arrangements are being carried out, 

 it is to be hoped that horticultural science will not be over- 

 looked, as it is quite as important a factor in the prosperity 

 of the country and the welfare of the people as any other 

 branch of rural economy. The need for a. test-examination in 

 Science and Art is fully as great amongst gardeners as it is 

 among the members of any other branch of the industrial pro- 

 fessions. Those who jiassed successfully would be the better 



