PEEFACE 



The publication of the twentieth edition is a satisfac- 

 tory proof of the successful application of the rules laid 

 down in the preceding editions. I am happy to think 

 that the work has contributed to the pleasure of many 

 by drawing their attention to the fact that fruit trees 

 may be cultivated in a smaller space than was formerly 

 supposed to be possible,, and I hope that with the 

 spread of knowledge the pleasure and profit derived 

 from the cultivation of small fruit trees may be ex- 

 tended to many cottage gardens in England. 



I may here remark that apples on the Paradise 

 stock are especially suited for cottagers. With a good 

 selection of trees on this stock, the cottage may compete 

 successfully at autumnal shows with the garden of the 

 mansion, and in certain situations, well selected,, the 

 fine varieties of Belgian and French pears — peculiarly 

 the property of skilful and wealthy horticulturists — 

 will, by attention to the simple rules given in this 

 work, be exhibited by the humble but triumphant 

 cottager. 



