

PREFACE 



A preface is, as a rulo, read only by reviewers, but they 

 turn to it first. They are aware, therefore, that its chief use 

 is to enable authors to explain that they have been impelled 

 to satisfy a "long- felt want." -I'he present writer does not 

 wish to be the exception. In one capacity or another he has 

 had to read an immense amouYit of ' horticultural litirature, 

 much of it excel lent^from the tecbiiical standpoint, but nearly 

 all characterised l)y what seems to him a serious fault of omis- 

 sion — it rarely gives reasons for llie various operations 

 described. 



The object of this little book on fruit culture is to give 

 reasons. They add to the interest of the subject, assist the 

 'Aiemory, and stimulate thought. They may not always be 

 •right, but at least they will serve as working hypotheses, and 

 when they do not ccner any new facts which are brought to 

 light, they can be discarded in favour of something better. 



For the professional gardener who knows his work, such 

 a book may not be necessaiy; it is intended mainly for the 

 amateur wlio i^iows a few fruit frees cillicr for his own use or 

 for profit, and wants to uniicrslaiid what In^ is doing as well 

 as Ikjw and when to do il. 



For the cNcelli'iil illiisl nil ions I liaxc to acUnow Ictlf^o ni\' 

 illdcblcdjicss lo Mrs. S. Ij. Oslliiiiis. 



