PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 



Since the fir^t edition of this book was 

 written, seven years ago, there has been a 

 remarkable advance in our knowledge of the 

 various insects and fungi which are so de- 

 structive to our fruit crops. It follows as 

 a natural result that our means of controlling 

 or destroying these enemies have greatly in- 

 creased. Some advance has been made in the 

 methods of culture, and also in improved vari- 

 eties of fruits. In order to take advantage of 

 these advances, this new edition is prepared 

 with the purpose to make use of the more 

 important discoveries of recent jears. 



The book was never intended as an exhaust- 

 ive treatise upon the culture of fruits, but 

 rather as a compact guide to the average 

 owner of a homestead, who seeks for brief 

 rules to meet his recurring exigencies. Those 



