xvi INTRODUCTION. 
merous failures that present themselves to our 
view on every side, and much valuable informa- 
tion has been arrived at by observation, but this 
has generally been found a very expensive 
means of gaining it. Under the excitement of 
‘“‘near fever,” many persons planted large 
fields without any preparation of the soil. 
Others selected long lists of varieties that 
were unsuited to their soil and climate. Oth- 
ers, again, believed that a fruit tree once in 
place could take care of itself without further 
expense or trouble to its owner. 
It is only necessary to say in this connec- 
tion that with such treatment and want of 
definite knowledge, pear culture cannot prove 
profitable. It is admitted to be necessary in 
the raising of fine live stock, as a business, 
that we must first become thoroughly familiar 
with the good and bad points of animals, the 
best and most economical methods of feeding, 
also the causes and treatment of the various 
diseases to which animals are subject, before 
we can pursue the vocation with any hope of 
success. The same is true of the orchardist. 
He should study the nature and habits of his 
trees, for the same treatment will not answer 
for all kinds; he should also know the prox- 
