INTRODUCTION 



field. It has extended over several years, and from 

 a remarkably large number of apparently conflict- 

 ing conclusions during the early part of that period 

 definite general opinions have gradually dawned, 

 and as these have become fixed by subsequent data 

 the work has simplified and methods made clear. 

 Many experiments remain incomplete, for the great 

 cost of tillage should be materially reduced without 

 impairing its effectiveness, and there is much un- 

 certainty concerning several elementary field opera- 

 tions, as well as the treatment trees should receive 

 under special conditions. In all cases the aim has 

 been to depart as little as possible from practices 

 which accord with established rules of botany and 

 pomology, and to use constant caution when pro- 

 ceeding contrary to the elemental teachings of 

 plant feeding and growth. 



While theories of scientific horticulture sometimes 

 come forcibly into discomfiting collision with stub- 

 born facts in a way that makes academic pomology 

 appear ridiculous, such conflicts are more apparent 

 than real, and can always be reconciled by further 

 search for causes. Those who point to errors of 

 this kind should remember that science is merely 

 "classified knowledge/' that if facts about soil, 

 trees, fruit and climate are really understood, their 

 classification in logical order, or scientific arrange- 

 ment, will merely give them clearness, force and 

 educational value. Science has never added a single 



