AUTHOR OF HANDY BOOK OF THE FLOWER-GARDEN,' 'A PRACTICAL 31 SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS EDINBURGH AND LONDON MDCCCLXXXI A. X. 2. PREFACE. THE culture under glass of the fruits treated on in this book, has, in some instances, been included in larger and more compendious works on horticulture in general; and on the other hand, various smaller works have appeared, each occupied exclusively by one fruit. But there is not, so far as I am aware, any book of moderate size in which the forcing and general culture of these fruits collectively is discussed. The present Handy Book has been written with a view to supplying this want; and the Author indulges the hope that, compact as it is, it will be found to contain every necessary detail with regard to such culture. In writing it, he has kept specially in view the requirements of inexperienced amateurs who wish to superintend their own fruit-houses, and of young gardeners entering on the study of their profession. 348917 All the fruits which are most generally cultivated under glass have been included among the subjects discussed; and the systems on which they are recommended to be grown are those which it is considered yield the most speedy and certain return with a minimum of labour and cost. DAVID THOMSON. DRUMLANRIG GARDENS. |