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This book is designed for use as a text and guide in modern high school and colleges in agriculture extends through two or more years, one of which is devoted to horticulture.

This book will prove of most value if the suggestions regarding study of actual specimens of fruits, twigs, etc., are followed in detail and trees are actually planted and pruned by the students. Similarly, seed boxes should be made and seeds planted, hotbeds constructed and cared for, insects caught and identified. A list of suggested home projects suitable for the various seasons of the year is given in Appendix.

Only two branches of horticulture are considered in these studies, namely, fruit culture and vegetable gardening. The other two branches, floriculture and landscape gardening are left for more advanced study after the high-school work is completed. The plan for these studies contemplates concentration upon a few subjects rather than a general survey of many subjects.

The aim here has been to select crops which lend themselves most readily to culture in the home projects of the students. Vegetables have been chosen for which there is usually a consistent demand at the table or in the market, and for which the cultural requirements can usually be met under the conditions of soil and environment likely to obtain in village back yards, vacant town lots, or the corner of a field on the farm. Few references to literature occur in the text.