One of the most interesting and significant evidences of the abiding expansion of horticultural business is the evolution of the glass house within the present century. It is only within the last one or two generations that the growing of plants in glass houses for the purpose of selling the product of bloom or of fruit has come to be important and widespread. The most recent part of the expansion, at least in this country, is the com mercial growing of winter vegetables. It speaks well for the prosperity and refinement of our people when they are willing and able to purchase freely of the delicacies of the winter garden. This is one of those branches of agriculture which demands the nicest skill and the closest fellowship with plants. It is, therefore, one in which comparatively few people are fitted to engage, but it must, from the very force of civilization, be one of those occupations which shall gain impetus with time. If it is a business which demands much care and pains, then its promoters must be students. They will need helps. It is this thought which has produced this book.