The Science of Horticulture: Including a Practical System for the Management of Fruit Trees, Arranged on Demonstrative Physiological Principles; Illustrated by Sketches, in Twelve Plates. With a

The Science Of Horticulture: Including A Practical System For The Management Of Fruit Trees, Arranged On Demonstrative Physiological Principles; Illustrated By Sketches, In Twelve Plates. With A Commentary On The Works Of Bradley, Hitt, Miller, Forsyth, Knight, Kirwan, Sir Humphry Davy, And Mrs by Joseph Hayward. The work presents a rigorous attempt to convert horticulture from an empirical craft into a demonstrative science. It opens with a dedication and prefatory explanations, asserting a century-long tradition of gardening knowledge and proposing a new, theory-driven approach founded on original principles and experimental observation. Hayward contrasts past authors (Bradley, Miller, Hitt, Forsyth, Knight) with his own method, arguing that true success arises from adapting nature’s laws to practical cultivation, rather than blindly following tradition. The volume surveys plant physiology, roots, sap, leaves, and soils, and then details a comprehensive system for pruning, training, and managing fruit trees, including espaliers, walls, standard trees, and vines. It also includes discussions on blight, disease, and the role of experiments, culminating in plans for a public, demonstrative garden by subscription. The text is historical, methodological, and instructional, blending philosophy, chemistry, and horticultural practice for the improvement of fruit production.