In this work, first published in 1802 and followed by many subsequent editions, the famous horticulturalist William Forsyth (c. 1737–1804) gives an exhaustive guide to the cultivation of fruit trees and advises on pests and diseases. Forsyth was appointed superintendent of the Royal Gardens of St James and Kensington in 1784, and was also one of the founders of the (now Royal) Horticultural Society. The work is divided into two parts: in the first, various kinds of fruit trees, including soft fruit and nuts, are described in detail. Forsyth explains how to plant and prune them and gives advice on harvesting and storing the produce. In the short second part, Forsyth discusses the need for better care of both fruit and forest trees (good-quality timber being needed especially in time of war), and advocates a 'Composition' of his own invention for improving the health of diseased and damaged trees.