ooper's Western Fruit Book was the bible for pioneer fruit growers re-locating to the Midwest. Hooper's particular intention was to rely on "the authentic experience of actual cultivators" and to produce a list focused on proven varieties "unincumbered with useless descriptions of worthless varieties." He placed particular emphasis on the experience of growers in the midwestern states. Hooper was himself an experienced grower, but had also previously served as editor of the "Western Farmer and Gardener," putting him in regular contact with a wide variety of western growers.