INTRODUCTORY. 



Volumes I. and II. of the Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society are suc- 

 ceeded by Volume III., which, under its new and more comprehensive title, 

 now appears as the Transactions of the American Horticultural Society. 

 The cause which led to this change of name was not mere ambition, but was 

 the necessary result of the steady and substantial growth of the Society un- 

 der its former title. 



In presenting this volume to the public the Secretary can only hope that 

 it may receive the consideration, at the hands of the critic, that it may justly 

 merit, simply asking his indulgence to the extent of fairness and justice. 



But for sickness, and other unavoidable causes, this volume should have 

 seen the light many weeks since. 



With these explanations, this volume is now " turned adrift " to meet such 

 reception as it may merit. Secretary. 



