INTRODUCTORY. 



In presenting this, the first volume of Transactions of the Mississippi Valley 

 Horticultural Society, the Secretary begs the indulgence of members of the So- 

 ciety in any defects that may appear to them. The justice of this request will 

 appear to those who are familiar with the facts in the case, viz., that the Secretary 

 assumed the responsible duties of his office in the midst of the meeting at New Or- 

 leans, and, therefore, could not, by any possible means, do full justice to the im- 

 portant trust. 



With the exception of the errors that may be due to this cause, and to the inevi- 

 table typographical errors that will escape the most careful proof reading, the 

 Secretary flatters himself in the belief that he is presenting to the Avorld, through 

 this publication, one of the most valuable volumes of its kind that has thus far 

 issued from the press of our country. Certainly Jio similar publication, with per- 

 haps the single exception of the biennial reports of the American Pomological 

 iSociety, has embraced subjects from a wider range of territory and from a greater 

 list of practical contributors than this volume does. 



With this brief introductory this volume is placed before the reader, whose hon- 

 est verdict will be accepted as justly merited, by the Secretary. 



