INTRODUCTORY. 



To t/ie Members of the Society : 



It is but just to the editor of this volume, to say that the preparation for it was 

 conducted under circumstances very unfavorable to success. The delay in the pub- 

 lication of the volume for 1S69, and the continued hope that it would soon appear, 

 caused delay in commencing the correspondence, preliminary to collecting material 

 for the work. 



It was found quite embarrassing to even commence the preparation of the 

 fourth volume of the series with but very little knowledge of the contents of the 

 third volume. His remembrance of what transpired at the previous annual meeting 

 was all the knowledge he had prior to the receipt of the book itself, on November 

 26th, 1870. He trusts, therefore, that the omission of any subject that should have 

 a place in this volume, or the repetition of matter, if any, contained in the last will 

 be excused. 



It has been deemed best to postpone any revisions of the Society's List of Trees, 

 Plants and Fruits, and devote much of the time of the meeting, and space in the 

 book to the consideration of subjects involving principles that are fundamental to 

 an intelligent prosecution of the art of Horticulture; also to the best modes of 

 cultivation. 



The publication, in this volume, of lists of fruits and trees, carefully ]irepared 

 by reliable and experienced liorticulturists in dilYerent parts of the State, will pro\e 

 of great value to persons in the respective localities, who design to plant orchards, 

 vineyards, or fioiit gardens; even more valuable than the "voted lists" of the whole 

 Society. 



The more scientific portions of the book, it is hoped will be read with interest by 

 all who have a just appreciation of the vast scope of the causes which combine to 

 produce the growth of a tree, or develop the rich juices of a fruit or the beauties of 

 a flower. 



To all those who have so cordially responded to solicitations for articles, both 

 for the Annual Meeting and for insertion in this volume, the thanks of the editor 

 are gratefully tendered. 



That whatever good the book may contain, may reach the readers in time to be 



appropriated by them before all desire or relish for its contents shall have been 



destroyed by disappointed hopes, is the sincere wish and determination of their 



humble servant, 



The Secretakv. 

 Morris, Grundy Co., 111., January, 1S71. 



