THE SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



It has been a question with me sometimes whether the compiLation of the 

 Portfolio should be continued, and become a distinguishing feature of the 

 Michigan Pomological Reports. To me, personally, this collection of choice 

 horticultural literature is exceedingly valuable as a matter of reference ; and 

 to ascertain if it was equally appreciated by others whose opinions I have every 

 reason to respect, a system of careful inquiries was instituted during 1879 

 after the issue of the last volume. The testimony was unanimous ; everybody 

 seemed to want the Portfolio continued. In many cases, prominent fruit 

 growers have stated that they could not aiiord to take but one or two 

 horticultural papers, and found it impossible to get out so as to meet prominent 

 horticulturists, but when they desired a substitute for these privileges, they 

 found a satisfactory one in the Secretary's Portfolio of the Michigan Pomo- 

 logical Report. 



It was this testimony that induced me again to undertake to compile in as 

 compact form as possible, the best things said by the best men on horticultural 

 topics during 1879, and place them in such an arrangement as to be readily 

 found by those who use this volume. 



I may be pardoned for repeating the language employed in the prefatory 

 note of last year's Portfolio, as it expresses just what I would say to-day. In 

 the form of this Portfolio are placed the best things that are said during the 

 year upon topics connected with the various branches of horticulture, by the 

 most careful students of the art, and many of these facts have never been in 

 print at all, having i)een gathered in conversation, or clipped from private 

 letters sent to my office during the year. However, I am largely indebted to 

 the press for the principal part of the matter. It has been the aim, in the 

 selection and compilation, to give credit wherever due. Errors may have 

 crept in, but I trust these will be overlooked in consideration of the object in 

 view. I need not mention here the publications to which I am indebted for 

 excellent material, because their names appear in connection with the good 

 things taken. I am, however, especially indebted to the Detroit Free Press 



