185 7.] Revised Edition of Doicning's Fruits, etc. 513 



REVISED EDITION OF DOWNING 'S FRUITS AND FRUIT- 



TREES OF AMERICA. 



A VERT beautiful and improved edition of this work has been issued, 

 a copy of which has been placed upon our table by Robert Clarke, 

 Bookseller, No. 46 West Sixth Street, Cincinnati. 



We regard the former edition of this work as one of the best of 

 the kind that has yet emanated from the American press. The new 

 edition we find much inproved, introducing many new varieties, and 

 from experience had in relation to many of them speaking more 

 positively of their excellencies or defects. This manual should be 

 found in the hands of every fruit-grower. 



Pomology in the West, especially amidst its abounding seedlings 

 and the constant introduction of varieties of foreign fruits but im- 

 perfectly known amongst us, is a most embarrassing study, beset 

 with difficulties rendering it literally impossible to furnish a work 

 in all respects unexceptionable. And this however, complete, will be 

 found inadequate. This work has done as much perhaps as anyone 

 to settle the chaos which has existed in our nomenclature in rela- 

 tion to many varieties of our pears and other fruits. 



On examination it will be found that the White Doyenne has in 

 our country thirty different names. Our author proceeds in such 

 cases thus : He give* first the standard name in capitals, followed 

 by the authorities — that is, the names of authors who have previously 

 given an account of it by this title. Below this are placed in small- 

 er type, the various synonymous or local names, by which the fruit 

 is known in various countries, or parts of the country. This is val- 

 uable in settling numerous perplexing difficulties. Many of the 

 more important varieties of fruit are shown in outline^ giving often 

 as the profile of the human face, more striking characteristics in 

 form than a highly finished portrait in color. 



The authorities consulted — a list of which are given — are sufficient 

 to give great confidence in this work. As a book of reference to 

 guide our fruit-culturists both in the selection of the best varieties, 

 as well as in the various manipulations in their cultivation there is 

 none better than this edition of Downing. 



THE CULTIVATtON OF GOOD FRUIT, ETC. 



In the recommendation which we have freely given to the above~ 

 83 



