PREFACE. Vii 



advance from their present position, if their friends have reasonable 

 opportunities of comparing them with first-class varieties ripening 

 at the same time. That the number of the first class ct)uld now 

 readily be increased, will, 1 am aware, appear apparent to many po- 

 mologists ; but, as it already embraces a sufficient number to meet 

 all wants, I have preferred rather to add hereafter, than to retract. 



Believing that in fruits, the seeds, cores, and stones are often as, or 

 perhaps more, sure guides to indicate a variety than the outward 

 form, I have made my drawings from specimens of medium size, 

 (discarding both the largest as well as smallest for such purpose,)* 

 representing the appearance of the fruit when halved, except in the 

 cherry, where the pit is shown whole. In ray drawings illustrative 

 of form, I have followed the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 



" Of the deso'iptions of fruit, some explanation may be necessary. 

 First, is given the standard name in capitals. Below this are placed, 

 in smaller type, the various si/nonymes, or local names, by which the 

 same fruit is known in various countries or parts of the country." 



The names of authors previously having described many of the 

 fruits, I have omitted, as not essential to the value of description 

 or fruit, nor necessary to the practical purposes for which I intend 

 the work. 



The text descriptive has been, in almost the entire work, made 

 either anew or revised from those already published, with specimens 

 of the fruit before me ; and, following the established rules of pri- 

 ority in description, I have (while retaining so much of the original 

 that it may at once be recognized) endeavored to reduce and Ame- 

 ricanize. In a few cases I have preferred continuing an erronecms 

 name, because of its being now generally known. Where a de- 

 scription is given written by another, and the fruit not seen by my- 

 self, I have endeavored to give, if of importance, the initials of the 

 author, or abbreviation of title of the work from whence such de- 

 scription was drawn, for which see pages 13, 14. 



Of the importance of fruit culture, it is deemed superfluous to 



* A friend who has carefully examined these drawings and descriptions, says 

 I hav'e represented them all, or nearly all. rather below, than of, medium size 



