NOTICE TO THE READER. 



In making use of the practical directions given in this work, 

 the reader should bear in mind that it was written in southern 

 New York, and that where no other place or latitude is men- 

 tioned, in designating the time for planting seeds, etc. , about 40° 

 N., with a very slight elevation above the sea, is to be under- 

 stood. Allowance must be made for situation north or south of 

 this, and also for elevation of site, soil, aspect, exposure, and the 

 general character of the season. 



Our directions must also, of necessity, be subject to many 

 modifications, in other respects, by soil, situation, and climate ; 

 but if the reader will study the general principles of horticulture, 

 even in our brief and imperfect exposition of them, in the first 

 part of this work, and exercise a little sound judgment, he will 

 readily overcome the obstacles presented by local and temporary 

 circumstances. 



In giving the names of the varieties of fruits, we have followed 

 Downing, as the best American authority ; although he occasion- 

 ally differs from the American Pomological Society. 



