INTRODUCTION. xxiii 



The chapter on Fruit was prepared by a leading horticulturist 

 of large experience, MR. JOHN A. ADAMS, and will be found of 

 great value and importance. The large number of fine and varied 

 illustrations in this chapter, showing the insects that injure and de- 

 stroy fruit, cannot but be of great interest, and with the text com- 

 prises knowledge of the greatest value to fruit-growers. I would 

 call especial- attention to this chapter, not only as a new feature, but 

 for the practical character of its instructions and suggestions. 



The Plea for the Birds should be read by every person of hu- 

 mane instincts. This paper is embodied mainly from an address by 

 the famous and lamented REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER. This ad- 

 dress was listened to by the author years before his death, and long 

 before this work was prepared ; but it struck him as so beautiful 

 and valuable in every part, that he went at once to the stenographer 

 and engaged him to furnish a copy for his special use. The addi- 

 tion of this chapter was .in a good degree owing to suggestions of 

 leading officers of the American Humane Society. This will be 

 found one of the most interesting features of this work, because 

 most useful and elevating in its influence, and being one of the 

 finest pleas for the birds ever written, showing their value to the 

 farmer, and the duty of protecting them. THE AUTHOR. 



