PREFACE TO NINETEENTH EDITION. 



THE first edition of the " Fruit Culturist," the basis of the 

 present work, was written more than thirty years ago, and a 

 year before the appearance of Downing's first edition of the 

 " Fruits and Fruit-Trees of America." It was subsequently 

 much enlarged through several revised editions. The rapid 

 progress made of late years in the culture of fruit has required 

 a still further revision, and the work is now brought down to 

 the present date. Being intended as a guide to the practical 

 cultivator, its object is to furnish useful directions in the man- 

 agement of the nursery, fruit-garden, and orchard, and to as- 

 sist in the selection of the best varieties for cultivation. It 

 aims to give full descriptions only of valuable and promising 

 fruits suited to the country at large, or which may have been 

 popular in certain districts. Many sorts, however, which are 

 less known, or whose position or value is undetermined, and 

 several excellent new varieties, will be found noticed in the 

 general " Descriptive List and Index," where their leading 

 characteristics are briefly described. 



As some confusion would result from a promiscuous assem- 

 blage of all the different varieties, a systematic classification 

 has been adopted for the principal fruits. By placing them 

 under separate and characteristic heads, the cultivator is ena- 

 bled to distinguish and remember each sort with more readi- 

 ness than where all are thrown indiscriminately together. 

 The names of those varieties which have been proved of the 

 greatest general value, or which have received a large vote in 

 their favor, either in particular regions or throughout the 

 country, are distinguished by being printed in small capitals.* 

 One of the chief points for determining the classification is 

 the time of ripening; and the principal fruits are separated 



In this edition by an asterisk following the name. [EDITOR.] 



