EDITOR'S PREFACE TO TWENTIETH EDITION. 



IN presenting the present edition of "Thomas' American 

 Fruit Culturist,"it seems necessary briefly to state the reasons 

 for the numerous changes which will be found, and also to 

 offer an apology for whatever shortcomings may be noticed. 

 Mr. Thomas was my lifelong friend, and, when the infirmities 

 of his later years prevented him from making the needed re- 

 vision himself, he requested that I should personally under- 

 take it. Though the cares and responsibilities of an active 

 business life seemed to forbid so arduous a task, congenial as 

 it was to an amateur for thirty years in horticultural work, 

 nevertheless, the great value of the book, and its probable con- 

 tinued usefulness to all interested in fruit-culture in America, 

 were so apparent, that I consented to undertake it under Mr. 

 Thomas' supervision. Unfortunately, almost before it was 

 begun his death deprived me of the support upon which I had 

 so greatly calculated. The work has, therefore, been com- 

 pleted under disadvantages which those only who personally 

 knew its gifted author can appreciate. 



John J. Thomas, the son of David Thomas, the chief engi- 

 neer in building the Erie Canal from Rochester to Buffalo, 

 was born at Ledyard, Cayuga County, N. Y., January 8th, 1810. 

 He was chiefly educated at home, and early developed an in- 

 tense interest in natural science, especially devoting himself 

 to botanical study. After some years spent with his father in 

 the nursery business, he established a nursery of his own in 

 Wayne County, and for over thirty years continued in the 

 business, earning a reputation which placed him in the front 

 rank as a practical pomologist and authority in everything 

 pertaining to the propagation and raising of fruits of all kinds. 

 He was an industrious writer, both of books and as contributor 

 to journals. He was an associate editor of the Country Gentle- 

 man* from its foundation until 1894, when failing strength 



