IV. 



acted differently, and prefer giving advice upon my own responsibility 

 rather than quote the opinions of others, no matter how high may be 

 their reputations as authorities. 



In compiling the lists of fruits I have closely consulted the works of 

 Dr. Hogg, who is justly regarded as the leading British pomologist, and 

 the late H. J. Dowling, the most prominent American authority. The 

 description of many of the varieties, as given in the present work, are 

 based to some extent upon the writings of these two authorities, and 

 more especially as regards form and colour of the flesh. In such matters 

 as the colouring of the skin, size, quality and keeping properties, neither 

 British nor American standard works should be regarded as absolute 

 authorities in this part of the world, as many varieties are materially 

 modified by climatic conditions. Some varieties, and more especially as 

 regards Apples, are more highly coloured than in England or America, 

 and can scarcely be recognised under their original descriptions. Then 

 again with Pears, some varieties develop far higher qualities in Australia 

 than when grown in colder regions, and consequently are really superior 

 to their descriptions as given in British or American works. I have 

 endeavoured, as far as is practicable in a work of this kind, to describe 

 varieties as we may expect them to grow in this part of the world. In 

 order to afford as much practical information as possible, I have, in 

 dealing with most of the varieties, given particulars as to the ripening 

 period, quality and uses of the fruit, hardiness of the plant and other 

 essential matters that may prove serviceable. Cultivators, however, 

 must bear in mind that results are often modified by local conditions, 

 and of these due account must be taken. For instance, the ripening 

 period may be mateiially accelerated by a northern slope upon which 

 the sun has great power. To some extent the ripening period may also 

 be hastened or retarded by the nature of the stock, an influence that is 

 not sufficiently recognised. As a matter of course, the last-named 

 influence may also have an important bearing upon the growth, 

 hardiness and bearing qualities of the trees. 



In the lists of fruits I have used English synonyms freely, being of 

 opinion such information will be serviceable to many in enabling them to 

 recognise varieties that are often cultivated under two or more names. 

 Then again, [many persons from the United Kingdom and their descen- 

 dants often onlyj know certain varieties under local names, and are 



