Vlll PREFACE. 



be produced in its greatest perfection ; but the reports furnished 

 by that experienced cultivator and acute observer, Mr. K. D. 

 Blackmore, which will be found in the descriptions of Peaches 

 and Pears, are quite staggering, and destroy the long-cherished 

 opinion which some of us have held respecting our favourite 

 fruits. 



The new Classification of the Apple upon which I have for 

 some years been engaged is another additional feature in this 

 volume, and I trust that, when its principles have been mastered, 

 it will be found of service in the identification of the different 

 varieties. 



The same success that has attended my Classification of the 

 Apple has been denied me in my attempt to do the same for the 

 Pear. I have merely given a sketch of a system which I hope 

 to be able some day more fully to elaborate. If one could every 

 year, or even at short intervals of years, ensure a crop of fruit the 

 work might soon be accomplished ; but in this uncertain climate 

 we must be content to proceed by slow marches and wait with 

 patience till our opportunities arise. 



I have consented to a request which has been frequently made 

 to introduce descriptions of the leading kinds of Pine-apples. 

 Since the large importations of this fruit from the West Indies 

 and the Azores, where it is extensively grown for the supply 

 of the European markets, the cultivation of the Pine-apple has 

 fallen off in British gardens. Nevertheless, it is all the more 

 needful that some convenient record should be accessible for 

 the identification of those varieties which have been grown in 

 the pine-stoves of our large establishments. 



