12 PREFACE. 



of these arts, which are important to their success, 

 but to which they cannot readily obtain satisfactory 

 rephes. Thus we have felt ourselves called upon 

 to submit the results of our researches and experi- 

 ence to the public in print, hoping that the present 

 volume, though not perfect and complete, may yet 

 be acceptable and useful to beginners in the culti- 

 vation of the garden, the orchard, and the vineyard. 

 And, lest our connection with the Hon. Marshall P. 

 Wilder, of enviable renown for his contributions to 

 American Pomology, should lead our readers or the 

 public to think him responsible for what we have 

 written, we feel it to be due to his official position, 

 and to our pleasant and intimate relation to him, 

 to say that he is in no degree accountable for any 

 peculiar sentiments herein expressed. 



We have received from him many valuable sug- 

 gestions, and are largely indebted to his library and 



