26 



only one variety, the Wilson, retained of the former list after 

 a period of twenty years. This shows how rapidly old varieties 

 are supplanted by those of recent introduction. We have better 

 varieties now from which to select than at any time in the past, 

 but the long list should be greatly abridged, and all inferior 

 sorts discarded. In selecting fruits, either for home use or for 

 market, it is best to rely mainly upon a few standard sorts, 

 leaving it for the amateur to hunt through a bushel of chaff to 

 find a grain of wheat. 



SUBSTITUTIONS. 



Some dealers claim a right to substitute other kinds of plants 

 and trees for those ordered, whenever they can offer an excuse 

 for so doing. The only excuse in most instances would be, 

 that they have not in stock, and never had. half of the varieties 

 advertised in their catalogues. Early in the season, when there 

 is plenty of time to procure plants from other dealers, they are 

 likely to fill the order, but later resort to substitution. Here is 

 a sample of what one dealer claims a right to do : 



IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY NUSERYMAN to keep up his as- 

 sortment of all kinds, and it is so with us, and we must claim the privi- 

 lege, when out of some sorts, to put in others equally as good for the sec- 

 tion of the country the order comes from. We believe that in nine cases 

 out of ten we can select a better assortment for either market or family 

 use than what is generally called for. We can, however, make out most 

 any assortment, if allowed to put in sorts that we have not got among our 

 larger trees, with a smaller size, or those " in the bud, 11 we making up the 

 difference in size and price with more trees, or any other stock you may 

 name. 



And here is another : 



SUBSTITUTION. In case where my stock of certain varieties is ex- 

 hausted, as may happen late in the season, it is the general custom to sub- 

 stitute a variety equally as good, or better, and as near like it as possible, 

 in time of ripening, quality, etc. It should be stated in the order, there- 

 fore, if it is desired that this should not be done. 



Could anything be more absurd? Mark the modesty of the 

 first author, when he claims Unit in nine cases out of ton lie 



