CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



THE climate and soil of our country afford unequalled fa- 

 cilities for the cultivation of fruit. A rich treasure lies 

 within the reach of its inhabitants, in the profusion of de- 

 licious kinds, which successive months may be made to sup- 

 ply. Yet, a small portion have availed themselves fully of 

 these advantages. Even the existence of most of the finer va- 

 rieties, are but partially known. The rapid increase of fruit 

 culture within the past few years, has but thinly spread 

 its bounties over a widely expanded and thickly peopled 

 territory. 



In traversing the country, neat cottages and comfortable 

 farm-houses are seen everywhere interspersed, and plenty 

 is indicated by loaded orchards and abundant harvests. But 

 how many of the prosperous owners are aware of the rare 

 delicacies their fertile lands are capable of yielding ? How 

 many of them, for instance, are familiar with that perfumed, 

 golden, midsummer fruit, the apricot ? What portion cul- 

 tivate enough of the best peaches to obtain " from the loaded 

 bough the mellow shower," for ten successive weeks? 

 What number know that plums, rich, juicy, and bloom- 

 dusted, may be had fresh from the tree, from early wheat 

 harvest till the ground freezes in autumn ? Who among 

 them partake of the twenty best melting pears, out of the 

 thousand varieties which have borne fruit in this country? 

 And especially, who practically knows, that a whole yearly 

 circle of fruits is within his reach, beginning with the most 

 refreshing strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, for early 

 summer ; including the richest plums, apricots, peaches, and 

 nectarines, for summer and autumn ; and closing with high- 

 flavored pears and apples, extending their season of ripen- 

 ing through all autumn and winter, and far into the sue- 



