PREFACE. 



IT was my original intention to prepare only a small work, 

 giving descriptions of new Western fruits, or those only that 

 succeeded in the West. As I progressed, my friends urged me 

 to extend it, and make a work for the whole Union ; at the same 

 time, it was desired to have the work issued previous to the Spring 

 of 1854, consequently, I was compelled to prepare some of it 

 hastily. The first Edition was, therefore, sent out under circum- 

 stances very unfavorable to its successful reception by the public ; 

 but, as it has been generally well received, I have thought it due 

 to myself, as well as to the public, to revise and correct it ; and, 

 so far as possible, make it the most complete of its kind. In doing 

 this, I have availed myself of liberal and generous notes and com- 

 ments made for me by a large number of the best pomologists in 

 the United States ; of the published transactions of all large 

 pomological conventions, public journals, etc., and of an extensive 

 and careful examination of trees and fruits. 



The present Edition has had a careful revision, and the addition 

 of all important knowledge relating to cultivation, diseases, insects, 

 &c. ; revision of synonyms ; notes of adaptation to localities, 

 embodied in the text descriptive of varieties, and descriptions of 

 over one hundred additional varieties. I have endeavored to add 

 all new sorts worthy of notice. I may have omitted some, but 

 not intentionally. 



From what has been previously written upon the subject of 

 fruits and their culture, it may be said to be nearly impossible to 

 embody much of originality with correct teachings. It has not, 

 therefore, been so much my aim to be original, as to present, in a 

 comprehensive and practical form, the entire knowledge of fruits 

 and their culture, from the earliest writers down to the present 



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