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PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. 



While bringing before the public this learned work of M. GALLESIO, the transla- 

 tors were impressed with the fact that in some parts it might not be clear to the 

 unscientific reader ; they have, therefore, ventured to simplify and to explain botan- 

 ical terms, and in some few cases geographical names. 



The translation of this work was begun by Prof. S. D. WILCOX. His death occur- 

 ring when but one-fourth of it was accomplished, we are consequently indebted to a 

 friend for the completion of the task. Any discrepancy in the style of writing may be 

 thus accounted for. 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE 



Of all the plants spread by Nature upon the surface of the globe, there are none 

 more beautiful than those we know under the names of citron, lemon, and orange 

 trees, which botanists have included under the technical and generic name of Citrus. 

 These charming trees are both useful and ornamental. No others equal them i n 

 beauty of leaf, delightful odor of flowers, or splendor and taste of fruit. No other 

 plant supplies delicious confections, agreeable seasonings, perfumes, essences, syrups, 

 and the valuable acid so useful to colorers. 



In a word, these trees charm the eye, satisfy the smell, gratify the taste, serving 

 both luxury and art, and presenting to astonished man a union of all delights. 



These brilliant qualities have made the Citrus a favorite in all countries. In 

 warm climates it is the object of careful culture, and in more temperate climes it is 

 the necessary ornament of country-seats and villas, while, still further north, it has 

 originated those inventions in building designed by luxury to make a summer in the 

 midst of winter. Writers upon agriculture have occupied themselves with the culti- 

 vation and description, and with all tending to the preservation, propagation, and 

 uses of these t rees. 



Ktienne, iSerres, and others in France; Gallo, Tanara, Trinci, and Ferraris in 

 Italy; Herrara.in Spain; Miller in England ; Commelyn in Belgium; Volcamerius 

 and Sicler in Germany, have all written upon these plants. Volcamerius and Fer- 

 raris have added to their books numerous drawings of the varieties known in their 

 time, thus seeming to leave nothing to be desired on this subject. But, after close 

 study and thought, I have found great con fusion and want of method in their classi- 

 fication. This is owing to the prejudices among writers concerning the nature and 

 origin of vtn'taffcx. I have, therefore, devoted myself to the close observation of these 

 plants, examining their caprices from their birth to their fruiting, and. seconding 



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