PREFACE. IX 



Any one who has given attention to the subject must 

 have been struck with the waste of ground devoted in the 

 United States to the culture of fruit of indifferent charac- 

 ter. As it is obvious that good varieties occupy no more 

 space than inferior ones, we have endeavored to aid in their 

 choice those who set out orchards or cultivate fruit in 

 any manner, by giving them the decisions of the American 

 Congress of Fruit-growers, which has held several annual 

 meetings in New York and elsewhere a highly respectable 

 body of intelligent and practical men, meeting annually to 

 discuss the merits and promote the culture of the best fruits 

 of all kinds. A few years will demonstrate to the country 

 the most valuable results from this association of accom- 

 plished and experienced pomologists. 



