VI PREFACE. 



the former name. The latter, also an old vegetable, created some ex- 

 citement a few years ago ; but the mania having died away, it finds its 

 merited place. 



The Fruits have been arranged in the order cf their attaining matu- 

 rity, and only the best in their season have been selected. It is pre- 

 smned that the list will be found a certain guide to those who wish to 

 grow only the best and most prolific sorts. Some selection of this kind 

 has for some time been imperatively called for, by the wants of the 

 gardener, farmer, and amateur, the multiplicity of sorts in the larger 

 works and catalogues rendering them nearly useless to those who merely 

 wish to know those kinds adapted for family or market supply. In il- 

 lustrating our subject we have endeavored to avoid the use of all tech- 

 nical words, and to make every thing so plain that it can be compre- 

 hended by the most illiterate. 



In conclusion, if this little manual be the means of difiusing a know- 

 ledge of vegetable culture more generally, — of adding to the pleasures of 

 rural life, — of increasing the interest taken in horticultural pursuits • 

 or guiding the gentleman, farmer, or student, in the occupation of his 

 leisure hours, it will have attained the objec of 



The Author. 



Philadelphia, Feb., 1847. 



