PREFACE. 



I SUBMIT this work to tlic kind indulgence of the people of Cal- 

 ifornia. 



The short time allowed me to complete a work of such magni- 

 tude and importance will, I hope, serve as a partial excuse for its 

 defects. 



To make a tour through a large portion of Europe — examine 

 and collect information — select vines and trees — write the follow- 

 ing work, with many of the extracts translated from eminent for- 

 eign authors and reports of scientific committees, I was allowed, 

 including my journey to Europe and my return, but seven months 

 and twenty-five days. 



The task was augmented by extensive and necessary corre- 

 spondence with government officials, scientific societies, and emi- 

 nent writers. 



During this time I have allowed myself little time for rest or 

 recreation ; and if I have succeeded in fulfilling my duty to my 

 State and to her people, I shall feel myself amply rewarded. 



I plead for a lenient judgment on the work on account of my 

 defective English, being a native of Hungary, although a natural- 

 ized American citizen, which will, I hope, fully explain this una- 

 voidable defect. That my readers will understand my meaning 

 without difficulty is all that I dare hope. 



The translations contained in the work were, in most cases, nec- 

 essarily literal, and therefore presented difficulties not easily over- 

 come. 



With these explanations, the author presents his work to the; 

 agricultural public, sincerely hoping that future experience may 

 not belie present promises, but that the matter upon which it treats 

 may prove a valuable and an enduring source of wealth to the 

 American horticulturist and farmer. A. H. 



BuENA Vista, Sonoma Counti/, CuHfornia. 



