b EECOKD OF HOKTICULTURE, 



American Fruit Culturist, By J. J. Thomas. Illustrated. 

 New York : Wm. Wood & Co. 12mo ; 511 pp. $3. 



Since the first appearance of this work in 1846, it has 

 taken a liigh position in American Horticultural Literature. 

 It has been several times revised and additions made there- 

 to, showing that the atithor desired to make it as near per- 

 fect as possible. 



In the past twenty years there have been so many new 

 fruits introduced, and so many old theories exploded, that 

 Mr. Thomas has found it necessary to entirely re-write his 

 work in order to make it accord with the present condition 

 of American Horticulture. No greater compliment can be 

 bestowed upon an author by the public than by calling 

 for frequent and large editions of his works. The demand 

 for this book has been so persistent, and through such a 

 long period of years, the author must feel highly flattered 

 in knowing that his labors have been so fully appreciated 

 by the public at large. 



We have to regret that so few of the authors of scien- 

 tific books take any interest in their works after the orig- 

 inal manuscript leaves their hands, never attempting to 

 revise or improve upon the first copy or edition. 



Few works are as near perfect when first issued as their 

 authors could make them by a careful revision. We know 

 tliat some consider, that to correct their mistakes is merely 

 exhibiting their own original incompetency; but this is 

 certainly putting the matter in a false light, because it 

 should never be considered a disgrace to acknowledge our 

 faults, or even ignorance, for by doing so we prove to our 

 fellow-beings that we are still capable of learning. 



