INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 11 



There are so many erroneous notions entertained of the bad effects 

 of fruit, that it is quite time a counteracting impression slibuld be 

 promulgated, having its foundation in common sense, and based on 

 the common observation of the intelligent. We have no patience 

 in readifig the endless rules to be observed in this peculiar depart- 

 ment of physical comfort. No one, we imagine, ever hved longer 

 or freer from the paroxysms of disease, by discarding the delicious 

 fruits of the land in which he finds a home. On the contrary, they 

 are necessary to the preservation of health, and are therefore caused 

 to make their appearance at the very time when the condition of 

 the body, operated upon by deteriorating causes not always under- 

 stood, requires their grateful, renovating influences." 



The Rural Annual for 1856 says : 



" As good fruit becomes more common, and accessible to a greater 

 number, those fevers and bilious disorders so general in new coun- 

 tries where fruit is scarce, will become lessened, and health and 

 happiness increased," 



Di*. Teall, in his "Hydropathic Cook-Book," uses the following 

 forcible language. Si)eaking of apples, he says : 



"I can imagine no branch of agriculture, 'domestic economy,' or 

 even 'political science,' more useful to mankind than that of raising 

 good apples. This kind of farming would tend wonderfully to ele- 

 vate the human race above its swine-eating propensities. At pres- 

 ent a large portion of the apple crop of the world is perverted to 

 hog-feeding and cider-making — neither animal nor liquor,. when fed 

 or made, being fit for food or drink. 

 "A little attention to pruning, budding, grafting, and transplant- 

 ing would enable our American farmer- and fruiterers txD supply our 

 markets, profitably to themselves, with an abundance of sweet, 

 mellow, luscious apples, so rich and savory, indeed, that but little 

 else than a piece of good bread would enable the veriest epicure to 

 make a luxurious meal." 



On the subject of the effect of fruit on health, the editor of 

 Tuckee's Annual Register has the following truthful remarks : 



" Feuit versus Disease. — In a recent conversation witli an in- 

 telligent person who has made long-continued and extensive obser- 

 vations on climate and disease, we were assured that nothing had a 

 more beneficia" influence in preventing intermittents and the other 

 effects of malaria than a moderate and regular use of wholesome. 



