BY A. HOFFY. 



Having again entered the arena of Horticulture, I would respectfully solicit your attention to a 

 few preliminary remarks connected with the merits and properties, etc., of the North American Pomo- 

 logist. 



I will first dwell upon its most important feature, the editorial by Dr. W. D. Brinckle, and thereby 

 dispel at once all doubt as to its reliability. His long experience and scientific and practical knowledge 

 of Pomology, particularly as regards our Native Fruits, together with his uninterested zeal and unceas- 

 ing researches, must alone prove his desire to have been that of a general good to the commonweal, 

 exclusive of a love for the science and kindly feeling in my behalf to promote the present enterprise, 

 by most generously giving his editorial services without remuneration. 



After a friendly intercourse of many years with this estimable gentleman, during which period I 

 devoted much of my time, under his immediate supervision, to painting and figuring Fruits, etc., from 

 nature, including many of our best native varieties, I hope my present efforts will prove the more 

 acceptable from the additional experience I must naturally have attained through this probation. 



As far back as the year 1840, I first took an active interest in Horticulture, by publishing a work 

 entitled the " Orchardist's Companion," the first American work of this kind that had yet appeared, so 

 far as I could possibly trace, and I had the satisfaction afterwards of being informed by many, that 

 it had added much to the interest already prevailing in this useful and profitable branch of our internal 

 resources. Having laid a copy before the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, I make the following 

 extracts from their printed transactions. 



PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S HALL, 



February 16^, 1841. 



On motion, it was ordered, That the Society subscribe for the work, and the same be referred to a 

 Committee of three, to report thereon, with a view to promote the objects of the Editor, and further 

 the progress of Horticulture. 



PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S HALL, 



IGlh March, 1841. 



The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the " Orchardist's Companion," under- 

 taken in this City by A. Hoffy, Esq. : Report, That upon a careful examination of this work, they are 

 of opinion that it is calculated to have a beneficial tendency, and ought to meet with the cordial support 

 of the friends of Horticulture. The work will be a becoming ornament to any Library. 



Resolved, That the work be recommended to the patronage of the members of the Pennsylvania 

 Horticultural Society. 



Respectfully submitted, &c , 



Which report received the concurrence of the Society. 



