INTRODUCTION. IX 



was flattered by the suggestions of friends, that the work, 

 originally intended only as a private instruction for his 

 family, might, with care, become worthy the perusal of 

 the public, and enable him to make farther inquiries and 

 discoveries. 



It has been the author's study to produce a History of 

 Fruits, that may not only be read through, but referred to, 

 with some amusement ; to blend entertainment with use- 

 ful information, as far as the subject would allow ; to 

 combine and compare the accounts of the ancients with 

 those of the moderns which are more improved ; and, in 

 short, to treat on each species of fruit generally ; for to 

 have descended into varieties, would have filled volumes 

 with names alone, since he finds one individual possessing 

 four hundred kinds of strawberries, and others as great a 

 variety of gooseberries ; while the kinds of apples, pears, 

 plums, &c. have been still more numerously multiplied 



And kinds are less material to his theme ; 

 Which who would learn, as soon may tell the sands, 

 Driven by the western wind on Libyan lands, 

 Or number, when the blust'ring Eurus roars, 

 The billows beating on Ionian shores. 



Dryden's Virgil. 



