PREFACE. V 



Horticultural Society, in 1826 ; in which 

 there is an enumeration of no fewer than 

 three thousand varieties, to which a thousand 

 or fifteen hundred more might easily be 

 added. Of this mass, two-thirds are probably 

 unworthy of cultivation ; and of the remainder, 

 not more than a quarter can really be con- 

 sidered first-rate varieties. But among those 

 of second-rate merit are many useful kinds, 

 the cultivation of which is important, with a 

 view to profit or culinary purposes, and which 

 might, with propriety, be admitted into an ex- 

 tensive collection. The following lists, how- 

 ever, are only formed for select Gardens, and 

 consequently all doubtful or second-rate va- 

 rieties are excluded. It will be found that 

 a great many common varieties are also omit- 

 ted: this has been always done advisedly, 

 and because newly-raised kinds ought to dis- 

 place them. For instance, among Cherries, 

 not a single " Heart" is quoted, because the 

 Elton of Mr. Knight is much superior to them 

 all. 



It is possible that persons in trade may say 

 that varieties have been introduced which are 

 inferior to others more commonly cultivated 

 for sale, and even that many are not to be 

 procured. To enter into separate arguments 

 upon all such questions, would be equally 



