VI PREFACE. 



useless and unsatisfactory. In making the 

 selection, no other object has been had in 

 view than the public service ; it is founded 

 upon the experience, not only of the Editor, 

 but of the most competent judges of Fruit 

 in this country ; and it will be for the public 

 to decide in whom they will place their con- 

 fidence. It may only be observed, that a Nur- 

 seryman not possessing a variety, is no proof 

 that it is undeserving the character that may 

 be given of it, although it may be an evidence 

 of his own want of enterprise ; and further, 

 that no sort whatever is mentioned in the 

 following lists which it is not in the power 

 of any person to procure, with proper inquiry. 



In conclusion, while the Editor, in taking 

 leave of his readers for the present, thanks them 

 sincerely for the interest they have shewn in 

 the undertaking, he begs them not to ascribe 

 any merit the Work may possess, either to him- 

 self or to the Gentleman formerly associated 

 with him in the publication ; but that they 

 will understand, that all claims it may possess 

 upon the public favour belong to Mr. Robert 

 Thompson, the Superintendent of the Fruit 

 Department in the Garden of the Horticul- 

 tural Society, to whom all that is most valuable 

 in it is wholly due. 



