PREFACE. Vll 



advance from their present position, if their friends have reasonable 

 opportunities of comparing them with first-class varieties ripening 

 at the same time. That the number of the first class could now 

 readily be increased, will, I am aware, appear apparent to many po.- 

 mologists ; but, as it already embraces a sufficient number to meet 

 all wants, I have preferred rather to add hereafter, than to retract. 



Believing that in fruits, the seeds, cores, and stones are often as, or 

 perhaps more, sure guides to indicate a variety than the outward 

 form, I have made my drawings from specimens of medium size, 

 (discarding both the largest as well as smallest for such purpose,)* 

 representing the appearance of the fruit when halved, except in the 

 cherry, where the pit is shown whole. In my drawings illustrative 

 of form, I have followed the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 



" Of the descriptions of fruit, some explanation may be necessary. 

 First, is given the standard name in capitals. Below this are placed, 

 in smaller type, the various synonymes, or local names, by which the 

 same fruit is known in various countries or parts of the country." 



The names of authors previously having described many of the 

 fruits, I have omitted, as not essential to the value of description 

 or fruit, nor necessary to the practical purposes for which I intend 

 the work. 



The text descriptive has been, in almost the entire work, made 

 either anew or revised from those already published, with specimens 

 of the fruit before me ; and, following the established rules of pri- 

 ority in description, I have (w r hile retaining so much of the original 

 that it may at once be recognized ) endeavored to reduce and Ame- 

 ricanize. In a few cases I have preferred continuing an erroneous 

 name, because of its being now generally know r n. Where a de- 

 scription is given written by another, and the fruit not seen by my- 

 self, I have endeavored to give, if of importance, the initials of the 

 author, or abbreviation of title of the work from whence such de- 

 scription was drawn, for which see pages 13, 14. 



Of the importance of fruit culture, it is deemed superfluous to 



* A friend who has carefully examined these drawings and descriptions, says 

 I have represented them all, or nearly all, rather below, than of, medium size. 



