PREFACE. 



THE first edition of the FRUIT CULTURIST, the basis of 

 the present work, was written more than thirty years 

 ago, and a year before the appearance of Dovvning's 

 first edition of the Fruits and Fruit Trees of America. 

 It was subsequently much enlarged through several re- 

 vised editions. The rapid progress made of late years in 

 the culture of fruit has required a still further revision, 

 and the work is now brought down to the present date. 

 Being intended as a guide to the practical cultivator, its 

 object is to furnish useful directions in the management 

 of the nursery, fruit-garden, and orchard, and to assist 

 in the selection of the best varieties for cultivation. It 

 aims to give full descriptions only of valuable and prom- 

 ising fruits suited to the country at large, or which may 

 have been popular in certain districts. Many sorts, how- 

 ever, which are less known, or whose position or value is 

 undetermined, and several excellent new varieties, will 

 be found noticed in the general Descriptive List and 

 Index, where their leading characteristics are briefly de- 

 scribed. 



As some confusion would result from a promiscuous 



34H925 



