DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FRUITS. 



SHORT and select lists have been given in the 

 preceding part of this work. The following more 

 extended catalogue is intended for reference. 



The experienced cultivator will at once perceive 

 that the characters given may vary materially with 

 climate, soil, circumstances and tastes. An apple of 

 large size at one time, or place of growth, may be 

 only medium at another. The same remark will 

 apply in a greater or less degree to the form, color, 

 quality and time of maturity, of many fruits. 



Pears are more liable to vary than most other 

 fruits, and especially the new Flemish pears, which, 

 from their mode of origin, are regarded as pecu- 

 liarly subject to change. Hence, some of those 

 new varieties, though marked as first-rate, may 

 prove of only second or even third quality, after 

 thorough trial in this country. Some of them have 

 already been found, occasionally delicious, but in 

 most seasons worthless. In addition to this draw- 

 back, it must be also remembered, that many vs.* 

 rieties are admired because they are new hence 

 some which at first excite general admiration, after 

 a while pass away and are forgotten. 



The new and excellent work of A. J. Downing, 

 published since the preceding part of the volume 

 was in type, has been found of essential value in 

 preparing the following lists, especially of the 

 Pears. 



