CHAPTER i 



ABRIDGED DESCRIPTIONS OF SELECT VARIETIES OF 

 FRUITS. 



THE accumulation of varieties of fruits within the last 

 ten years has been so great, that anything like a complete 

 description, or account of them all, would in itself exceed 

 the bounds of a moderate sized volume. Taken alto- 

 gether, there are perhaps at this moment no fewer than cne 

 thousand different varieties under cultivation. To trace 

 out the history, the peculiar characters and merits of 

 these, must be the work of the pomologist, and forms no 

 part in the design of this treatise. In making the follow- 

 ing selections, and in describing them, pomological system 

 and minuteness have not been deemed necessary, nor *vouid 

 they be practicable within the necessary limits. 



The main object aimed at is, to bring to the notice of 

 cultivators the "best varieties, those which ample experi- 

 ence has proved to be really valuable, or which upon a 

 partial trial give strong indications of becoming so. 

 Nothing is more embarrassing to the inexperienced culti- 

 vator than long lists ; and many will no doubt be inclined 

 to think that a large number of the following varieties 

 might very well be dispensed with. But it must be 

 remembered that our country, even the great fruit grow- 

 ing regions of it, possesses different climates, that there 

 are various qualities of soils, various tastes and circum- 

 stances of individuals to be provided for. A dozen or 



