PREFACE. vii 



of the better-known ones that didn't deserve to be, we don't advise anyone to grow all of 

 the ones we've mentioned. Some of them only are fruits to be wished for, others will 

 succeed only in particular climates or in certain soils, and others are suitable only for 

 displaying variety in an orchard or a fruit shop. But the list had to be long enough to satisfy 

 all tastes and to describe for everyone the ways that fruit can be used. 



Our goal is to survey over three hundred varieties of trees during all seasons of the 

 year, to observe closely & capture the moment when each of their products is at the point 

 that determines their quality, to evaluate these products by examining the shape, color, 

 aroma, the changes that occur with age in their strength, the condition of the tree, the 

 quality of the soil, exposure, and air temperature, and to distinguish regular features from 

 unnatural ones. The extent & the details of these objectives haven't discouraged us at all. 

 We were sustained by the desire to create a work useful to everyone, & we expect that our 

 observations will provide the information with the necessary clarity. This undertaking had 

 lots of difficulties to overcome; the comments below will point them out. 



1°. Each tree has an aspect & a manner, so to speak, that is unique to it. 

 Indisputably, this results from characteristics that distinguish one tree from another. An 

 expert noticing them is impressed. But these subtle distinctions can't be perceived through 

 illustrations, nor by discussion. And the one is aware of them 



