EXPLANATORY NOTE. 



In the preparatory announcement of this memoir, it 

 was stated that it only professed to outline the magni- 

 tude of Peter Henderson's services to American horti- 

 culture. Those familiar with my deceased father's ca- 

 reer, will quickly perceive that I have kept within the 

 boundaries of that announcement. Further, I fully real- 

 ize how much of his labors in many directions have not 

 been touched upon at all. The original intention was to 

 prepare a larger, and I had hoped a more thorough and 

 careful record of his life. It was, however, suggested, 

 that as such a volume from its size would preclude a 

 large distribution, it would be more satisfactory at this 

 time if an abridged sketch was prepared which could be 

 placed in the hands of every one who had known him in 

 any or all of his various relations to horticulture. 



I have, therefore, prepared this memoir on the lines 

 suggested, and in begging 3'our acceptance of it, I am 

 conscious that the story has been but crudely told. At 

 the same time I shall feel satisfied if I have succeeded 

 in emphasizing the declaration made by one of his many 

 eulogists that " Peter Henderson justly earned the honor, 

 gratitude and respect of the greatest of nations." 



ALFRED HENDERSON. 



New York, December ist, 1890. 



