xiv PROSPECT 



has prot,n'essed. At first it was intended to make a tliree-voliiine cyclopedia, but before 

 tlie first volume was half written it was found that a fourth volume must be added in 

 firder to present the subject adequately. The observant reader will discover that the 

 letter A is treated on tlie three-volume basis. The article "Apple" is wholly inade- 

 quate, but partial penance is done under "Pomology." The article "Asparagus" is 

 the first that began to feel the fuller and larger treatment. Whatever usefulness the 

 (-Cyclopedia may have has been rendered possible by the liberal policy of the publishers 

 with whom it has been a joy and an inspiration to work. 



The actual writing on the Cyclopedia was begun in January, 1899. A year had 

 then been spent in making indexes and collecting data. The proof of the letter Z 

 was received Dei-ember 31, 1901. On the 8th of January, 1902, the Cyclopedia office 

 was vacated. It was a sad parting. The pleasantest associations of a pleasant life had 

 come to a finish. We knew that it was a turning-point. Hundreds of books had be- 

 come familiar friends. We would never see them all together again. Like a child, tlie 

 Cyclopedia had grown. Like the mature youth, it had left us. It was no longer ours. 



L. H BAILEY. 



Ithai'a, Nfw York, 

 Januarij 11, 1002 



