PREFACE. ix 
Any one who has given attention to the subject must 
have been struck with the waste of ground devoted in the 
United States to the culture of fruit of indifferent charac- 
ter. As it is obvious that good varieties occupy no more 
space than inferior ones, we have endeavored to aid in their 
choice those who set out orchards or cultivate fruit ir 
any manner, by giving them the decisions of the American 
Congress of Fruit-growers, which has held several annual 
meetings in New York and elsewhere—a highly respectable 
body of intelligent and practical men, meeting annually to 
discuss the merits and promote the culture of the best fruits 
of allkinds. A few years will demonstrate to the country 
the most valuable results from this association of accom- 
plished and experienced pomologists. 
