INTRODUCTION 



In presenting to my friends and patrons the 



Thirteenth Annual Edition of my Almanac and Garden Manual, 



I do so in stating that it is a plain work like its predecessors, intended 

 to give short but comprehensive instructions in regard to the cultivation 

 of vegetables and flowers as practiced here in the South. For the looks 

 of my work, it cannot be compared with the elaborated issues of some of 

 my Northern competitors, which are full of colored plates, and with gilded 

 covers, resembling more a series of ^^ Mother Huhhard^^ than an instruc- 

 tion book on gardening; but I flatter myself, that it is the most useful 

 for this section. An old proverb says, ''Not all is gold, which glitters." 



The demand for my Almanac has increased from year to year, and 

 I am now compelled to publish twice as many as when I sent out the 

 first issue ; although I have been careful in the distribution of this work 

 to place it in the hands of those who benefit by its instructions. 



The raising and shipping of vegetables from the South to the West- 

 ern and Northern points has increased to such an extent, that it has be- 

 come quite an item of Southern industries, which requires the attention 

 and study of seedsmen to assist those who are engaged in this particular 

 branch by giving them the best informations in regard to selecting seeds 

 suited to our section. 



I may state here that it is a quarter of a century since I went into the 

 Seed business, on a small scale, and unknown; by working for the inter- 

 est of my customers, and by fair and honest dealing, I have succeeded in 

 building up the largest Seed establishment in the South. 



Hoping a continuance of the favors of my patrons, which will be 

 duly appreciated, 



I remain. 



Yours truly, 



RICHABD FROTSCHER. 



