For a series of years I distributed to my patrons, who applied to me 

 for advice, Almanacs published in the North and Northwest and writ- 

 ten principally with regard to those sections of the country. 



The directions which these works contained respecting the cultiva- 

 tion of vegetables, &c, although excellent for the regions spoken of, 

 were almost useless, and in many cases totally unfeasible in the South, 

 where the salubrity of the climate, the almost total absence of severe 

 frosts, the practicability of raising successive similar or diversified crops 

 in one season, and many other important natural causes, render the 

 handling of the soil and times for planting necessarily very different. 



Having been a practical gardener myself, and, owing to my seed 

 business, being brought in daily contact with the New Orleans Market 

 Gardeners, most of whom I supply with seeds, and having always taken 

 a deep interest in the cultivation of vegetables, I felt that I was quali- 

 fied to give directions and information of a more practical value to 

 Southern cultivators, than those found in the Almanacs and Seed Lists 

 published by others who had not had these advantages. 



These considerations influenced me a few years since to compile 

 and publish an Almanac and Garden Manual, to present to the public 

 giving hints as to the proper time and methods of cultivating vegetables 

 in the South, and so supply a want long felt in this portion of the 

 country. The very flattering reception given to the first edition of my 

 Almanac and Garden Manual, encouraged me to continue its publica- 

 tion, and I now have the pleasure of giving to my friends and customers 

 the number for 1880. 



I have received many letters from all parts of the South endorsing 

 the correctness and utility of the information given in these pages, and 

 accompanied with numberless compliments in reference to my perse- 

 verance and enterprise, and the usefulness of my book, for all of which 

 I return hearty thanks. 



It has ever been my aim, by integrity and strict attention to busi- 

 ness, to merit the confidence of customers and the community in 

 general, and from the very liberal patronage bestowed on me, I may 

 without presumption flatter myself that I have succeeded in doing so. 



Hoping that my Almanac and Garden Manual may prove yearly of 

 more and more assistance to the Gardeners of the South, and assuring 

 my patrons that a continuance of their favors will be duly appreciated, 



I remain, 



Yours truly, 



KICHABD FKOTSCHEE. 



MM 



