PREFACE TO 23d EDITION. 



In presenting to our patrons and the public the 2Sd Edition of this Catalogue 

 we would say that the increased attention now being paid to Ornamental Trees and 

 Plants, is a source of peculiar pleasure to us. It is the realization of what was 

 anticipated years ago, when our Nurseries were first established. At that time, and 

 for many years that followed, there was but little, if any real encouragement, for the 

 propagation of this class of trees. Believing, however, that at no distant day a 

 country so wealthy and enterprising as ours is, would offer a market for such pro- 

 ductions, we gave to this department from the first special attention, and cultivated 

 a variety which for some time was quite in advance of the demand. We introduced 

 annually from Europe all that appeared to be of value for this country. The Cut- 

 leaved Weeping Birch, Kilmarnock Weeping Willow, Oak-leaved Mountain Ash, 

 Imperial Cut-leaved Alder, and other beautiful and popular trees, were first propa- 

 gated and sent out by us in this country. 



That the utiHty and beauty of Ornamental Trees and Plants are now becoming 

 generally recognized and appreciated, no better proof is afforded than the great 

 demand which has been created for them. They have become a necessity in the 

 garden, and every one who has a garden must have them. Parks and Pleasure 

 Grounds have also become a necessity, and they require trees for general planting, as 

 well as specimen trees for arboretums. We have anticipated these necessities and are 

 prepared to meet them. 



Our general stock was never so extensive or well grown as at this time. By the 

 importation of the most interesting foreign "novelties," and by the acquisition of 

 valuable home productions, our collections have been greatly extended, and are fully 

 up to the times. With a view of rendering our lists as usual select and reliable, we 

 have discarded such trees and plants as in our opinion lacked the necessary character- 

 istics of hardiness and vigor. 



We ask a careful examination of the lists of leading trees and plants, which will 

 be found to embrace almost every^thing that is desirable. New varieties in the classes 

 of Weeping or Drooping trees. Purple-leaved and Variegated-leaved trees are decided 

 acquisitions. 



The Rose has always been a favorite with us. We have endeavored to obtain all 

 the new varieties, which are real improvements, and have rejected a large number 

 of the older and poorer ones. Our plants are well grown, of good size, and true 

 to name. 



The Paeony in its new and improved varieties is particularly desirable, and 

 merits special notice. 



The taste for Hardy Perennial Border Plants is growing, and we have for some 

 years been paying special attention to this class. Our collection now embraces the 

 most ornamental species and varieties in cultivation, as far as we have been able to 

 procure them. 



Our collection of Evergreens, which embraces not only all the popular and 

 well known species, but the finest of the California Pines, and others, is large and 

 and interesting. The trees have all been frequently transplanted and prepared for 

 successful removal. 



ELLWANGER & BARRY. 



