Vlll 



PREFACE. 



erroneous a practice is most generally attributable to the ignorance of 

 the proprietor, and seldom arises from an intention to deceive, the opinion 

 referred to is not supported by the premises. 



It must, however, be acknowledged as a correct position, that the pro- 

 prietor of a nursery ought invariably to possess a full knowledge of the 

 qualities and peculiarities of the respective varieties of fruits which he 

 cultivates, as without such information he would be altogether incompe- 

 tent to institute the necessary comparisons, and to correct the inaccura- 

 cies which occasionally creep into such establishments ; for there is, 

 perhaps, no other profession where close attention and minute investiga- 

 tion are so indispensable to the maintenance of strict accuracy. So all- 

 important is this point of consideration, that the permanency and future 

 prosperity of a nursery wholly depend on its character for accuracy being 

 supported ; and it is only where the owner intends to speedily discontinue 

 his establishment, that he can be so indifferent to its character as to 

 intentionally injure the public by deceptions. 



The peculiar appropriateness of our country to the culture of the 

 various fruits, and the advantages of soil and climate for the formation 

 of extensive orchards, and for enriching our gardens with the choicest 

 productions of other climes, render the study of pomology one of high 

 and increasing interest. Horticultural pursuits add not only to the 

 pleasures and conveniences of life, but tend greatly to advance the 

 wealth of a community. In this vicinity, and in many other sections of 

 our country, the extensive orchards are sources of large revenue, and 

 greatly enhance the value of the respective farms on which they are 

 located. Indeed, in this neighbourhood, a farm without a good orchard is 

 deemed incomplete. Even those persons who, from the pressure of other 

 avocations, necessarily confine their attention to horticulture within the 

 limits of a garden, find there the source of much gratification ; while 

 it affords them a most pleasurable recreation, and allows the mind to 

 relax from the more arduous pursuits of life. The scientific cultivator 

 cannot fail to find a perpetual source of interest and amusement in the 

 numberless novelties and peculiarities which will arrest his attention. 



It is not proposed here to enter upon a discussion of the methods of 

 culture best adapted to the various species of fruit, that subject being 

 reserved for its proper place. It must be evident to every one that the 

 natural advantages which our country presents, are daily attaining 

 to a more ample development, and to a more correct appreciation of 

 their value by our intelligent citizens ; and we need not doubt that a 

 most successful result will eventually crown their labours. 



