INTRODUCTION. 
It is with pleasure that we present our patrons with a new edition of our Descrip- 
tive Catalogue. Under their respective heads will be found descriptions of several 
new varieties that have been introduced since our last edition. In this connection it 
may he proper to stiite what inducements a new comer in the fruit line must oflfer 
before we place it on sale. 
Every year we have many new varieties of fruits brought to our attention, believed 
by their owners to he something superior. The great majority of these we find upon 
investigation to be of no particular value, or at least no improvement on the varieties 
we already have. Realizing, however, that with many of our fruits there is ample 
room for improvement, and that the true couise is "onward and upward," we aim to 
examine as carefully as practicable any fruit that is brought to our attention. 
We fii-st consider the fruit as to its quality, appearance, season of ripening, etc., 
to see if it equals or excels the varieties we already have ripening at the same time. If 
the field it would have to occupy is faiily filled with sorts in every respect giving per- 
fect satisfaction, we are apt to follow the old adage, " Let well enough alone." On the 
other hand, if the fruit has some striking characteristic that forces itself on our atten- 
tion and appears to have real and distinctive merit and apparently is a decided 
acquisition, we at once try to inform ourselves as to the habit of the tree or vine. It 
must be a vigorous grower, hardy, healthy, belong to a healthy and long-lived race, and 
must be an early and an abundant bearer. Many a fruit of fine quality is worthless 
for general cultivation, owing to the weak constitution of the tree or vine 
The general planters, the great mass who are putting out fruits for profit, require 
sorts with iron constitutions ; tho.se kinds that will thrive in a great variety of soils 
and situations, and yield some fruit under neglect. 
When we do meet a new variety that appears in all resjjects to fill the bill, to be 
a fruit of real merit, one more important consideration presents itself. Though appar- 
ently a good thing, has it sufficient elements of popularity to warrant us in going to 
the gteat e.vpense consequent to getting up a stock of the same and properly bringing 
its merits before the public? The investment will run into hundreds, perhaps thou- 
sands, of dollars, and it will be from two to five yeare before we can expect substantial 
returns. 
Need we say more ? Need we add that on this question of new fruits we cannot 
afford, from a financial point of view, to touch a thing that we are not fully satisfied 
has merit? In conclusion, on this point, we will repeat that planters of fruit for 
profit cannot afford to put out any but the most valuable sorts. The first outlay is 
but a trifle in comparison to the final results. In nothing can a man he more " penny 
wise and pound foolish " than in planting cheap trees regardless of the varieties. 
It takes no more time, ground, or care to set out a good variety than it does a com- 
mon kind, and if one is any better than another, the better kind is the one to plant, 
for the only extra expense is the difference in the first cost. Of course, there are many 
old sorts that ought to be in every collection, but at the same time there are some 
new varieties that ought never to be left out. 
