PREFACE . 
It is with pleasure that we present to our friends and patrons this edition 
of our DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF FRUITS, ORNAMENTAL TREES, 
Etc., and in doing so we tender to them our sincere thanks for the many ex- 
pressions of encouragement and substantial aid they have given us. We will 
endeavor in the future, as we have in the past, by strict attention to business, 
to merit their patronage and good will. 
The lamented Downing said, in his introduction to his work on fruit and 
fruit trees, that “A man born on the bank of the noblest and most fruitful 
river in America, and whose best days have been spent in gardens and or- 
chards, may perhaps be pardoned for talking about fruit trees.” We must 
claim indulgence for similar reasons; and if we seem to urge these subjects 
beyond the rules of propriety, our apology is, that we think we are working 
in a good cause and for the good of our fellow men. He said further: ‘‘In- 
deed, the subject deserves not a few but many words. Fine fruits is the flow- 
er of commodities. It is the most perfect union of the useful and the beauti- 
ful that the earth knows. Trees full of soft foliage; blossoms fresh with spring 
beauty; and finally fruit, rich, bloom dusted, melting and luscious. Such are 
the treasures of the orchard and garden, temptingly offered to the landholder 
in this bright and sunny though temperate climate.” We are pleased to note 
an increasing interest throughout the whole country in the cultivation of the 
useful and beautiful. Both fruits and flowers are more highly appreciated 
by the masses than formerly, and we regard it as a most happy indication, 
not only in the effect it will have upon the health of the body, but also in the 
softening influence it will have on the harsher feelings of our nature. 
To the planter or purchaser of nursery stock, at least three things are in- 
dispensible. First, varieties true to name; second, healthy, vigorous, well 
matured trees or plants; careful and judicious packing, without which all will 
be lost. 
V e give the most careful scrutiny to the propagation of varieties, en- 
deavoring by all methods known to us to protect ourselves from error or im- 
position, and rejecting anything of which we may have reason to be suspi- 
cious. By careful and constant watching and attention, we are warranted in 
offering our stock as pure and absolutely true to name. 
Our soil being of character best suited to produce the healthiest conditions 
of growth, that solid, firm texeure of the wood, with abundant fibrous root, 
so necessary to successful transplanting, we are enabled to offer the product 
of our nurseries with entire confidence to planters in all sections of the coun- 
try. 
V e give to our packing and shipping careful and personal supervision, and 
to still further protect our patrons, as well as ourselves against loss in’ this 
direction, we employ the most skilled and competent hands to assist us. 
We aim to keep fully abreast of enlightened and cultivated taste, in the 
introduction of new and valuable varieties of fruit and novelties and valuable 
acquisitions in ornamentals — accepting with pleasure everything that has 
real merit, we shall with equal readiness discard and discoutenance the sale 
of worthless humbugs. 
