INTRODUCTORY, 
Some time has now elapsed since the issue of the last edition of 
our Descriptive Fruit Catalogue. It has not gone unmarked by 
important changes in Pomology as elsewhere. The lists of Fruits 
named as worthy of general cultivation, have been undergoing con- 
stant and increasingly thorough revision, some of the old accepted 
, varieties have, upon fuller acquaintance, been discarded as less val- 
uable, while a goodly number of new ones found of high merit have 
been added. 
We have in this regard earnestly endeavored to keep pace with 
the advancing knowledge. Besides the access we have had to 
numerous sources of information in the published results of culti. 
vators and pomologists, we have enjoyed superior opportunity ef 
testing a large number of sorts, including many new and rare, on 
our own grounds. The results of our experience we proffer freely 
to all who desire to obtain them ; so far as practicable, we have 
sought to embody them in these pages. 
Stock. — Our Stock of Fruit Trees, &c., is at this time larger in 
amount than ever before, and of unsurpassed quality ; every year 
brings a more ripened experience in respect to the best methods of 
cultivation, and we are able now to grow trees in point of stocki- 
ness, vigor and attractiveness of form, hardly in aught short of 
perfect. Through complete underdraining of the soil and deep sub- 
soil plowing, turning under a heavy crop of clover, and applying a 
copious top dressing of vegetable mold or muck, a rich supply of 
fibrous roots is secured, — a very important point for the planter. 
Care and Attention — The personal attention of the proprietor 
is undividedly given to the business of the concern, a corps of long 
experienced and skillful assistants is employed in the several depart- 
ments, and universally no pains are spared to insure in the varied 
details, dispatch, thoroughness and accuracy. 
Age, Loc ation, &c. — Thi? establishment, one of the oldest, if 
not quite the oldest of the kind in the country, — it having been in 
existence now nearly forty years, — is also one of the largest and most 
