Sheldon, Beurre Bosc, Buerre d'Anjou, and Vicar of Winkfield for
baking, etc. Cherries--Black Eagle, Black Tartarian, Downer,
Windsor, Cumberland, and Red Jacket."

Mr. Wilder's honored name, like that of the late Charles Downing,
is inseparably linked with American fruits, and the country owes
these two men a debt of gratitude which never can be paid for
their lifelong and intelligent efforts to guide the people wisely
in the choice and culture of the very best varieties. A moment's
thought will convince the reader that I am not giving too much
space to this matter of selection. We are now dealing with
questions which wide and varied experience can best answer. Men
who give their lives to the cultivation and observation of fruits
in all their myriad varieties acquire a knowledge which is almost
invaluable. We cannot afford to put out trees, to give them good
culture, and wait for years, only to learn that all our care has
been bestowed on inferior or second-rate varieties. Life is too
brief. We all feel that the best is good enough for us; and the
best usually costs no more in money or time than do less desirable
varieties. Therefore I seek to give on this important question of
choice the opinions of some of the highest authorities in the
land.

Mr. A. S. Fuller is not only a well-known horticultural author,
but has also had the widest experience in the culture and
observation of fruit. He prefaces his opinion with the following
words: "How much and how often we horticulturists have been
puzzled with questions like yours! If we made no progress, were
always of the same mind, and if seasons never changed, then
perhaps there would be little difficulty in deciding which of the