by highest authorities. I have more confidence in their judgment than
in my own, and, having been so fortunate as to gain their approval, I
fear to meddle with a record which, in a sense, has become theirs as
well as mine. Therefore I have decided to leave the body of the book
untouched.

When I read the lists of varieties I found many that have become
obsolete, many that were never worthy of a name. Should I revise these
lists, as I fully expected to do, from time to time? At present I have
concluded that I will not, for the following reasons:

When, between six and seven years ago, I wrote the descriptions of the
various kinds of fruit then in vogue, I naturally and inevitably
reflected the small-fruit world as it then existed. The picture may
have been imperfect and distorted, but I gave it as I saw it. With all
its faults I would like to keep that picture for future reference. The
time may come when none of the varieties then so highly praised and
valued will be found in our fields or gardens. For that very reason I
should like to look back to some fixed and objective point which would
enable me to estimate the mutations which had occurred. Originators of
new varieties are apt to speak too confidently and exultantly of their
novelties; purchasers are prone to expect too much of them. Both might
obtain useful lessons by turning to a record of equally lauded
novelties of other days. Therefore I would like to leave that sketch
of varieties as seen in 1880 unaltered. To change the figure, the
record may become a landmark, enabling us to estimate future progress
more accurately. Should the book still meet with the favor which has
been accorded to it in the past, there can be frequent revisions of
the supplemental lists which are now given. Although no longer engaged
in the business of raising and selling plants, I have not lost my