Since the publication of Lindley’s “Guide,” therefore, there has not only been such additions to our varieties of fruits, but such a complete reformation and arrangement of pomological nomenclature as to have rendered that book, as a work of reference of considerably less value; and it was on account of the necessity for a new work, adapted to the wants of the present day, and embracing the most recent information on the subject, that I entered upon the present undertaking. The facilities I have possessed for carrying it out, are perhaps greater than fall to the lot of most men. My earliest associations were with fruits and fruit trees; the greater part of my active life has been engaged in their cultivation and devoted to their study; and for nearly ten years, I had the advantage of making an annual tour throughout the length and breadth of England and Scotland, during which, I allowed no opportunity to escape of making myself acquainted with the fruits of the various districts, and securing correspondents to whom I could apply, in cases of necessity. With these advantages, I some years ago established an orchard, for the purpose of examining the distinctive characters and determining the nomenclature of fruits; and there I have succeeded, in securing all the varieties it is possible to procure, either in this country or abroad, and thereby to obtain from personal observation all the information attainable on the subject. In the execution of this work, my object has been, not to give a mere selection of the best varieties of fruits cultivated in this country, but to describe minutely, and at length, all the varieties with their essential characters, distinguishing those which are, and those which are not worthy of cultivation. I have endeavoured to embrace all the fruits which are recorded as existing in Great Britain, and although it cannot be supposed I have been able to obtain the whole of them, still, I have secured such a number as will leave but a very small portion un-noticed. The plan which I have adopted in the general arrangement will be found to embrace all matters both descriptive, historical, and critical, touching the several varieties. The nomenclature I have followed is, except in some instances for reasons given, that of the London Horticultural Society’s Catalogue, a valuable work prepared by that patient and indefatigable pomologist, Mr. Robert Thompson. The advantage of this identity of nomenclature is evident, as it sets at rest that mass of confusion, which so long existed as to the correct names of fruits. In describing each variety, the approved name, that is the name which shall serve as a standard by which that variety shall in future be distinguished, is printed in Roman Capitals; and either abbreviated, or in full length, is annexed the name of the author who first records or describes it. When the variety is of such antiquity as not to be identified with any particular author, the