Success With Small Fruits | Page 2

was no space in the magazine, and also to give
my views more fully concerning topics only touched upon in the serial.
As the fruits described are being improved, so in the future other and
more skillful horticulturists will develop the literature relating to them
into its true proportions.
I am greatly indebted to the instruction received at various times from
those venerable fathers and authorities on all questions relating to
Eden-like pursuits--Mr. Chas. Downing of Newburg, and Hon.
Marshall P. Wilder of Boston, Mr. J. J. Thomas, Dr. Geo. Thurber; to
such valuable works as those of A. S. Fuller, A. J. Downing, P. Barry, J.
M. Merrick, Jr.; and some English authors; to the live horticultural
journals in the East, West, and South; and, last but not least, to many
plain, practical fruit-growers who are as well informed and sensible as
they are modest in expressing their opinions.
CORNWALL-ON-THE-HUDSON, NEW YORK.

PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION
On page 315 of this volume will be found the following words: "To
attempt to describe all the strawberries that have been named would be

a task almost as interminable as useless. This whole question of
varieties presents a different phase every four or five years. Therefore I
treat the subject in my final chapter in order that I may give revision, as
often as there shall be occasion for it, without disturbing the body of
the book. A few years since certain varieties were making almost as
great a sensation as the Sharpless. They are now regarded as little better
than weeds in most localities." Now that my publishers ask me to
attempt this work of revision, I find that I shrink from it, for reasons
natural and cogent to my mind. Possibly the reader may see them in the
same light. The principles of cultivation, treatment of soils, fertilizing,
etc., remain much the same; My words relating to these topics were
penned when knowledge-- the result of many years of practical
experience--was fresh in memory. Subsequent observation has
confirmed the views I then held, and, what is of far more weight in my
estimation, they have been endorsed by the best and most thoroughly
informed horticulturists in the land. I wrote what I then thought was
true; I now read what has been declared true 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 interest in the plants
themselves. I hope to obtain much of my recreation in testing the new
varieties offered from year to year. In engaging in such pursuits even
the most cynical cannot suspect any other purpose than that of
observing impartially the behavior of the varieties on trial.
I will maintain my grasp on the button-hole of the reader only long
enough to state once more a pet theory--one which I hope for leisure to
test at some