TO THE FIRST VOLUME.

THE nomenclature of our FRUITS, of every species, is so imperfect and confused, that two or three distinct varieties are often confounded under one name; whilst, in other instances, three or four different names are appropriated to the same variety. The nurseryman, in consequence, is often censured, when he has paid all proper attention to accuracy; and is sometimes blamed, where he has really deserved praise, for sending the original and true variety. The inconvenience and disappointment hence arising, which has been experienced by every cultivator of fruits, suggested the idea of the present Work, in which it is intended, as far as possible by accurate description and delineation, to point out the best varieties of fruits of every species.

It is not requisite to expatiate on the utility of a Work embracing the objects above stated. The zeal with which Horticulture is now pursued in every part of this Empire, and in the neighbouring Countries on the Continent; the introduction of valuable acquisitions of new or hitherto unknown fruits, increased by the widely extending correspondence of the HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, will be deemed a sufficient apology for the publication; and will, the Author trusts, ensure it a favourable reception.

Of the plan of this POMONA, it may be necessary to observe, the professed object of the Author is, to select from, rather than add to, our already too extensive assortment of fruits, those which possess distinguished merit. In making his selection, he has not placed an implicit reliance on his own judgment; nor has he been guided by the statements of individuals interested

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in the sale of fruits or trees; or of those who, to gratify their vanity, might wish to publish to the world an account of rarities held by themselves exclusively: but possessing the advantage of the opinion of public spirited and skilful judges, he has adopted their choice, as affording the best criterion, and that on which the public may rely with the greatest confidence - referring always to known sources those who wish to possess farther information relative to the fruits delineated; and, in fact, endeavouring to publish those subjects, the merits of which are fully established, though not sufficiently known, rather than attempting, by his commendation, to raise the fame of newly introduced varieties; and wherever a deviation from this principle may be found by the notice of a recent production, the Author feels confident that every possible attention has been given to ascertain the correctness of the stated grounds of recommendation.

In presenting the First Volume to the Public, the Author begs to thank those persons who have favoured him with their assistance in furnishing specimens and information - he is impressed with a grateful sense of the liberality shown to all his requests. He has only now to hope that his friends will receive the efforts of his pencil with indulgence.