It is much to be regretted, that of late years, so little attention has been given in this country, to the study of pomology, and that so few efforts have been made to encourge a taste for this most important, most instructive, and intellectual branch of horticultural science.

Towards the end of the last, and beginning of the present century, when the late Mr. Knight was in the full vigor of his scientific pursuits, this was the subject which engaged so much of his powerful intellect, and from which he succeeded in producing such great and beneficial results. With Mr. Knight as president, and Mr. Sabine as secretary, the Horticultural Society of London did much for the advancement of this subject, and in extending a knowledge not only of the fruits of this country, but of the most valuable varieties of the continent of Europe, and America. Through the exertions of these gentlemen, and in conjunction with the illustrious pomologists, Dr. Diel and Professor Van Mons, and other eminent continental correspondents, was obtained that vast collection of fruits which once existed in the Society’s garden; and by means of which that great undertaking of determining and arranging the nomenclature was accomplished. During this period the Society’s Transactions teemed with rich, and interesting pomological papers, and several works of a high character were ushered into existence. Of these the most important were the Pomonas of Brookshaw and Hooker, the Pomological Magazine, and Ronalds’s Pyrus Malus Brentfordiensis; but these are all of such a class, as from their great cost to be regarded more as works of art, than of general utility. The only one which was at all calculated to be of general benefit was, Lindley’s “Guide to the Orchard;” a work which furnished descriptions of, and embraced a greater number of varieties than had hitherto been attempted. This then may be regarded as the most complete work for general reference, with which pomologists in this country had ever been furnished.

Upwards of twenty years have now elapsed since the “Guide to the Orchard” issued from the press, and during that period, Knight, Sabine, and many great patrons of pomology have entered into their rest, leaving none behind them to prosecute, with the same vigour, that study which they so much loved and adorned. But although there has been no corporate effort to promote and stimulate this study, private enterprize has not altogether been awanting to keep pace with the rapid progression of the Continent and America; but for this, we might yet have been in total ignorance of many of the most desirable fruits of modern times, and particularly of those valuable varieties, the result of the later labors of Van Mons, Esperen, and others; together with several of considerable merit, furnished by the fertile pomology of the New World.

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 name of the one who first distinctly describes it is given. Following the standard name, is the identification or list of works in which the variety is identified as being described; the synonymes or names by which it is mentioned in all works on pomology, or known in various districts; and then a list of works in which it is most correctly and faithfully figured. Then follow the description, history, and critical observations, when such are necessary. I have furnished diagrams, of the newest, rarest, and most esteemed varieties; and this mode of illustration conveys a better idea of the general character of the fruit, than a fore-shortened drawing, and answers the same purpose as a highly finished engraving, without swelling the price of the work to such an extent, as to render it unavailable for ordinary use. At the end, I have given lists of the most excellent varieties adapted for various districts of the country, as also such as are suited for being grown as Standards, Dwarfs, and for Cyder. The whole work is terminated by a copious index, which includes all the synonymes, and which of itself, will afford much valuable assistance, in all matters relating to pomological nomenclature.

It now remains for me to acknowledge the favors I have received from many kind friends, who have, by furnishing materials and information, rendered me much valuable assistance. To Mr. Robert Thompson, already mentioned, I am particularly indebted for the liberal way in which he has always supplied me with any information I required. To the late Mr. John Ronalds, of Brentford, for the free use of his valuable collection; as also to his excellent and much respected foreman, Mr. William Waring. To Mr. James Lake, nurseryman, of Bridgewater, for specimens of, and communications respecting the fruits of the Somerset, Devon, and West of England orchards. To Mr. William Fairbread, of Green-street, near Sittingbourne, for those of the great orchard districts of Kent. To Mr. Mannington, of Uckfield, and Mr. Henry Barton, of Heathfield, Sussex, for the fruits of these neighbourhoods. To Mr. J. C. Wheeler, of Gloucester, and the late Mr. Hignell, orchardist, of Tewkesbury. To George Jefferies, Esq., of Marlborough Terrace, Kensington, for some of the valuable fruits of Norfolk; and to the Rev. Henry Manton, of Sleaford. To Mr. Roger Hargreave, of Lancaster, for a complete collection from the Lancashire orchards. To Archibald Turnbull, Esq., of Belwood, near Perth, whose choice and extensive collection, was freely placed at my disposal. To Mr. A. Gorrie, of Annat, and Robert Mathew, Esq., of Gourdiehill, in the Carse of Gowrie, for much valuable information, and specimens of the fruits of that great orchard district of the North. To Mr. Evans, superintendent of the Caledonian Horticultural Society’s Garden, Edinburgh, for much valuable assistance derived from a free inspection of the collection of the Society. To my brother, Mr. Thomas Hogg, of Coldstream, for the fruits of the Tweedside orchards, and to numerous nurserymen and private individuals, who have aided me in the prosecution of this work, I now tender my warmest and heartfelt thanks.

R. H.

13, Gilston Road, Brompton,
Dec., 1851.