September 1998
Electronic version slightly revised, March 1999
Compiled By:
Suzanne P. DeMuth
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, Information Centers Branch
National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2351
The publication Vegetables and Fruits: A Guide to Heirloom Varieties and Community-Based Stewardship was published in three printed volumes. The following sections were repeated in each volume: 1) Table of Contents for 3 volumes, 2) Introduction (including Notes and References) to 3 volumes, 3) Acknowledgements, 4) Alternative Farming Systems Information Center overview, and 5) document access instructions. To reduce duplication in the electronic versions, these sections have been extracted and placed in one document, http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/heirloom/heirloom.htm.
The remainder of each volume is contained in a separate file which includes its respective citations, indices, and table of contents. These files are:
Volume 1. Annotated Bibliography, http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/heirloom/srb9805.htm
Volume 2. Resource Organizations, http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/heirloom/srb9806.htm
Volume 3. Historical Supplement, http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/heirloom/srb9807.htm [below].
There are many cross-reference links to related entries, either within the same document, or to another document in this heirloom series. When you activate a link to another document, use your browser's "back" button to return to the document from which the link was selected.
Additional related entries can be located through use of the indices that accompany each document. Separate indices to publication titles, organization names, and persons (as authors or contacts) are found at the end of Volume 1, Volume 2, and Volume 3. (Note that there is no comprehensive index that covers all three documents. Therefore, to find all substantive references to particular publications or organizations, you will need to follow the links from each document's indices.)
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Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to AFSIC staff, especially Mary Gold and Jane Gates, for their review of this document, helpful suggestions offered, and continuous encouragement thoughout its development. Sincere thanks are extended also to the individuals from stewardship organizations, seed companies, and nurseries who provided an array of useful and interesting materials and other information on their respective missions, activities, products, and services.
See http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/heirloom/heirloom.htm for the following information about this 3-volume series: 1) Table of Contents for 3 volumes, 2) Introduction (including Notes and References) to 3 volumes, 3) Acknowledgements, 4) Alternative Farming Systems Information Center overview, and 5) document access instructions.
1. Vegetables and Fruits
2. Native American Agriculture and New World Crops
1. Vegetables and Fruits
A. General Subjects
B. Vegetables
C. Fruits
D. Apples
2. Native American Agriculture and New World Crops
A. General Subjects
B. Corn (Maize)
C. Tomatoes
D. Capsicum Peppers
E. Phaseolus Beans
F. Squashes and Pumpkins (Cucurbita species)
G. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
1. Vegetables and Fruits
A. General Subjects
B. Vegetables
C. Fruits
D. Apples
2. Native American Agriculture and New World Crops
A. General Subjects
B. Corn (Maize)
C. Tomatoes
D. Capsicum Peppers
E. Phaseolus Beans
F. Squashes and Pumpkins (Cucurbita species)
G. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Go to: Top of Volume 3 | Contents of Volume 3 | Introduction | Notes and References
Part I. Vegetables and Fruits and Historical Gardening (Bibliographies)
Part II. Historical Varieties (Books, Articles, Agricultural Reports)
Part III. Histories of Vegetables and Fruits (Books and Articles)
Bibliography, citation no.: 1,
20, 40, 60, 80,
100, 120, 140, 160
Appendices (Volume 3): 1) Current Books 2) AFSIC, 3) Publication Titles Index, 4) Periodical Articles Index, 4) Persons / Organizations Index
1. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. "Gardens Bibliography." Web site http://www.history.org/life/garden/gardnbib.htm
Part of Colonial Williamsburg's Web pages, this bibliography cites several dozen books on garden history, historical garden plants and landscapes, and recreating period gardens. The listing was derived from p. 162-163 of the 1996 book, The Gardens of Colonial Williamsburg, by M. Kent Brinkley and Gordon W. Chappell (Williamsburg, VA: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 168 p., NAL SB466.U65W52 1996).
2. Fusonie, Alan M. Heritage of American Agriculture: A Bibliography of Pre-1860 Imprints. Beltsville, MD: National Agricultural Library, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1975. Library List/National Agricultural Library no. 98. 71 p. NAL1.916 L612 no.98, ARB Z5075.U5
A selective compilation of historical references on pre-Civil War U.S. agriculture and related subjects. Citations grouped as monographs, serial publications from agricultural societies, and agricultural periodicals are subarranged by author within each category. Documents contained in the Library's collection have NAL call numbers (those designated "R" are available through the Library's Special Collections). Includes references on kitchen gardening, general aspects of vegetables and fruits, and specific food crops.
3. Herendeen, Donna and Wallace C. Olsen. "Primary United States Historical Literature of Crop Science, 1850-1949." In: The Literature of Crop Science. Wallace C. Olsen, ed. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Ch. 11, p. 383-499. NAL SB45.65.L58
This book chapter catalogs historical core literature of the crop sciences, its aim to identify publications worthy of long-term preservation. The first section surveys briefly early American literature on crop introduction and improvement, citing important developments in various subject areas. Following is a listing of 1071 historical crop science monographs, which were derived from several dozen source documents and the Dictionary Catalog of the National Agricultural Library, 1862-1965. Included are U.S. and Canadian publications on general aspects of 19th-C. and 20th-C. fruit and vegetable production, specific crops, plant improvement, seed production, and plant commerce. Following is a listing of popular and trade periodicals on specialized subjects, which were published in the U.S. and Canada (835 total), then a list of scholarly and professional journals and experiment station publications (83 total), including British and German as well as U.S. and Canadian titles. Other portions of the book identify modern publications that may interest readers. Ch. 8, for example, consists of a core listing of post-1950 monographs and journals in the crop sciences, including important works on specific crops, genetic resources, plant biotechnology, and seed science. Ch. 10 is an annotated listing of recent reference works in the plant sciences, including titles on fruit and vegetable culture, germplasm resources, and seed biology and production. The volume is part of an award-winning seven-volume bibliography, "Literature of the Agricultural Sciences," the series edited by Wallace C. Olsen. Currently in print.
4. Hurt, R. Douglas and Mary Ellen Hurt. The History of Science and Technology: An International Annotated Bibliography. New York: Garland Publishing, 1994. Bibliographies on the History of Science and Technology vol. 20; Garland Reference Library of the Humanities vol. 1371. 485 p. NAL Z5071.H87 1994
Provides an introduction to the historical literature of agricultural science and technology, drawing from the social science, historical, and scientific literatures. Emphasizes agricultural science and technology relating to grain, livestock, and forage and fiber production, without direct focus on horticulture and specific fruit and vegetable subjects. Following a brief introductory section, 1380 descriptive citations are arranged topically; included are indexing and abstracting services, catalogs and bibliographies, and reference works, followed by several dozen subject categories. Three chapters are most relevant to the scope of this bibliography; these are Ch. X, "Plant science" (p. 157-240), covering general aspects, genetics and breeding, plant introduction, pathology, and corn (along with other agronomic crops); Ch. XV, "Biotechnology" (p. 367-376); and Ch. XVI, "Green Revolution" (p. 367-391). Includes subject and author indexes. Currently in print.
5. Liao, T.R. The History of American Agriculture. Washington, DC: Library of Congress, Science and Technology Division, Science Reference Section, 1981. LC Science Tracer Bullet (TB) 81-15. 13 p. NAL Z5075.U6L52 1981
A selective bibliography of publications from the holdings of the Library of Congress (LC), intended to put the reader "on target." Citations include introductory publications; basic and specialized texts; correspondence and biographical materials; dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks; bibliographies; government publications; state-of-the-art reviews and conference proceedings; periodicals; and representative journal articles. Provides a listing of relevant LC subject headings. A portion of the documents cited may prove useful to those interested in the histories of garden vegetables and fruits.
6. Liao, T.R. Plant Exploration and Introduction. Washington, DC: Library of Congress, Science and Technology Division, Science Reference Section, 1983. LC Science Tracer Bullet (TB) 83-5. 10 p. NAL Z5354.E2L52 1983
Like the publication just above, this one cites selected documents from the Library of Congress's (LC) collection, chosen to put the reader "on target." Citations with LC call numbers are grouped under the following topics: basic texts; additional titles; correspondence, reminiscences and biographical material; handbooks, encyclopedias and dictionaries; bibliographies; government publications; state-of-the-art reviews and conference proceedings; indexing and abstracting services (to locate periodical articles); journals; and representative journal articles. Provides broad coverage, including literature relating to historical plant geography and food plants introduced to the U.S.
7. Naftalin, Mortimer Lewis. Historical Books and Manuscripts Concerning Horticulture and Forestry in the Collection of the National Agricultural Library. Washington, DC: National Agricultural Library, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1968. Library List/National Agricultural Library no. 90. 106 p. NAL 1.916 L612 no.90
This compilation identifies rare and valuable older publications on horticulture and forestry owned by NAL; most are American works published prior to 1830, or European works published prior to 1800. Call numbers identify titles in NAL's collection (most of them designated "R" and accessed through Special Collections), and also works owned by the Library of Congress. Includes foreign language publications as well as English works; some citations include brief bibliographic notes. Most of the content (p. 1-97) pertains to horticultural subjects, rather than forestry.
8. Rogers, Earl M. A List of References for the History of Fruits and Vegetables in the United States. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 1963. 40 p. NAL aZ5996.F8R6
Consists of 459 citations on the history of cultivation of fruits and vegetables in the U.S., including production, improvement, and marketing aspects. Source materials dating from the late 19th C. to the 1950s include agricultural station reports, professional and trade journals, and magazine articles. Citations are grouped by fruit type, and vegetable type, then under the following topics: marketing, literature, horticultural societies, regional production (grouped by U.S. state), and biographies of horticultural leaders. The section on fruits and vegetables includes general references, plus citations for specific fruits (apples, pears, stone fruits, grapes, citrus fruits, several tropical fruits, and others), nuts, and vegetables (potatoes, cucurbits, legumes, and others). Contains numerous references not examined for this publication. This publication was the first in a 24-part series of bibliographies on various aspects of American agriculture, which expanded upon Everett E. Edward's comprehensive work, A Bibliography of the History of Agriculture in the United States (U.S. Government Printing Office, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication no. 844, 307 p., NAL 1 Ag84M no. 84 1967), first published in 1930. Additional titles are listed in the foreword of M.W. Rossiter's 1980 publication, cited in entry 9, just below.
9. Rossiter, Margaret W. A List of References for the History of Agricultural Science in America. Davis, CA: University of California, Agricultural History Center, 1980. 62 p. NAL Z5074.R47R6
This bibliography expands upon Carrol W. Pursell's and Earl M. Rogers' 1966 publication, A Preliminary List of References for the History of Agricultural Science and Technology in the United States (Davis: University of California Agricultural History Center, 46 p., NAL Z5071.P87). Citations (primarily books and periodical articles) are grouped first as general works that provide an introduction to the subject areas, and include biographies, reference publications and bibliographies; this section lists a number of works on the history and geography of food plants and plant improvement. Following this section are citations grouped by 21 specific subject areas, including a section, "Plant sciences" (p. 8-21), with citations on corn, fruits and berries, plant introductions, the Green Revolution, and other subjects. With author index.
10. Schlebecker, John T. Bibliography of Books and Pamphlets on the History of Agriculture in the United States, 1607-1967. Santa Barbara: CA:American Bibliographic Center-Clio Press, 1969. 183 p. NAL Z5071.U5S3
This bibliography covering 450 years of U.S. agricultural history is limited to narratives of the past that are published separately as books or pamphlets, including biographies, autobiographies, and historical bibliographies. Following explanation of the publication's content and scope are 2042 citations, arranged alphabetically by principal author; some are briefly annotated. Includes detailed index that combines subjects, authors, and publication titles. Lists numerous histories of fruits and vegetables and their husbandry, plant improvement, and related topics. Compiled by Smithsonian Institution curator.
11. Von Baeyer, Edwinna. A Selected Bibliography for Garden History in Canada. Rev. ed. Ottawa, Ontario: Parks Canada, Canadian Heritage, 1994. 71 p. NAL Z5996.5.C2V66 1994
Citations are grouped into 1 of 24 categories comprising format divisions (including reference, pictorial works, and periodicals); general works; and specific subject areas. The latter subject headings include botanists and botanical exploration, naturalists and natural history, flora, general horticulture, landscaping, travel and immigrant literature, historic gardens, fruits and vegetables, and several others. Source materials include periodical articles, books, dissertations, bibliographies, and other types of publications. The fruits and vegetables section lists many 19th-C. and early 20th-C. works on vegetable gardening and fruit culture and on specific plants and varieties, which were not examined for this publication. Brief descriptions of agricultural and horticultural/gardening periodicals include years of publication and subject coverage. Volume out of print.
12. Walther, R.G. A Bibliography of Books, Pamphlets, and Films Listed in the Living Historical Farms Bulletin, from December 1970 Through January 1986. Washington, DC: Association for Living Historical Farms and Museums, 1986. 315 p. NAL Z5071.A3E9 1986
A compilation of publications and other resource materials mentioned in "Recent publications" and other sections of the first 86 issues of ALHFAM's Living Historical Farms Bulletin (NAL S549.U5L5). Citations numbering more than 3700 include books, pamphlets, bibliographies and other guides to resources, periodical articles, and films; these are arranged alphabetically by author and a few are briefly annotated. Subject coverage is very broad, encompassing the many dimensions of agriculture and rural life, including historical aspects of technologies and social life, and also modern museumology. A portion of the citations deal with food crops and their histories, historical gardening, and existing living history farm programs. Includes a combined index to titles, authors, and subjects. Updated substantially from Sharon Y. Eubank's compilation, A Bibliography of Books, Pamphlets, and Films Listed in the Living Historical Farms Bulletin, from December 1970 Through May 1976. For availability, contact ALHFAM, cited in Volume 2, Resource Organizations, entry 61.
13. Warner, Marjorie, Martha A. Sherman, and Esther M. Colvin. A Bibliography of Plant Genetics. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1934. Miscellaneous Publication/United States Dept. of Agriculture no. 164. 552 p. NAL 1 Ag84M no.164
Contains over 10,000 citations from the scientific literature on plant genetics and breeding, citing in large part publications from the catalog of the U.S. Bureau of Plant Industry. Covers the English and foreign-language literature through 1930. Citations are arranged alphabetically by author; access is provided with aid of author and (detailed) subject indexes. Contains numerous references to monographs, conference proceedings, experiment station reports, and periodical articles, on plant characters, varieties, and breeding of specific vegetables, fruits, and other food crops.
14. Bercaw, Louise O., Annie M. Hannay, and Nellie G. Larson. Corn in the Development of the Civilization of the Americas: A Selected and Annotated Bibliography. New York: Burt Franklin, 1971. American Classics in History and Social Science no. 201; Burt Franklin: Research & Source Works Series no. 792. 195 p. NAL SB191.B4
Originally published in 1940, this bibliography contains references to books and book chapters, pamphlets, and periodical articles on the role played by corn in the development of American agriculture and civilization, including works on history, travel, botany, and geography. Topics include the use of corn in Native American agriculture, but exclude corn myths and ceremonials. Citations dating from the 16th C. to the 1930s are arranged alphabetically by author and contain detailed descriptions and excerpts. Call numbers to publications contained in the collections of the National Agricultural Library and the Library of Congress are noted. Contains numerous citations on corn culture and early-American varieties, which are not duplicated in this resource guide. With detailed subject index.
15. Galinat, Walton C., ed. The Singleton Sweet Corn Bibliography. Research Bulletin/Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station no. 725. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station, 1989. 81 p. NAL 100 M38H (1) no.725
Contains 1928 citations on sweet corn, from research and trade journals, bulletins, and reports; corn production, agronomics, economics, genetics, physiology, pest management, and food science topics are covered. The compilation is dedicated to the well-known corn geneticist, Willard Ralph Singleton. Most references date to the 20th C. (covering primarily the 1950s to 1980s), with a number dating from the early 1900s to 1930s, the era predating commercial replacement of open-pollinated corns by higher-yielding hybrids. Includes citations on corn history, regional production, and older open-pollinated corn varieties. Brief citations (i.e., without annotations) are arranged alphabetically by author. Appended with keyword subject index and list of publications that served as source materials.
16. George Washington University, Biological Sciences Communication Project. Bibliography of Corn. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1971. 3 vol. NAL Z5074.C6G4
Prepared under the sponsorship of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (known also as CIMMYT), this bibliography covers the international research literature on corn. Contained within are citations primarily from the period 1959-1968 (plus many references from 1957-58 and 1969), in English and 46 other languages. Foreign language titles are supplemented with English translations. Citations on general topics (subdivided by format and geographical source) are followed by citations grouped under the following headings: Corn plant (comprising botany, anatomy, taxonomy, genetics, breeding and seeds, hybrids, varieties and types, and ecology); Corn growing (agronomy, soils, pests and diseases, and related topics), and Corn product--grain (analysis, processing, nutrition, economic and social aspects, etc.). Vols. I and II contain a total of 20,462 citations. Vol. III consists of author, subject, and geographical indexes. The subject index points to a number of citations on topics relevant to the scope of this resource guide, such as the history of corn and corn varieties. Currently in print.
17. Harvey, Cecil L. Agriculture of the American Indian: A Select Bibliography. Beltsville, MD: USDA, SEA, Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Service, 1979. Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture no. 3. 64 p. NALaZ5076.A1U54 no.3, ARB aZ1209.2.N67.H37 1979
This bibliography updates a 1941 publication, Bibliography on the Agriculture of the American Indians, by Everett E. Edwards and Wayne B. Rasmussen (Miscellaneous Publication/U.S. Dept. of Agriculture no. 447, NAL 1 Ag84M no.447). Literature citations (primarily periodical articles and books) consist of the following: comprehensive historical, anthropological, and bibliographical references; citations grouped by region (MesoAmerica, Canada, United States and its regions, and South America); citations grouped by agricultural product (Native American crops, general; corn; wild rice; cotton; cucurbits; tobacco; beans; livestock, general; and wild turkeys); and citations on other subjects, including agriculture on Indian reservations in U.S. and Canada, uncultivated plants, and irrigation. Most publications date from the 1940s to 1970s; some are briefly annotated. Several sections cite documents dealing with crop varieties (e.g., corn, cucurbits), as well as general aspects of North American native agriculture.
18. Lippert, Laverne Francis and Richard S. Scharffenberg. Garden Pepper (Capsicum Sp.). West Covina, CA: Bibliographic Associates, 1964. Vegetable Crop Bibliographies vol 1. 258 p. NAL Z5074.P39L5 1964
A comprehensive guide to the published literature of the domesticated pepper. Citations for English and foreign language publications were derived from 16 principle reference sources, covering the historical period up to 1963. Publications emphasize the research and technical literature, including agricultural station reports on Capsicum species and varieties, and to lesser extent include gardening and more general publications. Citations are arranged by primary subject emphasis into 30 major subject divisions covering pepper history, botany and horticulture, pharmacology and medicine, nutrition, cookery, economics, and related topics. Sections most relevant to the subject scope of this resource guide are: "Historical botany--Post-Linnaean" (with numerous 19th-C. citations), p. 5-14; "Taxonomy and economic botany," p. 10-14; "Inheritance and breeding," p. 33-39; "Variety development and testing," p. 43-56; "Seed production and certification," p. 57-58; and "Cookery," p. 201-202. Includes author index and (detailed) subject index.
19. Lynas, Lothian. Medicinal and Food Plants of the North American Indian: A Bibliography. New York: New York Botanical Garden Library, 1972. 21 p. NAL Z1209.L8
Cites more than 300 periodical articles, bibliographies, conference proceedings, museum and agricultural bulletins, and books on Native American ethnobotany, from the Library of the New York Botanical Garden and also several other important U.S. collections. The compilation consists primarily of 20th-C. documents, with fewer from the previous century. A portion deal with cultivation and food uses for agricultural plants, or the environmental relations of native peoples. Revised from the author's 1971 publication.
20. McCue, George Allen. "The history of the use of the tomato: An annotated bibliography." Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 39: 289-348 (Nov. 1952). NAL 451 M69
Focuses on the historical (primarily food) uses of the tomato in areas outside of Central and South America, its region of origin, and secondarily, on related topics such as botanical origins and crop development. Citations are grouped first by geographic region (Italy, Central Europe, Great Britain, Spain and Portugal, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa, Northern Europe, West Indies, Asia, U.S., and South Pacific), then by date, and range from the mid 16th C. to the early 1950s. Includes several dozen citations for publications emanating from the U.S. (or its former colonies) that cover the period 1710 to 1919; these include gardening books, horticultural journals, and agricultural station bulletins. Citations contain notes highlighting pertinent chapters or pages, and sometimes lengthy discussion of details. (The annotations suggest that, except for a few of the more modern publications, the sourceworks contain little information on tomato varieties.)
21. Nauta, Laura R., with Shirley King Evans. Native Americans: A Resource Guide. Beltsville, MD: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, EEO Special Emphasis Programs, National Agricultural Library, 1992. Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture no. 121. 56 p. NAL aZ5076.A1U54 no.121
A bibliography of selected materials on Native American subjects, and also directory of resource organizations. Consists of citations from the historical and current literature (1862-1986), which were derived from NAL's card catalogs and electronic database, AGRICOLA. Citations for books, journal and magazine articles, agricultural reports, bibliographies, and other publications are grouped into the following subject areas: agricultural techniques and ethnobotany, culture and socioeconomics, food and nutrition, and government relations and history. The guide contains also a U.S. directory of organizations representing the interests of Native Americans, community colleges governed by tribes, colleges and universities offering specialized study programs, and museums and libraries serving as general information sources.
Go to: Top of Volume 3 | Contents of Volume 3 | Introduction | Notes and References
Part I. Vegetables and Fruits and Historical Gardening (Bibliographies)
Part II. Historical Varieties (Books, Articles, Agricultural Reports)
Part III. Histories of Vegetables and Fruits (Books and Articles)
Bibliography, citation no.: 1,
20, 40, 60, 80,
100, 120, 140, 160
Appendices (Volume 3): 1) Current Books 2) AFSIC, 3) Publication Titles Index, 4) Periodical Articles Index, 4) Persons / Organizations Index
22. Bailey, L.H., ed. The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. 2nd ed. New York: Macmillan, 1925. 3 vol. NAL 90.01 B15S, ARB SB45.B17 1925
Its full title, The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture; a Discussion, for the Amateur, and the Professional and Commercial Grower, of the Kinds, Characteristics and Methods of Cultivation of the Species of Plants Grown in the Regions of the United States and Canada for Ornament, for Fancy, for Fruit and for Vegetables; with Keys to the Natural Families and Genera, Descriptions of the Horticultural Capabilities of the States and Provinces and Dependent Islands, and Sketches of Eminent Horticulturists. This set of encyclopedias and its previous editions offer a valuable window into early 20th-C. horticulture, with abundant historical information on garden vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. Subject matter prepared by specialists is arranged in standard alphabetical format, the plant entries listed by common name. Typically, plant descriptions cover garden cultivation history, growing aspects, and regional production, with a varying level of information on noted varieties. (Bailey states in the preface that varietal information is provided "more as a matter of record than recommendation" since the variety lists change so rapidly.) The volumes contain also entries for plant genus names, which cover various general aspects of plant groups, and also cite important literature on respective plant genera or species. Numerous other subject entries cite important horticultural literature, and under the heading "horticulture, literature of," there is a comprehensive listing of U.S. publications. Each volume contains indexes to botanical names and general subjects. The set contains, within the text, some 4000 black-and-white engravings of plants and other horticultural subjects, plus additional color plates within each volume. First issued in 1900-1902 as Cyclopedia of American Horticulture (ARB SB45.B15); the 1925 volume is reprinted from the 2nd edition, issued in 1922.
Related work: Professor Bailey served also as editor for the related series, Cyclopedia of American Agriculture: A Popular Survey of Agricultural Conditions, Practices, and Ideals in the United States and Canada (4th ed., Macmillan, 1912, 4 vol., NAL S441.B3 1912; the first 1907-1909 edition has NAL call no. 301 B15C). In Vol. II (entitled "Crops"), Part III deals with agronomic crops grown in North America; this section considers feed and forage crops; fiber, oil, and medicinal crops; field legumes; small grains; maize (or Indian corn); other crops grown under field conditions; and forest products. The format for plant and other entries is similar to that of Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. The section on maize (p. 398-427), for instance, includes descriptions and photos of varieties, ending with a lengthy bibliography of 19th-C. and early 20th-C. publications.
23. Betts, Edwin Morris. Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book, 1766-1824: with Relevant Extracts from His Other Writings. Philadelphia, PA: American Philosophical Society, 1944. Memoirs of the American Philosophical Society vol. 22. 704 p. ARB SB466.U7.B5
An outstanding chronicle and commentary based on Thomas Jefferson's own Garden Book, along with relevant excerpts from the Farm Book and other writings, and supplemented with historian Betts' extensive notes. Begun as a garden log at Monticello, the Garden Book reveals the Virginian's keen observations on natural history, his lifelong interest in the plants and events in the garden and orchard, and his thoughts on farming and rural life in general. The body of the text is arranged chronologically, covering the period 1766 to 1824. For each year there are supplemental notes that briefly describe Jefferson's activities, plus additional explanatory material. The garden log and correspondence excerpts contain frequent mention of particular vegetable and fruit varieties grown. Betts has expanded on the sometimes meager notes in the original documents by offering botanical names, specific seed and plant sources, and varietal descriptions from influential horticultural literature of the period. He cites, for instance, Bernard M'Mahon's 1806 publication, American Gardener's Calendar (11th ed., New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1857; reprinted in 1976, ARB SB93.M16), and also later works that include Fearing Burr's Vegetable Garden and A.J. Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (cited in entries 31 and 40, respectively, in this volume). Supplemental material relevant to the garden (on meteorology and Monticello's water supply, for example) is offered in several appendices; included also is a listing of publications on agriculture, gardening, and botany, which were part of Jefferson's library. With bibliography and detailed subject index. Volume out of print.
Related work: Robert C. Baron's 1987 publication, The Garden and Farm Books of Thomas Jefferson (Golden, CO: Fulcrum, 528 p., NAL SB451.34.V8J4) includes, likewise, printed copies of Jefferson's original Garden Book and Farm Book, plus other writings, with biographical and other essays on Jefferson and Monticello. While also currently in print, this publication lacks the additional background information on plant varieties contained in Betts' older work. It does list a portion of the vegetable and other varieties grown in the mid 1980s at Monticello, plus a useful bibliography of books and articles.
24. Sturtevant, E. Lewis; U.P. Hedrick, ed. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. New York: Dover Publications, 1972. 696 p. NAL QK98.5.A1S78 1972
An important horticultural reference work compiled from extensive research and voluminous notes by E. Lewis Sturtevant, described by editor Ulysses P. Hedrick as "one of the giants of his time in the science of agriculture." First published in 1919, Sturtevant's text assembled existing knowledge gleaned from floras, herbals, travel books, and agricultural reports, on edible plants, both cultivated and wild, from around the world. Entries for nearly 3000 plant species, alphabetical by species name, vary from a few lines, to several pages for the more widely grown and ancient crops. Plant descriptions include synonyms, ancestry and distribution of use, plant parts eaten and particular uses, cultivation status and varieties, and commercial position. Although certain aspects such as taxonomy are dated, and there is minimal information on early 20th-C. varieties, the text contains a wealth of historical information on particular crops (the author noting, for instance, those publications that do not cite a particular plant). Supplemented with author's biography, plus bibliography citing 560 ancient and more modern texts (English language and foreign), and indexes to Latin and common names. The Dover edition is an unabridged reprint from the original work, which was titled Sturtevant's Notes on Edible Plants (Report of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station for 1919, Albany: J.B. Lyons, NAL 452.8 St9 Fo).
25. Webber, Herbert J. and Ernst A. Bessey. "Progress of plant breeding in the United States." In: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Yearbook 1899. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1900. p. 468-490. NAL 1 Ag84y
Presents a turn-of-the-century assessment of the improvement of fruits, cereals, vegetables, and flowers in the U.S. Discusses the early use among American settlers of plants brought from Old World settings and adoption of native plants (such as corn). Methods used in the 18th C. and 19th C. to adapt introduced and native varieties to American conditions, and accomplishments of early breeders, are reviewed. Also highlights improvements made from "careful breeding" of particular crops; among the fruits, these include grapes, pears, apples, plums, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, gooseberries; and among the vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, corn, wheat, and oats are discussed. Considered more briefly are improvements in flowers and ornamentals, native nuts, and cotton. With notes on the origins of some important cultivars of fruits and vegetables. With black-and-white photos.
26. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Yearbook 1936. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1936. 1189 p. NAL 1 Ag84y
The 1936 and 1937 USDA Yearbooks (the latter volume cited in entry 27 below) are worth examining by those interested in the developmental histories of U.S. crops. These two volumes prepared just prior to the period of ascendency of hybrid corn varieties resulted from efforts by USDA scientists to survey current knowledge in practical breeding and genetics of the crop plants and livestock important to U.S agriculture. Unlike previous Yearbooks that summarized miscellaneous new developments, each of these is devoted to a single topic: "the creative development of new forms of life through plant and animal breeding." In the 1936 volume, the section "Better plants and animals" starts on p. 119, following the Secretary of Agriculture's 1935 report. Coverage is devoted to the major cereals and other agronomic crops (wheat, barley, oats, rice, corn, sorghum, sugarcane, sugar beet, flax, and tobacco), with several chapters on important livestock classes. The book includes a summary chapter presenting an overview of each plant or animal featured (covering p. 130-144 for the crop section); plus glossary of genetic terms, and overview of general aspects of heredity and breeding. Each chapter contains a bibliography, the volume appended with detailed subject indexes.
27. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Yearbook 1937. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1937. 1497 p. NAL 1 Ag84y
Complementing the 1936 Yearbook (cited in entry 26 above), the 1937 Yearbook, or "Better Plants and Animals--II," contains papers on breeding and improvement of the following horticultural and field crops: vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants; cucurbits; onions; peas and beans; leafy cruciferous vegetables; root vegetables; salad crops); sweet corn; popcorn; potatoes; temperate small and tree fruit crops (strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, currants and gooseberries, blueberries, apples, pears, grapes, stone fruits); subtropical fruits; nut trees; flowers; plus several major and minor grain and oil crops. Typically, for each review there is a summary of the origins, culture, and uses of particular crops, current and historically important commercial varieties, issues and methods in varietal improvement, and genetics and cytology. For instance, Victor R. Boswell's contribution, "Improvement and genetics of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant," focuses largely on the first two plants (the eggplant being a minor crop at the time); the tomato section (p. 176-187) includes brief histories of many named types from private introductions and public programs, for the period 1850-1936. The pepper section (p. 187-192) reviews the Capsicum pepper varieties known and improvements made since 1901. Following the sections on vegetable improvements is an appendix (p. 340-378) with tabular data citing the characteristics of important vegetable varieties and stocks used by public breeders (including parents, methods, and dates), plus a list of breeding programs by U.S. state and by specific crops, and summary of foreign vegetable improvement activities. The crop section includes a chapter on general aspects of vegetable crop breeding, including the role of public and private agencies and new influences on breeding. The remainder of the publication consists of six chapters on livestock classes that were not covered in the 1936 Yearbook (see entry 26 above), and three chapters reviewing the fundamentals of heredity and genetics. Chapters are each supplemented with bibliographies, the volume with detailed subject indexes.
28. American Seed Trade Association, Garden Seed Division. ASTA-ASHS Vegetable Variety Names. [Washington, DC: 1968] 1 vol. (var. pagings).NAL SB320.A6
Described as "a complete list of variety names" for vegetables previously introduced commercially in the U.S. and Canada. This compilation (called Part 1) covers asparagus, muskmelon, potato, rhubarb, southern pea, lettuce, and spinach. Arranged in tabular format, variety names are accompanied by synonyms, release date, and name of developer. The lettuce list, for instance, names over 300 cultivars of domestic or European origin that were released (or known from) the period 1859-1967; a few are known by up to 20 nonstandard names. Known also as Vegetable Variety Names, the work was sponsored jointly by the Garden Seed Research Committee of ASTA and the Committee of Vegetable Breeding and Varieties of the American Society for Horticultural Science. An expanded listing covering additional vegetables has been published on a regular basis, starting in 1956, as "New Vegetable Varieties List" in issues of Proceedings of the American Society for Horticultural Science (NAL 81 SO12), and HortScience (NAL SB1.H6), both publications from ASHS. (For a related publication from ASHS, see entry 35.)
29. Boswell, Victor R. "Disease-resistant and hardy varieties of vegetables." National Horticultural Magazine 23(2): 203-208 (April 1944). NAL 80 N216
The first article in a five-part series dealing with the "origins and usefulness of [the] more important" improved forms of some garden vegetables. General accomplishments, then notable bean varieties, are cited. Continuing in vol. 23, issue no. 3 (p. 138-143, July 1944) deals with cabbage, celery, and sweet corn; and no. 4 (p. 203-208, Oct. 1944) with cucurbits (cucumbers, muskmelons, squash, pumpkins, and watermelons). The series continues in vol. 24 (p. 268-273, Oct. 1945) with tomatoes and eggplant; and in vol. 25 (p. 158-164, April 1946) with lettuce, peas, root crops (beets, carrots, radishes, etc.), and spinach. The articles contain useful discussion of "hardiness" and "resistant" qualtities, and factors contributing to the sometimes poor performance of some "excellent old varieties."
30. Boswell, Victor R. "Modern varieties of vegetables." National Horticultural Magazine 33(2): 96-112 (April 1954). NAL 80 N216
As follow-up to the author's series of articles written the previous decade (see entry 29 above), here the author describes some new varieties introduced during the previous 8-10 year period. Following a short introduction to trends in varietal development, author Boswell reviews "some recommended varieties, new and old"--garden beans, several root crops, brassicas, sweet corn, several salad greens, onions, several cucurbits, melons, tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes are considered. With a table naming recommended varieties of open-pollinated sweet corns for different regions of the U.S.
31. Burr, Fearing, Jr., new preface by Kent Whealy, new introduction by Robert F. Becker. The Field and Garden Vegetables of America: Containing Full Descriptions of Nearly Eleven Hundred Species and Varieties, with Directions for Propagation, Culture, and Use. 3rd ed. Chillicothe, IL: American Botanist, 1988. 667 p. NAL SB1.A5 no.1
From an influential 19th-C. New England horticulturist and seedsman, whose purpose was to create a guide to selecting vegetable varieties rather than a treatise on cultural techniques. This emphasis has set it apart from other publications of the time and made it invaluable to today's gardeners and historians, since many varieties described are still available, and the author worked to straighten out existing confusion concerning varietal names and synonyms. The text offers general descriptions (covering propagation, harvest, and uses) of common and uncommon vegetables, as well as culinary and medicinal herbs, tobacco, and mushrooms, with general advice on raising and saving seed. Varietal descriptions include synonyms, origins, and garden characteristics (such as appearance, productivity, hardiness, and comparison with similar types). Inferior varieties are noted also. Robert Becker's introduction in the 1988 reprint provides historical perspective on "the horticultural climate" of Burr's day, including important garden writers and books. While Field and Garden Vegetables of America remains an important source of information on 19th-C. cultivars, some of its deficiencies in scope and detail are noted by William Weaver in his recent book, Heirloom Vegetable Gardening (cited in Volume 1, Annotated Bibliography, entry 11). The volume includes an index to plant names, plus 98 high-quality woodcuts by Isaac Sprague, who Burr considered "the first of living artists." First published in 1863 (Boston: Crosby and Nichols, NAL 91 B94F). This reissue was reprinted from the 1865 2nd edition (Boston: J.E. Tilton and Co., NAL 91 B94F). Reprinted edition reissued, currently in print; available SS.
32. Hedrick, U.P., et al. The Vegetables of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1928 [-1935]. [NAL call nos., see description below]
A four-part series of publications from the New York State Agricultural Experment Station, for the years 1928, 1931, 1934, and 1935. Their production was overseen by noted horticulturist Ulysses P. Hedrick, the intent "to make more or less a complete record" of the development of vegetables grown in New York State and the U.S. as a whole. Similar in format and purpose to the seven-volume set on tree and small fruits, which was published during the period 1905-1925 (see the works by U.P. Hedrick et al., cited in entry 43 this volume, and by S.A. Beach et al., cited in entry 47), although these lacked the cultural information found in the fruit publications. Four volumes were planned, although only one was completed, the subsequent works suspended by the onset of the Great Depression. Vol. 1 consists of the peas (Part I), beans (II), sweet corns (III), and cucurbits (IV). As horticultural treatises, their chief value lies in the detailed varietal descriptions and well-documented developmental histories, as well as botanical summations of existing knowledge concerning particular vegetables or groups and their relationships. The general descriptions provide a wealth of information on early American histories, including important publications, prominent breeders and influences, and more. Descriptions were derived largely from plantings over several years at Geneva's experiment station, with serious efforts made to obtain seed true-to-name from original suppliers or other reliable sources. The hundreds of varieties selected for inclusion were those most valued for commercial or home garden use, with some of historical or potential value. Although the works are dense with information, they make good reading and contain exceptional full-color illustrations of respective plants, fruits, or seeds. Content summaries of Parts II, III, and IV are found elsewhere in this publication (see entries 91, 70, and 103, respectively). Part I: The Peas, by U.P. Hedrick et al. (1928, 132 p., NAL SB321.N4 v.1, pt.1), with parallel content and format, is not cited separately. Sometimes called Peas of New York, this work contains an outline of the planned volumes and general preface.
33. Henderson, Peter; George DeVault, ed., historical introduction by Robert F. Becker. Gardening for Profit: A Guide to Successful Cultivation of the Market and Family Garden. Chillicothe, IL: American Botanist, Booksellers, 1991. American Horticultural Series no. 3. 243,[110],48 p. NAL SB1.A5 no.3
Combining several works in one volume, this reprint publication takes its title from Peter Henderson's classic 1867 guidebook on market and home gardening. Also contained within are excerpts from Henderson's 1884 collection of essays, Garden and Farm Topics, with historical introduction, plus biographical memoir of Henderson's business and personal life, the latter written in 1890 by son Alfred Henderson. Peter Henderson was a New Jersey market gardener, seedsman, and florist--"a giant among 19th-C. American horticulturists," according to Robert Becker's introduction--who was renowned in his day through his writings and seed sales. The first American publication designed exclusively to serve the market grower, Gardening for Profit deals mainly with techniques and tools of 19th-C. vegetable growing, and the relative merits of specific garden plant varieties, with lesser focus on economic aspects. Among the production topics covered are various cultivating tools, soil preparation and management, extending the season with cold frames and hot beds, plant propagation, and vegetable storage and shipping. Of particular interest to heirloom gardeners are the horticultural descriptions of several dozens of garden vegetables and herbs (Ch. 17, p. 101-223). For each plant there are notes on characteristics and merits of several prominent cultivars, although the descriptions are less detailed compared to Fearing Burr's Field and Garden Vegetables of America (see entry 31, this volume), available during the same period. The Introduction surveys Henderson's accomplishments, and the development of market gardening from Colonial days to the early 20th C. (bibliography included). Gardening for Profit was first published in 1867 (New York: Orange Judd Co.) and revised in 1874 and 1886. Book II, consisting of selections from Garden and Farm Topics (1st ed., New York: Peter Henderson & Co., 1884, NAL SB317.9.H4 R), contains 11 essays on raising particular crops for market, and proven methods (including "use of the feet in sowing and planting"). These two volumes, like some other writings by Henderson and his contemporaries, have been resurrected by today's organic, small-scale growers for their useful production and marketing advice. With black-and-white line drawings. Currently in print; available RO,SE,SS.
34. Johnson, Charles. The Seedsman's Assistant: Compendium of the Growing Sources of Seeds, Vegetables and Flowers... Marietta, PA:[Charles Johnson], 1904. 94 p. NAL 61 J62
Intended for seed dealers and others interested in priceworthy seeds, this palm-sized guide identifies "the most reliable" U.S. and Western European vegetable seed growers of the period, and the vegetables they were best known for. The first section lists (alphabetically) 130+ growers, with city and state (or country)address. Following are brief entries for garden vegetables (from artichoke to turnip), along with names of prominent varieties, and also prominent seed growers associated with each, with advice on salient plant features for purchase. For most, the author notes where the best seed is found. (He recommends, for instance, carrot and beet seed from European firms, onion seed from California, and corn seed from Connecticut.) Included also are recommended sources for some flower and grass seeds, plus farm supplies. Following is a section listing one or several seed trade synonyms for each standard variety name. Final sections cite seed prices and standard package sizes, with brief advice for publishing a catalog.
Related work: The author followed this book with The Seed Grower: A Practical Treatise on Growing Vegetable and Flower Seeds and Bulbs for the Market (Marietta, PA: [Charles Johnson], 1906, 191 p., NAL 61 J62S). This pocket guidebook provides seed production information specific to a variety of vegetables, notes on leading vegetable varieties, and a miscellany of information for commercial seed growers.
35. Minges, Philip A., ed. Descriptive List of Vegetable Varieties Introduced Between 1936 and 1968 by Public and Private Breeders in North America. St. Joseph, MI: American Society for Horticultural Science; Washington, DC: American Seed Trade Association, 1972. 194 p. NAL Z5354.P7M5
Provides brief descriptions of more than 1000 vegetable varieties, based on the originator's descriptions and compiled from information previously published during the period 1954-1968 in Proceedings of the American Society for Horticultural Science (NAL 81 S012). Varietal summaries for seed-grown and clonally-propagated vegetables are grouped alphabetically by plant type (from asparagus to watermelon), citing year of introduction, source history (originator, date, and lineage), and distinguishing features (e.g., appearance, quality, resistance, and regional adaption), plus literature reference. For most seed-grown vegetables, the vast majority of new varieties were open-pollinated; the new sweet corns, almost entirely F1 hybrids, were exceptions. A few culinary herbs are included also. With a list of private seed companies, mostly from the U.S. and Canada, which developed some of the new cultivars. (For availability, contact ASTA, cited in Volume 1, Annotated Bibliography, entry 265.)
36. Sturtevant, E.L. "The history of garden vegetables." American Naturalist, vol. 21-25 (Jan. 1887-Sept. 1891) [for page nos., see description below]. NAL 470 Am36
A series of articles in the American Naturalist, which were published at irregular intervals during the period 1887 to 1891. Professor Sturtevant indicates in the first article that the series should rather be titled "notes on" garden vegetables, since it covers more than history. The purpose of the articles was to contribute to "a study of the extent of variation...produced in plants through cultivation." Plant entries are arranged alphabetically by common name (some of them little-known today and likely perplexing modern readers, since there is no name index). Included are plants recognized by Vilmorin-Andrieux's Vegetable Garden (cited in entry 39, this volume), Fearing Burr's Field and Garden Vegetables of America (entry 31, this volume), and Bernard M'Mahon's American Gardener's Calendar (11th ed., New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1857; reprinted in 1976, ARB SB93.M16). Information for each plant (ranging from a brief paragraph, to several pages for the more popular and better-documented vegetables) consists of botanical name, notes on usage, documented history in the garden, common names in various European languages, and synonymy (i.e., other published botanical names), plus descriptions of known varieties and their origins. Includes many plants nowadays more generally grouped as culinary or medicinal herbs. With bibliography for each article (sources cited in footnotes), and without illustration. (For an American Naturalist article series on New World vegetables, also by Dr. Sturtevant and from the same period, see entry 56, this volume.)
Articles and subjects:
Vol. 21 (1887): p. 49-59, African valerian to anise; p. 125-133, Arachacha ( South American plant with edible roots) to asparagus bean; p. 321-333, Australian "spinage" (Chenopodium species) to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris); p. 433-444, beet to burnet; p. 520-532, cabbage to carrot; p. 701-712, caterpillars (Scorpiorus species with caterpillar-like seed pods) to chicory; p. 826-833, Chinese cabbage to corn salad; p. 903-912, costmary to earth-nut (Lathyrus tuberosus); p. 975-984, egg-plant to evening primrose (or German rampion).
Vol. 22 (1888): p. 420-432, fennel to hyssop; p. 979-987, kohl-rabi to lettuce.
Vol. 23 (1889): p. 665-677, lima bean to mustard.
Vol. 24 (1890): p. 30-48, nasturtium to parsnip; p. 143-157, parsnip chervil to pepper (Capsicum annuum); p. 313-332, Portugal cabbage (Brassica oleracea costata) to rocambole (Spanish garlic); p. 629-646, rocket salad (now better known as arugula) to shallot; p. 719-744, skirret to squash (including squash, pumpkin, and gourd).
Vol. 25 (1891): p. 694-706, Stachys affinis (an oriental root vegetable) to tomato; p. 801-806, tomato (Lycopersicon species, continued) to turnip (Brassica species).
37. Tracy, W.W., Jr. American Varieties of Lettuce. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, 1904. Bureau of Plant Industry Bulletin no. 69. 101 p. [plus 27 plates]. NAL 1 P69B no.69
A detailed study of Lactuca sativa, from cultivars Advancer to Yellow Winter. The author concluded that of 404 varieties named in seed catalogs, 107 represented truly distinct varieties. Supplemented with information on features peculiar to lettuce, the format and scope of this study resemble that of Tracy's 1907 report, American Varieties of Garden Beans (entry 96), and 1902 report, List of American Varieties of Peppers (entry 87, both cited in this volume). With black-and-white photographic plates of representative varieties.
Related works: By the 1930s, USDA and experiment station researchers had scaled back their detailed, exhaustive descriptions of garden vegetables, as typified by Tracy's lettuce inventory, finding it more useful for commercial interests to describe, for each vegetable, the existing forms of a more limited number of "standard types." Each of the six publications that follow, which were published during the period 1934-1941, discuss the diversity found in existing types and the factors involved in establishing standard types. They present detailed varietal histories and source information, botanical classifications, and reviews of environmental conditions influencing plant characters. The following reports describe 9 cabbage, 21 onion, 8 carrot, 8 beet, 10 spinach, and 18 garden pea varieties, respectively. Each includes black-and-white or color photos of representative varieties. Victor Boswell et al.'s 1933 report, Descriptions of Types of Principal American Varieties of Tomatoes (cited in entry 78, this volume) follows this format as well.
Boswell, Victor R. Descriptions of Types of Principle American Varieties of Cabbage. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1934. Miscellaneous Publication/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 169. 22 p. [15 leaves of plates]. NAL 1 Ag84M no.169
Magruder, Roy, et al. Descriptions of Types of Principal American Varieties of Onions. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1941. Miscellaneous Publication/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 435. 87 p. [30 p. of plates] NAL 1 Ag84M no.435
Magruder, Roy, et al. Descriptions of Types of Principal American Varieties of Orange-fleshed Carrots. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1940. Miscellaneous Publication/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 36. 48 p. [22 p. of plates]. NAL 1 Ag84M no.361
Magruder, Roy, et al.. Descriptions of Types of Principal American Varieties of Red Garden Beets. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1940. Miscellaneous Publication/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 374. 60 p. [30 p. of plates]. NAL 1 AG84M no. 374
Magruder, Roy, et al. Descriptions of Types of Principal American Varieties of Spinach. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1938. Miscellaneous Publication/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 316. 60 p. [28 p. of plates]. NAL 1 Ag84M no.316
Shoemaker, D.N. and E.J. Delwiche. Descriptions of Types of Principal American Varieties of Garden Peas. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1934. Miscellaneous Publication/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 170. 39 p. [7 leaves of plates]. NAL 1 Ag84M no.170
38. Tracy, W.W., Jr., et al. List of American Varieties of Vegetables for Years 1901 and 1902. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, 1903. Bureau of Plant Industry Bulletin no. 21. 402 p. NAL 1 P69B no.21
A listing of all known varieties of vegetables sold during 1901 and 1902 by U.S. and Canadian seedhouses. To fill the widening gap of reliable information on existing vegetable varieties, William W. Tracy and his colleagues made the "ultimate endeavor" to locate existing seed catalogs. The report was intended to supplement seed catalog information and to serve as a first step towards more careful study of the qualitities of particular varieties and their value to gardeners, farmers, researchers, and seed sellers. (The writers dared to hope that it might lead to the use of a single name for a given variety.) The list covers more than 80 kinds of garden plants--from Chinese artichoke to Wonderful Sugar watermelon--and includes some vegetables rather obscure today, such as chufa, fetticus, martynia, and rampion. For each plant species or plant form, entries consist of recognized names, alphabetically arranged, along with seedsmen's synonyms or similar names, and codes identifying seedhouses (totalling more than 250) that sold each variety. The list covers 685 named cabbages, 320 table beets, 340 sweet corns, 560 bush and 255 pole beans, 320 cucumbers, 530 lettuces, and large numbers of other garden vegetables. (The writers did not attempt, within this work, to determine which varieties were truly distinct. Tracy later found, for instance, that only a quarter of 400+ lettuce varieties were likely unique--see American Varieties of Lettuce, entry 37.)
39. MM. Vilmorin-Andrieux of Paris; W. Robinson, ed., Mark Miller, translator. The Vegetable Garden: Illustrations, Descriptions, and Culture of the Garden Vegetables of Cold and Temperate Climates. Palo Alto, CA: Jeavons-Leler Press, 1976. 620 p. NAL SB323.V52 1976, ARB SB323.V51 1976
An encyclopedic reference work on 19th-C. vegetable varieties, published as Les Plantes Potagères by Messrs. Vilmorin-Andrieux, senior members of La Maison Vilmorin (an important French seedhouse and nursery), and later made available in English translation. Although its focus is on European garden plants, the work is useful to others (including North Americans and Australians), since many varieties traveled with immigrants or were imported commercially, and the authors make frequent reference to North American varieties. The body of the book consists of horticultural descriptions of hundreds of kitchen garden plants, among them vegetables, and culinary and medicinal herbs, which are arranged alphabetically from alexander to yam (Chinese). Descriptions for each plant type (some of them little known today) include detailed cultural advice, names in several European languages, and prominent varieties, the latter with notes on appearance and value, usually 1-2 paragraphs in length but sometimes more brief and vague. There are several dozen broccolis (including colors other than green); many cabbages, lettuces, and beans of various types; 30+ squashes, marrows, and pumpkins; 60+ peas described in detail (plus notes on more than 100 English, French, and German garden peas). Many varieties, especially those with distinctive fruits or other edible parts, are shown by line drawings. Appended with detailed subject index. This volume is a reprint of the first 1885 edition published by John Murray, London (NAL 91 V71V). The preface to theEnglish edition offers commentary on changes made from the French work, its contribution to the current movement towards diet reform and "greater use of the vegetable world" for human food, and on the "chaotic state of nomenclature of vegetables." The first four French editions appeared in 1883, 1890, 1904, and 1925 (NAL 91 V71V); the English translation lacks the bibliography found in these French works. Volume reissued in 1981 by Ten Speed Press, currently in print; available AL,BG,FE,HD,SE,SS.
Related work: A selection of the vintage vegetable varieties sold by Vilmorin's seedhouse (formerly known as Vilmorin-Andrieux) is found in Les Plantes Potagères: L'Album Vilmorin (preface by Jacques Barrau, [France]: Bibliotheque de l'Image, 1996, NAL SB320.9.P58 1996). This publication, a recent re-issue of the classic French print collection, consists of 46 high-quality, full-color plates illustrating more than 200 vegetable cultivars that were sold by the seed firm in the 19th C. A number whose descendents are still available today are included.
40. Downing, A.J., rev. by Charles Downing. The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America, or, the Culture, Propagation, and Management in the Garden and Orchard, of Fruit Trees Generally, with Descriptions of all the Finest Varieties of Fruit, Native and Foreign, Cultivated in This Country. New York: John Wiley & Sons; London: Chapman & Hall, 1900. 1098,xii,189 p. NAL 93.21 D75F 1900
The standard work on fruits and fruit culture in the 19th C., when, in the author's words, "America [was] a young orchard." Appraising fruits as "the perfect union of the useful and beautiful," the author's first aim was to increase interest in the cultivation of fruit trees, and secondly, to provide a reference book for fruit culture and varietal selection. Eight preliminary chapters cover various aspects of fruit production, the topics including propagation methods, pruning and training, soil aspects, and pest problems. Each of the fourteen subsequent chapters (Ch. 9-22) covers a specific fruit; included are the more popular pome and stone fruits, oranges, and other tree fruits; small fruits (blackberries, currants, strawberries, etc.); grapes; almonds and other nuts; melons and watermelons (Cucurbitaceae); and a few others. Each chapter, with general background information and fruit names in several European languages, surveys fruit uses, specific cultural parameters, and classification, and includes a catalog of varieties. Varietal descriptions, typically 1-2 paragraphs long, cite alternative names and origins, with concise notation of fruit appearance, quality, and ripening period; for some fruit types and varieties there are notes on distinguishing plant traits, productivity, varietal comparisons, and other relevant features. Ch. IX on apples (p. 58-429) covers hundreds of varieties--from Abbot to Zoar Greening--and includes crabs and Siberian apples. This chapter ends with a select list of varieties suited for marketing, table use, cooking, and storage, noting regional suitability for some. Supplemental materials include several name indexes (French names, names for specific fruits, additional apple synonyms) and general subject index; in addition, there are descriptive entries for additional varieties of each fruit type, which were compiled from information contributed by U.S. and Canadian pomologists. Prefatory material includes a lengthy list of contributing fruit experts, and list of publications cited. (First issued in 1845 by Andrew J. Downing and published by Wiley and Putnam, this work went through numerous editions. This content summary refers to the most recent 1900 edition, which, starting with the 1857 edition, was revised by A.J.'s brother Charles, following the original author's death in 1852.)
41. Hartman, Henry. Catalog and Evaluation of the Pear Collection at the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State College, Agricultural Experiment Station, 1957. Technical Bulletin/Oregon State College, Agricultural Experiment Station no. 41. 80 p. NAL 100 Or3S no.41
This 1957 report from the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station reports on 272 pear species, named varieties, and types that were "survivors" of trials performed during the years since the collection was first assembled in 1913. The base collection consisted of French varieties of Pyrus communis (116 remaining from the original 450 types; a few of them several centuries old) which was supplemented with Northern China, Korea, and Japan pears (P. ussuriensis varieties and hybrids, and sand pear varieties and hybrids), plus introductions from USDA and other government and private sources. For the Communis varieties, entries contain information on date and place of origin when known, fruit qualities (such as color, taste, season, storage characters), and more briefly, on tree qualities (including blight resistance). For each, previous pear literature (including Ragan's Nomenclature of the Pear, entry 44, and Hedrick's Pears of New York, entry 43, both in this volume) is cited. Descriptions of the Usuri pears, sand pears, and some "primitive types" are less detailed. With bibliography.
42. Hedrick, U.P. Cyclopedia of Hardy Fruits. New York: Macmillan, 1922. 370 p. NAL 93.21 H35, ARB SB355.H4 1922
Intended to provide accurate description of the hardy fruits grown commercially or found in old orchards in North America, and to aid in their selection. The author indicates that the work was conceived to replace the previous century's primary references, A.J. Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (see entry 40, this volume) and John J. Thomas' American Fruit Culturist (see below under "related works"). Part I covers pome fruits (apples, crab-apples, pears, quinces); Part II, drupe fruits (apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums); Part III, grapes; Part IV, brambles (raspberries, blackberries, dewberries); Part V, currants and gooseberries; Part VI, health fruits (cranberries, blueberries, huckleberries); Part VII, strawberries; and Part VIII, miscellaneous fruits (persimmons, mulberries, paw-paws, and others). Each section summarizes fruit botany and history and offers a descriptive listing of varieties, with synonyms, plant and fruit attributes, and brief comments on specific origins and usage. With black-and-white drawings of fruit cross-sections, plus photographic plates for a selection of the varieties. Includes glossary of botanical terms and index to species names and synonyms. Second edition issued in 1938 (NAL 93.21 H35 ed.2).
Related works: Also from U.P. Hedrick is the book, Systematic Pomology (Macmillan, 1925, 488 p., NAL 93.1 H35S), which presents American pomological material in a classified arrangement. Designed to serve as a textbook, its content is based on the early 20th-C. series of monographs on hardy fruits (see the reports by U.P. Hedrick et al., and S.A. Beach et al., entries 43 and 47, respectively), and also on Hedrick's Cyclopedia. The full title of Thomas' text, noted earlier in this entry, is American Fruit Culturist: Practical Directions for the Propagation and Culture of All Fruits Adapted to the United States. From a prominent New York pomologist, nursery owner, and writer, this work went through 21 editions from 1849 to 1903 (NAL 93.21 T36), the later editions updated by William H.S. Wood (New York: William Wood and Co.) Its forerunner, The Fruit Culturist (New York: March H. Newman and Co., 1847), went through four editions. Each volume contains an extensive section describing both standard and newer fruit varieties among mostly temperate-zone fruits, as well as some subtropicals judged superior for garden cultivation.)
43. Hedrick, U.P., with G.H. Howe et al. The Pears of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1921. Report of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station for the Year 1921 [pt.] II. 636 p. NAL 93.36 H35, ARB S95.E2 1921
A definitive treatise on historical American pears, sixth in a series of reports on hardy fruits issued from the New York Agricultural Experiment Station during the period 1908 to 1925. Its authors sought to create a "complete record of the development of the pear wherever cultivated up to the present time," and to account for the pear's history, uses, and botanical characteristics, with descriptions of pears growing in New York State and the U.S., and with full details on pear nomenclature and economic status. The report covers 80 classical cultivars of value for home or commercial orchards, with brief descriptions of many more, including notable newer varieties and desirable breeding stock. Contents include the history of the pear (Ch. 1), pear species and their characteristics (Ch. 2), pear culture (Ch. 3), leading pear varieties (Ch. 4), and minor varieties (Ch. 5). For each variety named in Ch. 4, there are 1-2 pages of textual description, with bibliographical references regarding history, descriptions, or economic status, and also footnotes offering biographical sketches of noted pear horticulturists. Each variety is illustrated in a full-page watercolor of the mature fruit. For minor varieties in Ch. 5 there are briefer descriptions, without illustration, of several hundred international varieties. A total of 2929 cultivars are described. With a comprehensive bibliography to American pear literature and relevant European works, plus index to pear names and synonyms. With 80 color plates. (The color plates from this volume, and from Small Fruits of New York, are reproduced at the Web site of the U.S. National Clonal Germplasm Repository (NCGR) in Corvallis, Oregon, at http://www.ars-grin.gov/ars/PacWest/Corvallis/ncgr/. See Volume 2, Resource Organizations, entries 54 and 55, for more information on NCGR's fruit collections.) S.A. Beach et al.'s Apples of New York (entry 47, this volume) is also part of this series, known alternatively as Fruits of New York.
Related works: Also completed under the direction of Ulysses P. Hedrick, the following five reports were issued in the "Fruits of New York" series:
Hedrick, U.P., with G.H. Howe et al. The Cherries of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1915. Report of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station for the Year 1914 [pt.] II. 371 p. NAL 93.32 H35C, ARB S95.E2 1914
Fourth monograph on the cultivated cherries. Includes history of cherry culture, leading varieties, and minor varieties. Describes 1145 varieties, at least three-quarters of them originating in Europe. With bibliography and subject index, plus color plates showing 54 cherry varieties.
Hedrick U.P., with G.H. Howe et al. The Peaches of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1917. Report of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station for the Year 1916 [pt.] II. 541. p. NAL 93.35 H35Pe, ARB SB371.H42
Fifth report in series covers the history of the peach, its botanical and horticultural classification, commercial peach culture in America and New York State, leading peach varieties, and minor varieties. A total of 2181 varieties are described. With comprehensive peach bibliography and subject index, plus 84 color plates of leading varieties.
Hedrick, U.P., with G.H. Howe et al. The Small Fruits of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1925. Report of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station for the Year Ending June 30, 1925 [pt.] II. 614 p. NAL 94 H352, ARB SB381.H43x
Seventh monograph covering the bramble fruits (the raspberries, blackberries, and dewberries), bush fruits (currants and gooseberries), and strawberries. Addresses evolution and systematics for each fruit group. With 94 color plates depicting representative varieties, plus bibliography and subject index.
Hedrick, U. P., with N.O. Booth et al. The Grapes of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1908. Report of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station for the Year 1907 [pt.] II. 564 p. NAL 95.1 H35, ARB S95.E2 1907
Second monograph covers Old World grapes, American grapes, viticulture in New York State, species of American grapes, leading American grape varieties, and minor varieties. With bibliography and subject index, plus color plates depicting the fruits of 92 varieties.
Hedrick, U.P., with R. Wellington et al. The Plums of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1911. Report of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station for the Year 1910 [pt.] II. 616 p. NAL 93.37 H35P, ARB SB377.H42
Subjects covered in this third report include the edible plums (history, horticulture, and botany), plum culture, leading varieties, and minor varieties. With bibliography and subject index, plus 89 color plates.
44. Ragan, W.H. Nomenclature of the Pear: A Catalog-Index of the Known Varieties Referred to in American Publications from 1804 to 1907. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, 1908. Bureau of Plant Industry Bulletin no. 126. 268 p. NAL 1 P69B no. 126
A catalog of accepted pear names and synonyms compiled by a pomological expert, who has, in searching the American pear literature for this compilation, "no pains spared to make it as complete and reliable as possible." Pear names and descriptions were collected from American pomological texts, reports, and catalogs back to 1804. Leading names (or synonyms) are arranged alphabetically in tabular format with the abbreviated descriptions conveying the following: literature references, varietal origin (U.S., England, France, etc.), and fruit characteristics, the latter including size, form, color, texture, flavor (rated as acid, subacid, perfumed, sweet, sprightly, vinous), quality (rated poor to best), and season of maturity, plus additional remarks. The author notes that the study identifies relationships among known pear names and does not claim that all leading names identify truly distinct varieties. Report includes a bibliography of mostly 19th-C. references, plus brief index to contents.
45. Ragan, W.H. Varieties of Fruits Recommended for Planting. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1904. Farmers' Bulletin/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 208. 48 p. NAL 1 Ag84F no.208
From the American Pomological Society, a list of recommended fruit varieties, simplified from a more comprehensive report from the USDA's Division of Pomology. Information was gained from experiences and observations of numerous practicing fruit growers within each region, the author judging it a "trustworthy" listing of fruit varieties adapted to each of 19 U.S. and southern Canadian districts. Information is arranged by districts; under each there is brief description of geographical features, then an alphabetical listing by fruit type (including popular and miscellaneous tree fruits, grapes, small fruits, and some tree nuts, the particulars varying by region). Either "highly recommended" or "recommended" varieties are named, and for some, promising types suggested for trial. Includes numerous apples and other tree fruits, with generally fewer named types in other categories. For some fruits, such as apples, the character of each type is denoted briefly by terms such as "dessert" (i.e., good when eaten in a fresh or uncooked state), "market" (good shippers), "kitchen" (good cooking qualities), or other terms suggesting best use. Includes map. The more comprehensive report consisting largely of tabular data is entitled, Revised Catalog of Fruits Recommended for Cultivation in the Various Sections of the United States and the British Provinces, from USDA's Division of Pomology and American Pomological Society (Bulletin no. 8, 63 p., NAL 1 P77B); an earlier version was published as Bulletin no. 6, 39 p.
46. Zielinski, Quentin Bliss. Modern Systematic Pomology. Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown Co., 1955. 296 p. NAL 93.1 Z6
A treatise on systematic pomology, the science dealing with the study of various kinds of fruits and their botanical and horticultural relationships. Part I contains chapters on the principles of systematic pomology, plant nomenclature and identification, origins of cultivated fruits, botanical structures of fruits and flowers, the origin and improvement of fruit varieties, and the literature of systematic pomology. The latter chapter in Part I (Ch. 10, p.101-106) contains a number of useful historical references for descriptions of fruit varieties in general, plus specific works on apples, pears, plums, peaches, and other fruits, and nuts. Notable texts are listed also in Ch. 12 in this section, which consists of a chronological outline of important developments in systematic pomology. (Other chapters in Part I contain reference lists.) Part II consists of 17 chapters covering the stone fruits (including apricots, cherries, plums, peaches and nectarines, and almonds), pome fruits (apples, pears and quince), small fruits (blueberries and huckleberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries), grapes, nut trees (walnuts and butternuts, pecans and hickories, filberts and chestnuts), citrus group, and subtropical, tropical, and other fruits. Each chapter in this section surveys important botanical characteristics, and botanical and horticultural varieties. A useful reference for pomologists and historians, providing access to the important older literature and information on the fruits of commerce of the period. Supplemented with an extensive glossary and subject index.
47. Beach, Spencer Abrose, with Nathaniel O. Booth and Orrin M. Taylor. The Apples of New York. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1905. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station Report 1902/03, Pt. II. 2 vol. NAL 93.31 B35, ARB S95.E2
Apples of New York was the first report in an important series of monographs on hardy tree and small fruits, issued by pomologists at New York's Experiment Station during the period 1902 to 1925. Published in two volumes, the work provides indispensible documentation of apple varieties known at the start of this century. Their value extends beyond the state borders, due to the publication's broad coverage and careful, specific descriptions, which were based on information accumulated from Station observations and evaluations, as well as from other fruit growers in the state and elsewhere. Preliminary chapters consider botanical classification of the apple, development of apple culture in New York State, and varietal identity and adaption to particular regions. Together, the main portion of Vol. 1 and all of Vol. 2 describe hundreds of named varieties; the first covers winter apples (410 varieties) and the second, early-ripening varieties and crab apples (321 varieties). Each variety profile cites a list of authorities and synonyms, with general notes on suitability for New York (and sometimes elsewhere), historical data, and detailed technical descriptions of trees and fruit. Entries include varieties not recommended for New York culture because of inadequate productivity or fruit quality, and some fairly obsolete, but noted for their historical value. With attractive color and half-tone plates for a selection of varieties (indexed in Vol. 1), and lengthy list of 19th-C. authorities cited (Vol. 1). Each volume contains an index to technical terms and variety names, and Vol. 2 contains a combined index. Subsequent volumes in the series were completed under the direction of Ulysses P. Hedrick; see Pears of New York and related titles, entry 43, this volume.
48. Green, W. J., Paul Thayer, and J.B. Keil. Varieties of Apples in Ohio. Wooster, OH: Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, 1915. Bulletin/Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station no. 290. p. 31-184. NAL 100 OH3S (2) no.290
This 1915 publication reports on apple varietal characteristics, to assist orchardists in identifying and selecting suitable varieties. The main portion consists of technical descriptions, 1-2 pages in length, for 116 apples (from Arkansas to York Imperial); apples originating in North America, Western Europe, and Russia are included. Sketches provide information on varietal origin; tree appearance, hardiness, and productivity; and fruit appearance and qualities, including maturity season and best uses. Limitations and comparisons with other varieties are included, and some additional information on disease susceptibilities is provided in several tables. Report includes discussion and tabular data on varietal adaption, apple-growing areas of Ohio, apple quality, and culinary uses. Contains 20 black-and-white photographic plates showing representative fruits. With bibliography (sources cited in footnotes and within text; general reference sources, p. 32, and cider-making publications, p. 50).
Related work: Ohio apple evaluations are continued with C.W. Ellenwood's report, Varieties of Apples in Ohio II (Bulletin no. 411, 64 p.), which describes 155 additional cultivars.
49. Magness, J.R. Apples Varieties and Important Producing Sections of the United States. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1941. Farmers' Bulletin/U.S. Department of Agriculture no. 1883. 32 p. NAL 1 Ag84F no.1883
This report from a USDA pomologist presents a variety of information on leading commercial apple varieties within the U.S., which, by the early 1940s, still included old kinds such as Ben Davis, Grimes Golden, Northern Spy, Gravenstein, Esopus Spitzenburg, and others. The author describes briefly the development of the commercial apple industry, citing changes in the leading varieties and increasing regional specialization which had, by the time of his writing, largely replaced the ubiquitous farmstead apple. He notes that "many low-quality varieties, formerly popular because of long-keeping in farm storages or because they would produce well under partial neglect, are being replaced by better quality kinds." For widespread acceptance, these improved kinds needed to be hardy and productive, bearing attractive fruits of good dessert quality with good storage and handling quality. A portion of the report describes the tree and fruit characteristics, pollination requirements, color characteristics, and relative disease susceptibilities of 30 varieties. Approximately two-thirds of the report surveys each of six geographic areas within the mainland U.S., citing climate and topographical features, factors affecting apple production, and principle varieties grown. Includes statistics on apple varieties of previous periods. With tables and maps.
50. Ragan, W.H. Nomenclature of the Apple: A Catalog of the Known Varieties Referred to in American Publications from 1804 to 1904. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, 1905. Bureau of Plant Industry Bulletin no. 56. 395 p. NAL 1 P69B no. 56
A catalog of named varieties of American apples "offered to the fruit growers of the country [as] the only approximately complete and elaborate catalog of the nomenclature of the apple thus far published." Relying on American Pomological Society (APS) rules to correct and simplify apple nomenclature, the publication was designed to serve as a standard guide for future varietal names. Following an introduction outlining the work (with review of APS rules), the main section consists of tables listing varietal names; 14,000 in all, both leading names and synonyms, are arranged alphabetically in single-line entries. Authority information and synonyms follow each leading name, along with notes on origins and fruit attributes. The fruit qualities described are similar to those outlined for the pear (see W.H. Ragan's Nomenclature of the Pear, entry 44), and supplemented with notes on fruit use (as cider, dessert, family, kitchen, or market apples). The data provided are more or less complete, depending on the depth of information in the original sources. Supplemented with a bibliography listing more than 200 books, reports, periodicals, and catalogs, plus index.
51. Shaw, J.K. Descriptions of Apple Varieties. Amherst, MA: Massachusetts State College, 1943. Bulletin/Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station no. 403. 187 p. NAL 100 M38H (1) no.403
This report of a study by Massachusetts researchers was intended to assist commercial fruit growers, by identifying vegetative characteristics of apple varieties grown commonly during the 1940s. It consists of technical sketches of 91 varieties, with brief descriptions of trees, shoots and bark, leaves, and also prominent characteristics, including features that help to delineate similar varieties. With black-and-white photos.
52. Watts, R.L. Apples of Tennessee Origin. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee, Agricultural Experiment Station, 1896. Bulletin/Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Tennessee no. [35]. 34 p. NAL100 T25S (1) no. 35
For Tennessee farmers and fruit growers, a partial report derived from initial study of a collection of seedling apples originating in the state. Describes some two dozen varieties (from Allison to Wetmore) judged to be of "doubtless value" in their vicinity of origin, but largely untried for general orchard planting in other regions. Following a brief introduction to the purpose of the study, the varietal descriptions (which range from a couple paragraphs to several pages) include notes on history, fruit and tree characteristics, eating quality, and season. For some varieties, synonyms, assessments from the originator, and comparisons to other known types are noted. Descriptions of some of the more well-known varieties are meager, and some descriptions originate from published reports (such as A.J. Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees of America, cited in entry 40, this volume). Fruits of some varieties are shown in black-and-white drawings.
Related work: A subsequent evaluation by the author appeared in 1897 with the title, Apples of Tennessee Origin: Second Report (Bulletin no. 39, 18 p., NAL 100 T25(1) no.39).
53. Woolverton, Linus. The Canadian Apple Growers Guide. Toronto: William Briggs, 1910. 264 p. NAL 93.31 W88
This early 20th-C. publication from a pomologist affiliated with the Dept. of Agriculture for Ontario was intended to serve as a reference guide for apple growers in Canada and the northern U.S., combining production advice with an inventory of Canadian varieties. Part I contains 20 chapters on topics that range from buying a farm and choosing varieties, to planting, culture, grafting, harvest, storage, marketing, pest control, and related subjects. Part II, comprising one-half of the book, consists of varietal sketches of apples--Alexander to Zusoff--originating, for the most part, in Canada, Russia, and the U.S. Information was based primarily on the writer's observations, supplemented with those of other pomologists, and correlated with published apple reports from pomological experts. Descriptions include notes on origins, tree and fruit characters, flesh qualities, general quality and use, season of maturity (applicable to the southern parts of Ontario), and for some, synonyms, commercial value, popularity, and reference to previous apple literature. Fruits from a portion of the named types are depicted in black-and-white photos. Part III lists varieties recommended for planting in various Ontario and Canadian apple districts. Includes varieties recommended for commercial or home use, grouped by relative ripening period. Lacks name index and complete bibliography.
54. Castetter, Edward F. and Willis H. Bell. Pima and Papago Indian Agriculture. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico Press, 1942. Inter-American Studies I. 245 p. NAL 31.1 C27
This report on the subsistence agriculture of the Pima and Papago Indians of Arizona served as the first volume of a scholarly series of monographs on cultural relations in Latin America and the American Southwest. Its content was based on the authors' field studies conducted during 1938-1940 among Pima and Papago informants from several Arizona territories, and supplemented with relevant data from historical, archaeological, and ethnographical literature. Chapter topics include an introduction to the culture and history of the Pimans (the name applied to the Pima-Papago group in the U.S. and Mexico; Ch. I); land, climate, and vegetation (Ch. II); early subsistence, including wild animal and plant use (Ch. III); cultivated food and fiber crops (Ch. IV); land selection, development, and ownership (Ch. V); agricultural implements (Ch. VI); planting, irrigation, and cultivation (Ch. VII); harvest, storage, and seed selection (Ch. VIII); cultivation and ceremonial use of tobacco (Ch. IX); and general ceremonial aspects of Piman agriculture (Ch. X). Ch. IV (p. 73-121) gives a detailed account of the uses of various types of maize, beans (kidney, lima, and tepary), pumpkins, gourds, cotton, tobacco, devil's claw (Martynia), wheat and barley, watermelons and muskmelons, cowpeas and other legumes, and chili peppers. Ch. VIII offers details for each of the crops mentioned in Ch. IV, including particular varietal uses. Text (without illustration) is supplemented with lengthy bibliography and subject index.
Related work: A subsequent volume by these same authors, with parallel content and format, is entitled Yuman Indian Agriculture: Primitive Subsistence on the Lower Colorado and Gila Rivers (University of New Mexico Press, 1951, 274 p., NAL 31.3 C27).
55. Parker, Arthur C. Iroquois Uses of Maize and Other Food Plants. New York State Museum Bulletin 144. Albany, NY: University of the State of New York, 1910. 119 p. NAL 500 N48B no. 144
An important ethnological study of the New York and Canadian Iroquois' cultivation and use of maize and other food plants, based on original inquiry and historical review. Part 1 (Section I throught X) concerns the culture and uses of maize (or Indian corn). Topics include early records of corn cultivation (e.g., origins, importance in early English colonies); customs of cultivation (dealing with topics ranging from land clearing and division of labor, to corn harvest and storage); corn in ceremony and legend; varieties of maize used by the Iroquois and other Eastern tribes; corn culture terminology; utensils and containers for food preparation; cooking and eating customs; particular foods made from corn (including ceremonial and unusual foods); and non-food uses of the corn plant for utility and ornament. Section V (p. 41-43) cites the use of several varieties of soft, flint, sweet, and pod corns. Part 2 covers other food plants, both domesticated and wild; Sections XI through XVIII consider cultivated crops (beans, squashes, melons), as well as wild food plants (including fruits, nuts, food roots, fungi and lichens, and other plant types and parts). For some plants there are descriptions of food dishes and circumstances of use, and relative values of certain foods. Common and botanical plant names, including plant and varietal names of corn, beans, cucurbits, and others in the Seneca language, are provided. Included is a list of the writer's informants, with published sources cited in footnotes; there is also a list of authorities quoted, plus subject index. With numerous black-and-white photos and illustrations of plants and other agricultural subjects. Reprinted in 1983 by Irografts Ltd, Ontario.
Related works: Parker's original text was reprinted in the first section of the 1968 volume entitled, Parker on the Iroquois (William N. Fenton, ed., Syracuse University Press, Book 1, p. 5-119; reissued 1981 and currently in print). This publication includes also Parker's The Code of Handsome Lake, and The Seneca Prophet (both in Book 2), and The Constitution of the Five Nations (Book 3), plus the editor's lengthy introduction consisting of biographical commentary and critique of Parker's work.
56. Sturtevant, E. Lewis. "Kitchen garden esculents of American origin." American Naturalist, vol. 19, no. 5 (May 1885) - vol. 19, no. 7 (July 1885) [for page nos., see description below]. NAL 470 Am36
This three-part series of articles in 1885 issues of American Naturalist dealt with common garden vegetables that were thought, at the time, to have New World origins. (For the alliums, Sturtevant notes that they are not natives, but cites documentation for their long history in the Americas.) Another series of articles by Sturtevant, also in American Naturalist and from the same period, is cited in entry 36 above.
Articles and subjects:
May 1885, p. 444-457: alkekengi (strawberry tomato or Physalis pubescens); beans (kidney, lima, asparagus, scarlet runner); cucumber; garlic, leeks, onion, chives
June 1885, p. 542-553: Jerusalem artichoke; Martynia species.; nasturtium species; Capsicum peppers; potato
July 1885, p. 658-669: pumpkins and squash; purslane; sweet corn; sweet potato; tomato
57. Wilson, Gilbert L., new introduction by Jeffrey R. Hanson. Buffalo Bird Woman's Garden: Agriculture of the Hidatsa Indians. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1987. 129 p. NAL E99.H6W337 1987
First published in 1917, this classic account of Native American agriculture is available today in reprint. It provides an oral history account of the food crops and cultivation practices of the Hidatsa tribe, as told to the author by Buffalo Bird Woman, an accomplished gardener who was born in 1839 and lived along the upper Missouri River in what is now North Dakota. Castetter and Bell (writing in 1942 in Pima and Papago Indian Agriculture; see also entry 54 this volume) cited the original publication as "the best account of the technique of Indian agriculture yet published." Anthropologist Gilbert Wilson translated and transcribed his informant's very detailed account of gardening activities throughout the year, from preparing fields for spring planting of corn, squash, beans, and sunflowers, to harvesting, processing, cooking, and food storage. Within the text are recipes for typical foods, and also stories, songs, and ceremonies that were essential for a generous harvest. The appearance and characteristics of particular crop varieties grown (including five distinct corn types), with particular uses for each, are described. In Wilson's words, the account is "[not] merely of Indian agriculture. It is an Indian woman's interpretation of economics; the thoughts she gave to her fields; the philosophy of her labors." Supplemented with numerous maps, diagrams, and other illustrations. The reprint edition includes an added selection of Wilson's original black-and-white photos, plus a general review of the work's significance, and introduction offering background information on the origins and lifeways of the Hidatsa people and Wilson's relationship with Buffalo Bird Woman's family. Text lacks subject index, but includes detailed table of contents. First published in 1917 with the title, Agriculture of the Hidatsa Indians: An Indian Interpretation, by Gilbert Livingstone Wilson (University of Minnesota, Studies in the Social Sciences no. 9, NAL 31.1 W69). The volume was reissued by Minnesota Historical Society Press in 1990, currently in print; available AL,BG,GC,NS,PN,PW,SB,SC,SS.
58. Abbott, Gail T. Varieties of Corn in Ohio. Wooster, OH: Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, 1911. Circular/Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station no. 117. p. 23-67. NAL 100 OH3S no.117
The author was assisted by Ohio corn farmers and grain dealers in compiling this report on the predominant corn varieties grown in the state during several years prior to 1911. Besides documenting the characteristics of regionally-important corn types, the author aimed also "to preserve for future generations a little of Ohio's local history as we find it written into one of her greatest crops." The report includes fairly lengthy descriptions of 27 varieties and crosses (Clarage, Rotten Clarage, Leaming, Reid's Yellow Dent, Monitor, Baker's Early, and Hackaberry among them), most of them developed by Ohio farmers. Includes black-and-white photos of ears of each named type. Descriptive summaries consider varietal origins, improvement efforts, plant and ear appearance, growth characteristics, and relationships to other named types. Report includes tabular data on corn varieties grown in each Ohio county, and for some corn types, the names of local farmers growing them.
59. Anderson, Edgar and William L. Brown. "The history of the common maize varieties of the United States Corn Belt." Agricultural History 26(1): 2-8 (Jan. 1952). NAL 30.98 Ag8
Describes the ancestry of Corn Belt hybrid varieties, including the common yellow dent cornsthat prevailed in the major corn production areas in the 19th C., the northern flints of the eastern U.S. and elsewhere, and the southern dents. Includes discussion of farmers' and corn breeders' improvements in open-pollinated varieties, starting in the 1840s, and relates the histories of several important varieties, including Virginia Gourdseed, Reid's Yellow Dent, and Lancaster Surecropper. With bibliography (sources cited in footnotes).
60. Atkinson, Alfred and M.L. Wilson. Corn in Montana: History, Characteristics, Adaption. Bozeman, MT: Montana Agricultural College Experiment Station, 1915. Bulletin/Montana Agricultural Experiment Station no.107. p. 9-127. NAL 100 M76-1 no. 107
The purpose of this early 20th-C. report from Montana agronomists was to provide evidence of the suitability of certain corn types to the state's agronomic and climatic circumstances, and to support their conclusion that "the corn crop is destined to occupy an important place in Montana's agriculture." Part I considers briefly the economics of corn production in the principle corn-growing states of the Midwest, with reasons why it might also be profitably grown in Montana and other northwestern states. Part II considers the history of corn production by Native American tribes (among them the Arikara, Mandan, and Hidatsa of the upper Missouri River Valley) and also immigrant farmers in regions north of the "so-called" Corn Belt, and highly-adapted corn types well-suited to Montana. Part III discusses corn classification and describes five corn groups based on kernal type and earliness. This section (p. 50-92) contains fairly lengthy summaries of the origins, distribution, and characteristics of 26 varieties (those judged "most promising" for the Northwest), as well as more brief notes on several dozen additional named types. Part IV examines climatic factors that influence regional corn production. Part V presents data from 1913-1914 studies on traits (such as leaf area, tillering, stalk height, ear height and size) that aid the northern corn's adaption to short-season areas and differentiate them from Corn Belt types, with results of variety trials in several state locations. With numerous black-and-white illustrations and photos. Includes summary, p. 128, plus bibliography (sources cited in footnotes).
61. Biggar, H. Howard. "The old and the new in corn culture. " In: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Yearbook 1918. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1918. p. 123-36. NAL 1 Ag84Y 1918
A USDA scientist reviews corn production and its contemporary and prior role in American agriculture. Discussion is presented under the following section headings: Corn and the early colonies, Corn and the Indian, Kinds of corn grown by the Indians, Primitive seed-testing methods, Nettle seed tester, Primitive corn-planting methods (Indian cornfields, primitive tools), Plants as indicators of the season, Seed selection and storing, Indian corn foods, Primitive and modern methods of culture, Corn and the westward movement, Corn and the packing industry, Silo and the corn crop, Variations of the corn plant, and Corn and the struggle for democracy (i.e., during WWI). Types of Indian corn color varieties and current corn diversity are mentioned briefly. The article cites specific source publications but without complete citations. With black-and-white photos.
62. Brown, William L. and Edgar Anderson. "The northern flint corns." Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 34(1): 1-29 (Feb. 1947). NAL 451 M69
Considers the morphology, cytology, and archaeological and botanical history of the early-maturing northern flint corns, once widespread and commercially important in eastern North America, but "now little more than a curiosity in much of the region where they were formerly grown." Provides descriptions (in tabular notes) of 30+ varieties collected from the U.S. and Canada during 1946-1947, and discusses their contribution to modern Corn Belt dents. With black-and-white photographic plates, plus bibliography. The authors' study of North American corns continued with the report on southern dent corns (entry 63 below).
63. Brown, William L. and Edgar Anderson. "Thesouthern dent corns." Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 35(3): 255-268 [plus 6 plates, no. 18-23] (Sept. 1948). NAL 451 M69
As follow-up to their 1947 report on the northern flint corns (entry 62 above), here authors Brown and Anderson reviewed the history, morphology, and cytology of the dent corns of the U.S. South (many of them used extensively in developing the more highly derived Corn Belt varieties), and their value for future breeding programs. Includes early historical references and descriptions (in tabular notes) of several dozen old varieties, including Virginia Gourdseed, Shoepeg, Hickory King, and others. With bibliography.
64. Carter, George F. and Edgar Anderson. "A preliminary survey of maize in the southwestern United States." Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 32(3): 297-322 [plus unnumbered plate] (Sept. 1945). NAL 451 M69
This article reviews and offers preliminary classification of the types of maize cultivated in the U.S. Southwest, including traditional maize types grown by contemporary Hopi, Zuni, Pima, and other desert tribes, the prehistoric Basketmakers, and others. Includes several black-and-white photographic plates, and bibliography.
65. Erwin, A. T. "The origin and history of pop corn, Zea mays L. var. indurata (Sturt.) Bailey mut. everta (Sturt.) Erwin." Agronomy Journal 41(2): 53-56 (Feb. 1949). NAL 4 AM34P
The author defines and reviews existing knowledge regarding pop corn (or popcorn), with respect to its origins, uses, and varieties. His review of historical North American works revealed that pop corn was "conspicuously absent in the horticultural literature" prior to 1838, and apparently little known by pre-Columbian tribes. Erwin surmised that pop corn is a flint corn mutant, and that its relatively recent use grew out of Native Americans' use of parching corn. Includes bibliography.
66. Finan, John J. "Maize in the great herbals." Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 35(2): 149-191 (May 1948). NAL 451 M69
This article consists of a detailed review of the textual descriptions and illustrations of maize found in important 16th-C. and 17th-C. European herbals, which have provided a valuable chronicle of the kinds of maize used in Europe for the first centuries following its introduction. Includes reproductions from old woodcuts, and lengthy bibliography. Report was reissued separately in 1950, under the same title, by Chronica Botanica Company (NAL 452.2 F49).
67. Freeman, G.F. Papago Sweet Corn, A New Variety. Tucson, AZ: Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station, 1915. Bulletin/Agricultural Experiment Station no. 75. p. [453]-468, [2] leaves of plates. NAL 100 Ar4 no.75
An Arizona researcher reports herein on a new variety of sweet corn that was selected from crosses between two types of native corns obtained from Papago farmers in southern Arizona. His purpose to improve locally-adapted corns, author Freeman notes that "...we cannot hope to secure really high grade green corn for table use in Arizona until we are able to grow sweet corn locally." The narrative describes the results of four years of breeding and selection work to improve corn yield and ear size. Included also are results of pollination studies and varietal comparisons. Determined to be intermediate in moisture and sugar content among several field and sweet corns, Papago was found, by several yield criteria, to be "uniformly superior" to 15 popular Eastern sweet corns, and also more resistant to ear worms and corn smut; overall it was expected to produce "a fair crop" in southern Arizona or the Lower Colorado River Valley. The report concludes with planting advice and short discussion of controlling smut and ear worms in Arizona corn crops. Includes tabular data and several black-and-white photos.
68. Steece, Henry M. "Corn Culture Among the Indians of the Southwest." The Indian School Journal [U.S. Indian Training School, Chilocco, Oklahoma] 22(3): 8-19 (Oct. 1922). NAL 59.22 St3
Following a brief historical review of corn's role in agriculture and trade in the North American Southwest, the author, a USDA scientist, describes corn culture by contemporary Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni in northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona. Topics include land and water use, corn planting methods (including techniques and ceremonies), agricultural implements, harvest, and seed selection. The corn color varieties grown by several groups are mentioned briefly. With black-and-white photos of people and field settings. (The article was reprinted from Natural History 21(4): 414-424, July/Aug. 1921, NAL 500 N483J. Also contained in this issue is a short article by Charles W. Mead, "Indian corn or maize," p. 409-413, on its traditional food uses.)
69. Sturtevant, E.L. Varieties of Corn. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1899. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Experiment Station Bulletin no. 57. 108 p. NAL 1 Ex6B no.57
This final summary of Dr. Sturtevant's 20-year study on maize and maize culture treats more than 770 maize varieties and synonyms, and includes classification of the assortment of closely-related forms into pod, pop, flint, dent, soft, and sweet corns. The text provides a general update on scientific knowledge of corn and its "exceedingly divergent forms," plus botanical and historical descriptions of the six corn groups. The larger portion of the report describes and classifies several hundred named varieties; for each there are brief notes on origins (with introduction date, and public or private source), synonyms, characteristics of the seed, ears, and plants for each, and relationships to other types. With a glossary of corn terms and index to variety names and synonyms. With bibliography (sources cited in footnotes).
70. Tapley, William T., Walter D. Enzie, and Glen P. Van Eseltine. The Vegetables of New York. Volume I, Part III: Sweet Corn. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Co., 1934. 111 p. NAL 91 H35, NAL SB321.N4 v.1 pt.3, ARB S95.E2 1928-
Part III in this four-part series covers the history of domesticated maize, in Ch. I; the systematic botany of maize and its close allies (sugarcane, sorghum, and others), along with a synonymy of maize varieties (i.e., a synthesis of historical names), in Ch. II; and descriptions of sweet corn varieties, in Ch. III. This last section, serving as the heart of the report (p. 14 onwards), covers several hundred white- and yellow-kernaled sweet corn varieties and other maize forms used in their immature stage as "sweet corn," with a list of obscure varieties (i.e., those with either scant documentation, unavailable for testing, or of minor importance). There are also general notes on trial conditions, the corn literature, and other topics, plus glossary of maize-related terms. Includes 23 full-page color plates depicting ears of 22 varieties and seeds of 30 varieties, plus bibliography and subject index. Issued as a report of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station for the year ending June 30, 1934, and also called Sweet Corns of New York.
Related works: For general description of "The Vegetables of New York" series, see entry 32. The monograph on Phaseolus beans is cited in entry 91, and cucurbits monograph, entry 103.
71. Ten Eyck, A.M. and V.M. Shoesmith. Indian Corn. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State Agricultural College, Agricultural Experiment Station, 1907. Bulletin/Experiment Station, Kansas State Agricultural College no. 147. p. 225-295. NAL 100 K13S no. 147
This report documents two Kansas researchers' study of 112 dent corn varieties, which was undertaken during the years 1903 to 1906. Their results, presented in tabular format, identify the most productive varieties, with notes on corn type (yellow or white dent), seed source, days to maturity, yields, and seed traits. The text contains additional discussion of notable varieties, with extensive description of various cultivation parameters, and also breeding and selection work (this latter section considering general aspects and summarizing work done to improve varieties such as Reid's Yellow Dent, Hildreth, Silvermine, Kansas Sunflower, and others). Summary provided on p. 292-295. Includes black-and-white photos and diagrams, with bibliography (sources cited in footnotes).
72. Wallace, Henry A. and Earl N. Bressman. Corn and Corn Growing. 4th ed. New York: J. Wiley & Sons; London: Chapman & Hall, 1937. Wiley Farm Series. 436 p. NAL 59.22 W152 ed.4
First published in 1923 and revised in 1925, 1938, 1937, and 1949, and intended for used as a college textbook, this work is a practical guide to corn production and related aspects. In this 4th edition, corn production topics include planting, insect and disease control, yield testing, raising corn for fodder and silage, influence of temperature and rainfall, seed collection and testing, and related subjects. The authors address also such topics as corn plant development, botanical classification and races (dent, flint, sweet, soft, and others), corn breeding, historical and current economic role of corn, corn growing regions in the U.S., and production economics. Ch. 15 (p. 206-220) des