Thanks Mura!..in looking at the old literature..a great read is Pomona college's book. You can feel the excitement of early horticultural success("Mangos were first tried 30 years ago"). And they zero in on 'Manila' as a great Mango for California. I think other Californians here should check out that book. It also lists MANY varietys.

MGB - if you haven't already done so, you might want to check around the Houston area (I believe that is where you said you were from), to see if you can find out what types of mangoes "thrive" in the area. Its easy for someone from a different zone in a different state to give advice bu that advice may not be the best for your locale and conditions. I would not put any mango in a true cold hardy class. Think of this, it would be easier to protect a variety/tree that grows smaller and bushier than one that is tall and vigorous. Without any knowledge of what "works" in your area, I would be hesitant on going with a recommendation from someone in Fla or Cali for a variety that is optimal in Houston (again, assuming I am correct about your location). I would hate to see you "waste" years on growing a variety that will not give you any fruit or if it does, fruit that gives you no enjoyment (for instance, if you read through some of the posts, you will see that some people in Cali grow certain varieties that have little resemblance to how they grow in SFla...what might taste and look in one locale may not be the same in another). As for picking a variety, my opinion (understand this is mine only and am not trying to sway your choice), is that is you haven't tasted any of the varieties you are contemplating is to try and do so first. What one person like another might hate (taste is VERY subjective). Personally, and this is me only, with all of the varieties available, only the Baileys is decent out of the four you named. As a matter of fact, Carrie and Val Pride are in my bottom tier, with Carrie being right close to the bottom. By the same token, there are many who absolutely love Carrie (as I said, it is subjective to each person's taste and preference). Rob

So what was the attraction of booking online--if you don't mind my asking? DD and I booked our trip to Arizona through a travel agent. We'd researched online first, knew the flights/prices, etc. Booking with an agent, I got to sit there, comfortably for 20 minutes while she did the work, and printed out all my paperwork. That's all it took. Her price was comparable (within $8) of the online price, and the charge for her services was only $25. But guess what? When the bill came through on my charge card? The price was $30 LESS per person--so we actually came out way, way ahead (that price was way less than I've seen anywhere on line). So what benefit do you get from online booking that I'm missing?

All the booksellers mentioned above sell on Amazon, and it's worth checking their prices. For instance, I chose at random Dennis Lehane's Moonlight Mile. On their own website, Better World offers the hardcover in Acceptable condition for $11.98 with free shipping. But on Amazon, Better World is selling the hardcover in Very Good condition for a penny + $3.99 shipping. Much better deal! I buy used books at my library, but I buy more at Amazon. I sell used books on Amazon too.