SYSTEMATIC POMOLOGY I POMOLOGY IN GENERAL POMOLOGY is the science of fruits. The definition is sometimes made to read thus: "Pomology is the knowledge of fruits"; or even as follows: "Pomology is the study of fruits." But study must result in knowledge if it have any result at all, and knowledge must be classified if it have any purpose or use, and classified knowledge is science. Therefore, when we study fruits in any way so as to get some knowledge of them we have the materials of pomology, and whenever we classify the knowledge gained by our study we have the science of pomology. The science of pomology separates naturally into two subdivisions, viz., systematic pomology and practical pomology. The former deals with our knowledge of the fruits themselves, and the trees, bushes, or vines on which they grow; the latter deals with our knowledge of the practice of fruit growing. This classification does not assume that practical pomology is any more "practical,” in the vulgar usage of that adjective, than systematic pomology. Practical pomology is practical simply because it deals with the practice of growing fruits without concerning itself about the history, characters, names, or classifications of the fruits themselves. The modern evolution of business has made this natural subdivision of pomology into two branches somewhat inadequate to the circumstances, especially in North America. Fruit growers have found more and more that the fullest knowledge of the fruits themselves, combined with the utmost proficiency in the practice of fruit growing, was insufficient to their needs. To these they have been compelled to add an extensive and complicated knowledge of fruit marketing. This makes a third department of pomological science. This knowledge of how to market fruit may properly be called commercial pomology. These three branches are very intimately related. In order to grow fruit successfully one ought to know all the characters and relationships of the varieties which he cultivates. In order to sell fruit at a profit it is always necessary, first, to have it well grown and correctly named. Yet the three branches are easily separated. It is no uncommon thing to find a man who knows at a glance all the leading varieties of apples or plums, with their correct names, and who is yet not capable of growing any of the varieties successfully. That man would be a good systematic pomologist, but a poor practical one. The next man may be able to grow the finest grades of fruit, and yet be unable to market it at a profit. Such a man would be strong on practical pomology, but weak on the commercial side. Pomology, it should be observed, is a branch of horticulture. Other nearly coordinate branches are olericulture (dealing with vegetables), floriculture (dealing with flowers), and arboriculture (dealing with trees). In order to locate the subject more precisely we ought to bear in mind that horticulture, in its turn, is a branch of agriculture. More strictly speaking, horticulture is a branch of agronomy, and agronomy is a branch of agriculture. Agriculture is separated into two subdivisions: zoötechny (the knowledge and care of animals) and agronomy (the science of crops and crop production). This whole classification of subjects will appear more clear by reference to the following outline: (Zoötechny Cereal culture, etc. AGRICULTURE. Agronomy Systematic Pomology Practical Commercial The word "pomology" means literally the science of fruits. It has a mongrel etymology, being a combination of the latin word pomum (fruit) and the Greek word logy or logos (discourse, treatise, or science). The former root is seen also in the word " pome," designating specifically such fruits as the apple, pear, and quince. The latter root is seen in such words as "geology," "theology," and "anthropology." It may be remarked in passing that the science of systematic pomology has been seriously neglected in North America during the last three or four decades. It would be easy to show that this is a fact, and to give some of the reasons why such a condition of affairs should have come upon us; but that is too far aside from the present design. During the last few years there has been a manifest revival of interest in systematic pomology. More really scientific work is being done now in the study of fruits than ever was done before in this country, and more persons are interested in knowing the best methods for the study of systematic pomology. Systematic pomology, when analyzed in turn, is found to comprise three distinct subjects. These are (1) description, (2) nomenclature, and (3) classification. The first step in getting acquainted with any variety of fruit, be it Ben Davis apple, Clyde strawberry, or something entirely new, is to form an accurate and detailed notion of all its different characters. This involves the making of a description. The description. may be merely mental, or it may be fully written out, which is much the better way. In either case, when we examine a specimen closely, or a number of specimens of one variety, making mental or written note of size, form, color, markings, and other distinguish |