THE SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 221 



If pomology is one division of horticulture, Mr. Johnson will be able to tell 

 us of some standard authority where it is to be found, for I have been unable 

 to find it, though I have searched diligently. We want the authority quoted, 

 or Ave cannot accept the position as correct. 



The question at issue is this: Does horticulture include pomology? I think 

 not; and to sustain my position. I can do no better than to introduce a portion 

 of an article, written by myself, and read before the South Haven Pomological 

 (Society about one year ago. 



Questions of this kind can only be brought to a satisfactory solution by re- 

 ferring to the standard authorities for a correct definition of the word or term 

 in dispute. In this country AVebster is considered the standard authority. Let 

 ns see what he says on the subject. There appears to be no disagreement as to 

 the meaning of pomology; we may therefore proceed at once to the definition 

 of horticulture : 



"Horticultor, from Jlortus, garden, and cultor, cultivator; a per>on who cultivates 

 a garden. 



" Horticulturist, one who is skilled in the art of cultivating a garden. 



"Horticulture, Fr. from Lat. hortus, a garden, and colio, I till. 



"Horticultural, relating or pertaining to garden culture. In its most extensive 

 signification, the cultivation of esculent vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants, and 

 the formation and management of rural scenery, for the purpose of utility and embel- 

 lishment." "In this article the three great divisions of Horticulture— fruit, kitchen, 

 and flower garden — will he more particularly alluded to. Although the fruit and 

 kitchen garden affords the most useful occupation to the Horticulturist, the cultiva- 

 tion of flowers affords the most pleasure." 



Please notice that Horticulture, and all its derivatives, refer distinctly to 

 gardening. Preference being made so often to garden, let us inquire what is a 

 garden? Webster says : "A garden is a piece of ground enclosed and appropri- 

 ated to the cultivation of herbs and plants, fruits and flowers." 



" Gardening, the act of laying out and cultivating a garden. 

 "Gardener, one whose occupation is to make, tend and dress a garden." 



Thus we find that gardening and horticulture are convertible terms, and mean 

 precisely the same thing. 



Because fruit is mentioned in connection with horticulture, it appears to be 

 taken for granted that it includes everything relating to fruit when the fact is 

 it has no reference whatever to fruit, except, as connected with gardening. 

 Some of our encyclopedias do not mention fruit at all, as being included 

 in horticulture, or in connection with gardening. There is another point 

 worthy of especial consideration in connection with this subject. Authors, in 

 writing on subjects, where it becomes necessary to make divisions of them, al- 

 ways giveproininence to those of greatest importance. Let us apply this rule 

 to our subject — horticulture. If Pomology is included in this, it is clearly one 

 of the most important divisions; and yet, in the definition of this term, and all 

 its derivatives, it is not mentioned at all ; while the comparatively insignificant 

 division of culinary vegetables and flowers are mentioned in every case. This is 

 another very strong proof that fruit is not included, except as connected with 

 gardening. 



In order to present this matter in as clear a light as possible, we will place the 

 terms in juxtaposition. Observe closely : 



"Pomology, the studies and science of fruits, their history, cultivation, description 

 and improvement. ("As a specialty," we add.) 

 "Horticulture, a garden I till. 



