98 Rules for ^'-American.' Pomology 



object, for which it is supposed they were brought forward, 

 wholly defeated. If our views are unsound, our columns are 

 open to their free and full discussion. 



The first rules or suggestions for a uniform nomenclature 

 appeared in our volume for 1846, (XII. p. 53,) by our corre- 

 spondent, Mr. Humrickhouse, and they appear to form the 

 basis of those which have been recently adopted. We may 

 therefore claim some credit for having awakened attention to 

 this important subject. 



There is something hackneyed in the expression "American" 

 pomology, which is not in good taste, to say the least. We 

 have heard much of an "American" literature, but we sup- 

 posed that Science was universal, and that there was nothing 

 more peculiar to the science of pomology in this country, than 

 to that of botany, or any other science. We are not aware 

 that our botanists have found it necessary to adopt rules for 

 " American" botany, but supposed they were well satisfied 

 with its principles as first taught by Linnaeus. So, too, of 

 pomology. One would imagine, from what has been said 

 by some individuals, that pomology is something which had 

 just originated, and that it needed the fostering care of our 

 horticultural societies to fully establish it. Those who enter- 

 tain this idea can be but little conversant with the efforts of 

 the French and German authors, who have written upon the 

 subject. It is unnecessary, however, for us to occupy space 

 in discussing the want of good taste in attaching the word 

 American: the New York State Agricultural Society, with 

 more enlarged views, discard it entirely. 



We now come to the rules, and. in order to be fully under- 

 stood, we shall take them up separately : — 



RULES OF AMERICAN POMOLOGY. 



I. No new seedling fruit shall be entitled to a name, or to 'pomological 

 recommendation, which is not at least equal, if not superior, to any similar 

 varieties of the first rank already known ; or which, if only of second rate 

 flavor, is so decidedly superior, in vigor, in hardiness, or productiveness, to 

 varieties of the same character already known, as to render it well worthy 

 of cultivation. 



Nothing can be more absurd than the first line of this rule, 

 viz., " that no new seedling fruit shall be entitled to a name." 



