260 SYSTEMATIC POMOLOGY 



Exercises in Classification 



14. Present to the class a number of vari- 

 eties for classification. For this purpose 

 plums will be found especially satisfactory, 

 though almost any fruits can be used. Begin 

 with a small number of varieties for the first 

 exercise, but increase the collection rapidly 

 after the first trial. Require each student to 

 prepare both arbitrary and natural classifica- 

 tions of these varieties. The natural classi- 

 fication, however, is rather an ideal to be 

 sought than an end likely to be realized in 

 most instances. Greater time must usually 

 be given to the artificial classification, not be- 

 cause it is better, but because it is workable. 

 Repeat this exercise as often as possible, with 

 as many different varieties and classes of 

 fruits as can be secured. 



15. Require theoretical, arbitrary classifica- 

 tions without materials. Thus the class may 

 be assigned to prepare an outline for the 

 classification of cherries or strawberries or 

 oranges without being given a single specimen 

 of any kind. All that is requisite is that the 

 pupils should have a fairly clear notion of the 

 fruits they are asked to classify. This exer- 



