XL 



THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SYNONYMS.* 



Two or three days ago, a man living in the 

 county where we are now assembled, wrote me 

 asking if it is possible for two seedling strawberries 

 to be so much alike that they cannot be told apart. 

 This question is the gist of some sharp controversy 

 in the horticultural world, although it may not be 

 asked in the above form. Is it possible for the 

 same variety to originate twice! Or, is every new 

 seedling a distinct variety ! 



The confusion attending the discussion of this 

 question arises because there are two opposed views 

 of what constitutes a variety. One view contends 

 that a variety is determined by its origin, — that 

 every plant, amongst fruits at least, coming directly 

 from seed is for that reason distinct from all other 

 varieties. The other view defines a variety by its 

 own tangible attributes : if the plant can be readily 

 distinguished from related forms, it is a new or 

 distinct variety ; but if it cannot be distinguished, 

 it is regarded as identical with some older type, 

 wholly irrespective of its origin, and its name — if 

 it has received one — then becomes a synonym. 

 These two positions must be clearly distinguished 



» Read before the American Association of Nurserymen, at Niagara Falls, 

 N. Y., June 6, 1894. Printed in Report of the Nineteenth Meeting, pp. 32 to 35. 



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