110 POMOLOGY AS A SCIENCE. 



of fruits, but also in the naming of them, and the synonyms by 

 which they are known, the most desirable varieties being desig- 

 nated in our catalogue by stars, according to their several merits. 



I cannot close my remarks on this subject without expressing 

 the very great interest I feel in continuing this most important 

 branch of our researches through generations to come, so that 

 for all time we may have a system for the advancement of 

 pomology which shall be worthy of our nation and the great 

 interests we represent. Had it done nothing else, this alone 

 would entitle our society to the universal approval which it now 

 receives, and the gratitude of the generations which are to 

 succeed us. 



Before the organization of the society, while we had around us 

 an immense region ready for the cultivation of the finest fruits, 

 great confusion prevailed in nomenclature, and the difference be- 

 tween good and bad sorts was very dimly appreciated. At that 

 time pomologists experienced great difficulty in obtaining varie- 

 ties true to name; and sometimes, after repeatedly procuring 

 fruits, and losing years in waiting for them to bear> found them- 

 selves where they started. The American Pomological society 

 has performed an immense labor, through its meetings and its 

 committees, in correcting this confusion, and it is wonderful to 

 contrast the early condition of pomology with its present mature 

 state. Its future labor will be continuous and of vital moment, 

 in introducing new and valuable varieties; and what will be of 

 the greatest importance, maintaining an accurate nomenclature. 

 It will inform fruit-growers, in every state and territory, what 

 fruits they are to look to for successful culture. But most im- 

 portant of all, its business will be to give American pomology a 

 high character as a science; to prevent the appearance of mere 

 money-making and petty attempts to impart undue prominence 

 to new favorites by laudatory names. The continued aim of the 

 society will be to maintain a position of dignity, integrity and 

 impartial usefulness. 



RULES OF POMOLOGY. 



Nothing has afforded me more gratification than the favor 

 with which our rules of pomology and the reform in the nomen- 

 clature of our fruits have been received. 



Soon after the close of our last session, we sent out a thousand 

 circulars containing these rules, together with the suggestions 

 of the president in regard to the much needed reform in the 

 nomenclature of fruits. These were sent to the agricultural, 

 horticultural and fruit-growers' associations and to the leading 

 nurserymen of our country. Some were also sent to foreign 

 lands. The favor with which these have been received both at 

 home and abroad has been remarkable, showing that the time 

 had arrived when, by general consent, this reform should be 

 made ; and thus our society has the honor of instituting it as an 



