138 SYSTEMATIC POMOLOGY 



contradictory, systems of classification. It 

 would be much better if this treatise on sys- 

 tematic pomology could give an ideal classifi- 

 cation of our common fruits. Such a classifi- 

 cation, however, has not yet been made, and 

 it seems impossible that it should be made 

 at least, for many years, to come. 



In default of a perfect classification, 

 therefore, the reader will be instructed by 

 observing what the best pomologists have 

 already done in this field. Each one of us will 

 then be at liberty to choose for his own use 

 that system of classification which seems to 

 him most reasonable or useful. In many 

 cases, doubtless, two or more systems of 

 classification can be combined, or useful fea- 

 tures can be taken from each. Out of such 

 study, readaptation, and invention the future 

 may see a better system of pomological 

 classification arise. 



