APPLES AND THEIR LIKE 293 



evidence to be obtained, the hypothesis that the 

 flesh of the apple is receptacle is now gaining 

 favor; but there is little evidence which can be 

 called proof for any of the explanations. One of 

 the best obvious evidences in support of this view 

 is the fact that the lower part of the pear fruit 

 often seems to be clearly pedicel. 



347o. It is of little consequence to the beginner which, if any, 

 of the three hypotheses is correct, but the discussion of them is of 

 great value in awakening observation, and in suggesting the means 

 of interpreting obscure structures. The pupil will also be impressed 

 with the absorbing interest which may attach to the commonest 

 objects when once his attention is called seriously to them. 



348. Apples are kjiown as pomes, and from 

 this word is derived pomology, which is extended 

 to mean the art and science of fruit-growing in 

 general. Other pomes are pears, quinces, medlars, 

 hawthorns, mountain ash, juneberries or shadberries. 

 The medlar is a common apple -like or quince- 

 like fruit of Europe, and it is frequently cultivated 

 here. The picture in Fig. 298 was made from a 

 specimen grown in New York. The long calyx- 

 lobes still persist; so do the stamens, a. But the 

 flesh does not cover the entire fruit, but leaves 

 the five carpels bare at the top. 



349. In pomological writings, the five leaf -like 

 bodies on the apex of the apple are known as 

 calyx. If the third hypothesis of the architecture 



