34 systematic: POMOLOGY. 



styles, length of pedicel, number of flowers in an inflorescence, 

 number of stamens in a flower and tbe texture of tbe stamens. 



The flowers of different varieties of all the small fruits differ- 

 with respect to color, size, vigor in bearing pollen, etc. The 

 flowers of strawberries and grapes in particular will bear care- 

 ful study. In both there are great variations in the number of 

 stamens and the amount of pollen borne. The "sex" of straw- 

 berries is the commonest distinguishing character. Varieties 

 bearing both- essential organs' are said to be hermaphroditic^ bi- 

 sexvM or perfect; those bearing- only the pistils are female, 

 pistillate or imperfect. 



Without doubt the flower should become a greater factor than 

 it now is in the classificatory systems of the different fruits, and 

 without doubt as the science of pomology advances with the con- 

 sequent refinements it will. 



B1.OSSOMING Peeiod. — Now that we know that cross-pollina- 

 tion is all-important in growing fruit, the blossoming period 

 should be a matter of careful record. This would vary much 

 in different localities but not much more so than other characters 

 commonly given; such records might be given in comparative 

 terms. Few descriptions now contain records of the blossoming 

 period. Beginning of bloom, full bloom, and dropping of 

 bloom should be specified; if but one date is given it should be 

 full bloom. 



The Seasoit. — The season is the date at which fruit is ready 

 for use. The common divisions of the fruit season are summer j 

 autumn, and winter. These are often qualified with the terms 

 early and late. With small fruits the latter terms are used 

 almost exclusively with the. addition of midseason. The labora- 

 tory student should give approximately the exact date at which 



