4 SYSTEMATIC POMOLOGY. 



and carried out in the spirit of research if the desired knowl- 

 edge is to be gained. Yon should try to carry it on in such 

 a way that you will learn to observe, discover, and record things 

 for yourselves. 



The subject is such that you will be able to accumulate many 

 facts. These are valuable but not of prime importance. Ear 

 more valuable is the ability that you may acquire of noting 

 differences and resemblances, of drawing comparisons and of- 

 learning to classify. In the points just noted, pomology is the 

 equal of any other science and you are therefore urged to make 

 the most of the training in these respects. 



Express your conceptions as plainly, accurately and con- 

 cisely as you can. Much of your work will offer a splendid 

 opportunity for a choice of exact terms and of concise ex- 

 pressions. It should afford the best of training in using good 

 English and in using scientific language with precision. Such 

 drawings as you are required to make should be neat and 

 should represent the object in hand perfectly. 



The trees and fruits you are to study are all treated of in 

 books which are to be at your command. But you are to first 

 study the objej3ts themselves thereby cultivating self reliance 

 and the ability to investigate. The books furnished you are 

 to be used in making comparisons. Compare your own ob- 

 servations with what is said in the books. The books are often 

 wrong — ^more often you will be. 



The books and encyclopedias, as well as the trade catalogs, 

 are the best authorities obtainable and represent the work of 

 the master minds in pomological science. You will gain much 

 if you can become acq\iainted with this pomological literature, 

 both for its intrinsic value and because it will insensibly give 

 you a kiiowledge of the habits and methods of the authors and 

 enable you to catch something of their spirit. 



