POMOLOGY AS A STUDY. 



153 



and Mr. Owen Thomas have in the " Fruit Garden " provided more abbre- 

 viated but carefully condensed descriptions of the recent fruits. 



Monsieur Andre Leroy, of Angers, contributed to the literature of 

 pomology an important work in the " Dictionnaire de Pomologie." His 

 descriptions of fruit and trees are worked out in the utmost detail* 

 together with a most elaborate synonymy and full historical references. 

 It is of more value with regard to Continental varieties than as concerns 

 those that are more especially British ; but as an example of keen study it 

 is interesting in the extreme. In one respect especially it is to be 

 commended, and that is the fact that particulars are included respecting 

 the foliage and habit of the trees, these characters being as a rule too 

 little regarded in ordinary works on pomology. 



5. Systems of Classification. — An efficient system of classification of 

 organic beings or productions should combine two purposes : 



a. To furnish a convenient means of ascertaining the identity of any 

 members of the series. 



b. To convey information respecting the natural relationship existing 

 between the different objects and to encourage further study. 



Where the known variations have become very numerous, as with many 

 plants under extensive cultivation, the difficulties of such a classification 

 are greatly increased. Broadly defined groups can be formed, but when 

 the subdivisions are reached the limits are not easily fixed, and it is often 

 a matter of arbitrary decision as to the position to be assigned in closely 

 related groups. 



Such difficulties must always occur, and as study is extended, though 

 they may be reduced in some directions, they are often increased in 

 others. The utmost that can be done is to minimise the inconvenience 

 caused by these impediments, by continued patient research and keen 

 observation of all characters, which is in itself a pleasant occupation or 

 recreation. 



As regards fruits more particularly, the study of the principles upon 

 which classification depends supplies abundant matter of interest, and it 

 might be pursued more generally with advantage. 



In these notes it is only attempted to point out the main features of the 

 methods at present adopted, and -to offer suggestions for simplification 

 which long experience has indicated as desirable. 



The natural orders or families of plants, which include the fruits 

 most generally cultivated in this country, are few, and comprise the 

 following : 



Berberidacece. — The Barberry. 



Ampelidacece. — Vines. 



Bosacece— Almonds, Peaches, Apricots, Plums, Cherries, Raspberries, 

 Blackberries, Strawberries, Pears, Apples, Medlars, Quinces. 

 SaxifragacecB. — Red and Black Currants, Gooseberries. 

 Cucurbitacece. — Melons, Cucumbers. 

 Vacciniacece. — Cranberries, Bilberries. 

 Solanacecs . — Tomatos . 

 U rticacecB. — Figs, Mulberries . 

 Jitglandacece. — Walnuts. 

 Cupnliferce. — Hazel Nuts, Filberts, Chestnuts. 



