POMOLOGY AS A STUDY 



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two leading divisions, some modification is advisable. The second was 

 founded upon an interesting fruit, but of little value horticulturally. It is 

 a kind of nondescript, being regarded as a hybrid between the Almond 

 and the Peach, but possessing the best qualities of neither. As it is the 

 only member, the group is not worth maintaining on that account, though 

 the Peach- Almond might well have a place in any garden where curiosities 

 are appreciated. It is either the same or a similar form which is seen 

 in some botanic gardens as Primus Amygdalus var. persicoides. 



By adopting the flavour of the Almond kernels as the chief distin- 

 guishing character, a more consistent arrangement results : 



1. Kernels sweet. 



2. Kernels bitter. 



These then correspond respectively to the botanical varieties, Primus 

 Amygdalus var. dulcis, and var. amara. 



Peaches and Nectarines. Primus Persica. (Primus Davidiana, a 

 Chinese tree which has been also described as a variety of P. Persica, is 

 regarded by some as the true source of the cultivated Peach.) 



The size of the flowers (large or small) was selected by Dr. Hogg 

 for his two main groups of Peaches and Nectarines. The character is a 

 gcod one and generally easily distinguished, though there are some inter- 

 mediate forms. The chief difficulty is that the characters are not available 

 at the time when the fruits have to be determined, namely, when they are 

 ripe. This is a material disadvantage in any system of classification, and 

 especially as regards the leading groups. 



The next characters are derived from the leaves, the presence or absence 

 of glands at the base of the leaf-blade, and the shape of the glands, 

 as round or kidney-shaped. Though variable at times, these are fairly 

 reliable as a rule, and they are useful because they are at command at the 

 same time as the fruits. The final divisions rest on the adherence or non- 

 adherence of the stone to the flesh, i.e. clingstone and freestone. 



In my own work, I have adopted a modification of the " Fruit Manual " 

 system, for the reasons already explained in brief. This is as follows : 



A. Leaves with glands. 



1. Glands round. 



x . Freestone. 



Flowers large. 



Flowers small, 

 x x . Clingstone. 



Flowers large. 



Flowers small. 



2. Glands kidney-shaped. 



(Similar subdivisions.) 



B. Leaves without glands. 



x . Freestone. 



Flowers large. 



Flowers small, 

 x x . Clingstone. 



Flowers large. 



Flowers small. 



