CLASSIFICATION OF FRUIT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1762, 29 August 1885, Page 7

CLASSIFICATION OF FRUIT.

The calyx tube is the third division. In making a longitudinal section of an apple in a line through the centre of the eye to. the stalk, a more or less deep cavity wi)l be observed under the segments of the eye, and between them and the core. This is called the calyx tube, and is of varied form, but all of these forms are modifications of two, or perhaps three, which may be regarded as distinct, and these are called the conical and the funnel shaped. As in the cases of the open and closed eyes and cells, these run into one another, and there are instances in which it is difficult to distinguish to which of them the individual belongs. In the examples of the conical tube, some are wide and deep, and others \ narrow and short. The funnel-shaped tube also assumes various forms. The third form, and which rarely occurs; is the cup shaped. The fourth division is the stamens. These are very small bristle-like bodies, which are ' found forming a fringe round the inner surface of the calyx tube, and it is on the position they occu.py that the fourth character of the system', is founded. On examining a number of different varieties of apples it will be seen t]aat the stamens are not always in the sam<j" position Some will form a fringe immediately under or* near the base of the segments, and these are called marginal. Others occupy? a midway position between the margin au&, "the • base and ar«s called median ; and a third are situated 'near the base, which are termed basal.

Attention has been already called to the changeablenes?, of the characters in some of the varieties ; how in the cases of the eye and the. cells some exhibit them op©n O r closed, or intermediate between the tv/o ; also to the interchangeable nature of the calyx tube and theposition of the stamens. In Dr Hogg's'piibKshedl classification, he provides against any confusion.' arising from this cause, and has given additional references when a variety is found in' more tham one division. For example, in scarlet nonpareil the eye is sometimes open and sometimes closed, though the calyx tube is always short, funnel shaped, and the stamens, marginal ; consequently; this variety of apple forms two classes. It is important that perfect specimens of fruifr be used when the classification is applied isspecially thai) the eye bo perfect ; and to oWerve the oaljx tube correctly the longitudinal sections should be- made directly through the centre A list of nearly 300 varieties of apples is submitted, classified in accordance with the principles given, and every one interested will find it much more satisfactory to proceed upon them than to be guided by the. old confusing descriptions which were formerly in use, in which the fruit was described ;*s second size, first quality* roundish, green, yellpwish. red, or oblate yellow, greenish red,, It is urged that it is unfortunate' it is quite impossible i'oi> practical use to combine wi til these characters of' the fruit, those derived from the flower, the leaf, the bark, and tlis /veceral habit of the tree ; but this objection n\ay,be overcomeby future research, and. such an investigation would help to arrive an a better estimate of the characters of the. fruit.