Herefordshire Pomona

Herefordshire Pomona is an illustrated catalogue of the apples and pears grown in Herefordshire, England, a county renowned for its fruit and cider production. Published in parts between 1876 and 1885, the Herefordshire Pomona aimed to document the varieties of fruit specific to the region, contributing significantly to the study of pomology, the science of fruit growing. The work is notable for its detailed descriptions and the quality of its illustrations, which were produced by the artists Alice B. Ellis and Edith G. Bull.

Background

Herefordshire has a long history of fruit cultivation, particularly apples and pears, which are used in the production of cider and perry, respectively. In the 19th century, there was a growing interest in documenting and preserving the diversity of English fruit varieties. The Herefordshire Pomona was commissioned by the Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club, with the support of local cider manufacturers, to ensure that the knowledge of local fruit varieties was not lost.

Publication

The Herefordshire Pomona was published in seven parts over nearly a decade, eventually being compiled into two volumes. The project was overseen by Dr. Robert Hogg, a notable pomologist of the time, and Henry Graves Bull, the founder of the Woolhope Club. The publication contains descriptions and illustrations of over 120 varieties of apples and pears, making it one of the most comprehensive pomological works of its era.

Illustrations

The illustrations in the Herefordshire Pomona are particularly significant. They were created using chromolithography, a method for making multi-color prints, which allowed for the detailed and accurate representation of the fruit. These illustrations not only served a scientific purpose but also have been appreciated for their artistic quality.

Legacy

The Herefordshire Pomona is considered a landmark work in the field of pomology. It remains a valuable resource for those interested in traditional fruit varieties and the history of agriculture in Herefordshire. The detailed illustrations and descriptions have helped in the identification and preservation of many apple and pear varieties that might otherwise have been lost.

See Also

• Pomology
• Cider
• Perry
• Agriculture in England

Herefordshire Pomona Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia