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How about someone who has the best of both? Probably the toughest thing a neophyte scientist has to learn is how to think scientifically—to recognize and separate fact from belief, anecdote from evidence, to look beyond the obvious.

Ancient scientists relied on observances of natural and unnatural phenomena.

Talk to a scientist and notice how many sentences begin with "perhaps" or "evidence suggests" or some other phrase that qualifies most statements. It isn't that scientists don't know, but rather, they are reluctant to state a fact unless proof is available. For most of the rest of the human race, proof is not prerequisite to a strong position or belief.
So what has all this to do with seeds? Botany—the branch of biology dealing with plant life—is one of the oldest sciences because man has relied on growing plants for his very survival since before the beginning of recorded history. Indeed, even astrological observations were vital for successful agriculture. The cycles of the seasons, and positions of the constellations are inextricably linked to planting and harvest times.
Ancient science was based on careful observations that were recorded, passed on, and confirmed over millennia. Reliable observations developed into a body of demonstratable truths. Modern botanical science builds on this foundation with precise answers for today's questions—as precise as nature will allow.
The key to finding an answer, or at least getting close to an answer, is to develop an intelligent mix of all types of knowledge. Who has the best information? You'd have to say, "That depends...."
A farmer who has worked the same plot for decades, as his family has for decades before, has a wealth of observations on the land, the crops, the weather. But will his observations hold true for another farm with different drainage, microclimate, soil type and crop? Probably not.
At the opposite extreme is the theoretician whose ideas, while based on solid knowledge, can be validated only by careful scientific observation that meets research protocol. However, a tightly focused study may miss broader effects.

A Different Species
The third, midway between farmer and scientist, is the botanical practitioner—agronomists and horticulturists, for example. Trained to think and observe like both scientist and grower, he takes a global view. Science alone does not support running a business for profit. This also holds true for virtually all situations where success is measured in practical terms. You wouldn't ask a metallurgist to build a metal bridge. A better choice would be a structural engineer who can consider all the factors involved—concrete, soil, wind, water and metal.
The botanical practitioner's motive, like the farmer's, has a strong economic component. His knowledge has to be broad, encompassing weather, geography, the myriad plant species and how they affect each other, destructive and beneficial insects, and optimum growing conditions. He provides a holistic view of botanical science, reliable advice and practical solutions for his clients' problems.

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