302 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



stone. It bore a full crop this year, but in the past has been only 

 fairly productive. The tree is moderately vigorous with a slender up- 

 right growth. Of no promise here. 



PEARS. 



The condition and value of the pear crop varied gi'eatly this year 

 in proportion to the amount of spraying done and the time of applica- 

 tion. A few days variation in the time of the first application of 

 Bordeaux made a great difference. Where the fruit was held on 

 by proper care, the crop was good, all of the standard varieties bear- 

 ing well. 



Bartlett, the king of pears, bore very well and the crop was very 

 fine. The popular Kieffer, the Ben Davis of pears, bore so heavily that 

 in most cases they were so small that they were only fit for the cider 

 mill. Thinning would have done much to enlarge the fruit and also 

 put the trees in better shape for next year's crop. It was hard to grow 

 perfect specimens of that good quality pear, the Flemish Beauty, 

 which is so susceptible to the scab. Only on the high, dry clay 

 knolls, where the conditions are not favorable for the scab, can this 

 variety be grown with any degree of success. Howell and Anjou bore 

 good crops of fine, large fruit. It takes Anjou some time to get into 

 bearing and the fruit is very likely to drop. Otherwise it is a very 

 good pear, having all the essentials for a market variety. Howell is 

 one of the favorite varieties for market and dessert use. The fruit 

 ripens about September 15, and is firm, handsome and smooth. It 

 varies in quality; in some seasons being better than in others. The 

 tree is vigorous and prolific. Souvenir du Congres is an excellent, 

 large, attractive, market pear. On account of its size it brings good 

 prices, especially for fruit-stand trade. The tree is vigorous and pro- 

 ductive. The quality of the fruit varies with the seasons, some years 

 being of quite high quality and others somewhat coarse and watery. 



The following varieties also gave good results this year: 



Bartlett-Seckel. The size of the fruit is between that of the Bart- 

 lett and Seckel, with Bartlett shape, and a color somewhat like that of 

 the Seckel, only of a lighter red. Smooth and very attractive. Flavor 

 varies, some seasons of a very good quality, but in occasional sea- 

 sons is of a puckery taste. At no time is it of as good quality as the 

 Seckel. Not very productive thus far. 



Conference. Of the Bosc size and shape. The color is yellowish 

 green, covered with a sprinkling of russet. A smooth, handsome fruit. 

 The flavor is very good and about equal to that of the Bosc. The 

 flesh often has a slight, rich pink tint, giving it a very attractive ap- 

 pearance. The tree is not as thrifty as the Bosc but it is about as 

 productive and comes into bearing a little earlier. Ripens a few days 

 before that variety. A worthy companion of the Bosc. 



Drouard. A large, light green winter pear. Regular pyriform in 

 shape with a thick neck. Form is very regular and smooth. Evenly 

 dotted with brownish dots. The only pear that kept until December 

 1 this year. Yery firm. A good keeper, being good until March 1. 

 Quality quite good. Vigorous and productive. 



