50 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



Park's Keeper, a fine apple, and the tree a pretty grower; but, 

 owing to its proneness to drop its fruit, is not considered profitable 

 at either Centralia or Villa Ridge. 



A new seedling has been originated by Mr. John B. Miller, of 

 Anna, 111., who favors me with the following description: 



Resembles the Wine Sap, of which it is a seedling; about the 

 same size, not so dark in color, a deep blush, and presents a beauti- 

 ful appearance; promises to be a long keeper; of good flavor, and 

 at present writing — Nov. 30th — firm and solid. Tree much re- 

 sembles Wine Sap in growth and shape. Too soon to speak of hardi- 

 ness of tree, since it has fruited but once. Not named as yet. 



PEARS. 



Mr. George Gould, of Villa Ridge, informs me that he has a new 

 pear, or an old variety revived, he is not sure which. It goes with 

 him by the name of Early Winsor ; it is early, a good bearer, of 

 good quality, good foliage, good upright grower and free from 

 blight. One tree, twenty-five years old, has borne annual crops of 

 good fruit, that sold for the highest price. These are all good qual- 

 ities, and if this variety will do as well in other localities as with 

 Mr, G. it will be a great acquisition to the list. 



Of new varieties, the notorious Keifer and Le Conte, thanks to 

 very extensive advertising, are most generally known. 



As trees, there is little more to be desired ; perfection is nearly 

 realized in twig, leaf and sap. Of the first little can be said ; only 

 a few class it as good. Their entrance into society, like that of some 

 people, is due to their good looks ; it is more highly prized in litho- 

 graph than in the baskets of consumers. Little or nothing is known 

 as yet, of the market value of either kind, for not enough have been 

 grown to establish quotations. In a specimen orchard on our place, 

 1 planted, last spring, the following varieties. It is on virgin soil, 

 and trees well cultivated and fed, to determine, first of all if there 

 are any that are absolutely blight proof. 



One row is Lawson, said to be an old friend under a new name 

 at the east, but a new one in the nurseryman's catalogues. All the 

 trees have succumbed to the drouth but one. 



Jefferson, Berket, Early Harvest, Hoosac and Rulter, all this 

 year have been good growers, healthy and hardy, and although not 

 strictly speaking, new varieties, are not generally known, and in 

 consequence would be mentioned in the same connection. The two 

 former are not very highly prized for their eating qualities by those 

 who have fruited them ; but the latter come well recommended. 

 Men, in their disappointment at the death of fragile trees, have 

 directed all their energy to the production of hardiness of tree, and 

 have nearly lost sight of quality of fruit. The chief recommenda- 

 tion in an advertised tree now is, that it is "blight proof." 



Would it not be the wiser plan to call a halt and develop the 

 quality of the fruit. 



