PEAR-TREES FOR PROFIT. 79 



had a Bartlett pear-tree about four years old, blighted on the 

 westerly side of its trunk,' commencing about nine inches 

 from the ground, extending upwards over eighteen inches, 

 and extending around about one-third of the circumference. 

 All of the affected part was cut out, and a coat of linseed- 

 oil applied, resulting in having the tree to-day as good as 

 any in growth and fruit; and, although the growth of the 

 bark has nearly covered the wound, the symmetry of the 

 tree is not marred. In most cases, however, the disease and 

 its remedy are a serious drawback to the welfare of the tree. 

 The slug and most insects, if they are taken in season, on 

 almost all kinds of trees, .can be got rid of by a dusting 

 with wood-ashes or air-slacked lime when the tree is wet. 

 (Peach-trees with the " curled leaf " can be cured by a dust- 

 ing once or twice with wood-ashes when the tree is wet.) 

 Mr. William McRae of Lawrence states that his pear-trees 

 were troubled with "rose-bugs," which were destroyed by 

 burning tar under the trees. 



We would advise our farmers and fruit-growers intending 

 to set out pear-trees for profit to ascertain carefully what 

 varieties are the most profitable in their immediate vicinity, 

 on soil similar to their own, and not try, except for experi- 

 ment, other varieties, until tested by themselves or their 

 neighbors, as the same variety that does well in one place 

 is unprofitable in another ; and, although a certain number of 

 varieties are recommended by our society for general culture, 

 some of them do much better in that part where the soil is 

 best adapted for them, which can only be ascertained by actual 

 test. And if this is done thoroughly throughout the county, 

 and vLe mode of culture of the trees, with the result attained 

 (including the number and variety of trees planted, and the 

 varieties succeeding the best) communicated to our society, 

 it would enable it not only to recommend a larger number 

 of varieties, but 'also to state the parts of the county best 

 adapted to the successful culture of each variety. 



All unite in stating the best time for picking fruit to be 

 when the stem separates readily from the twig upon lifting 

 the fruit. Change of color and the premature dropping of 

 the fruit, forced ripe as it is commonly called, is another 

 good indication. All kinds of pears should be picked off 

 before ripening : many choice varieties are almost worthless, 



