PRACTICAL PEAR-GROWERS. 91 



[Reply of John "W. Marshall of Rockport.] 



I exhibited Sheldon pears and Beurre d'Anjou, grown on 

 standard trees, in what was a swamp, having been filled in 

 with a foot of loamy gravel : the soil under the swamp foun- 

 dation is clay. The soil is enriched every year with barn- 

 manure and compost, a good liberal dressing. I have a pen 

 in which house-offal, leaves, &c., are put, with an occasional 

 throwing on of soil to prevent its becoming offensive, mak- 

 ing, with my small family and garden, about a cord and a 

 half of very rich compost. 



I j)rune any time. When I see a limb growing out of 

 shape, I clip it, without regard to the season of the year. 

 My trees have been troubled with fire-blight : several trees 

 have been killed, and others injured. I always have noticed 

 that the fastest-growing trees are the ones most affected. 

 The blight was noticed in mid-summer by the limbs and 

 leaves turning black, just as if fire had struck them. I cut 

 off the parts affected. 



I believe that standards are generally the most profitable 

 pear-trees to set out, with exception of the Dnchesse, Louise 

 Bonne, Vicar, and perhaps some others, which do better, I 

 think, on dwarf trees, bearing better fruit. Standards with 

 room enough will last longer, and be the most profitable for 

 most varieties. 



I recommend for profit the Bartlett, Louise Bonne de Jer- 

 sey, Sheldon, Beurre d'Anjou, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Belle 

 Lucrative, Vicar of Winkfield, and Lawrence, because they 

 are well known in the market. 



[Reply of Peter Waite of Danvers.] 



I think a small amount of good fruit is better than much 

 poor. Spring and summer I like best for light pruning, 

 and the fall for large limbs. Some kinds need much prun- 

 ing, while others need but little. It needs good judgment 

 and practical experience, and should be attended to. 



My trees have been troubled considerably with the blight. 

 My remedy for it is, amputate immediately, as you would 

 your leg or arm if they were affected with gangrene ; and 



