96 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



much garden-room, and give too few varieties, while dwarfs, 

 j)roperly planted (two inches below the union), can be set 

 closer, giving a large number of varieties and quicker returns. 

 When, by taking hold of the pear, it will readily separate 

 from the stock, then 1 consider is the proper time to pick 

 the pears. It depends on the temperature of the weather — 

 whether warm and dry, or cool and moist — as to how soon 

 after picking they will be ripe enough for eating. 



I keep them best in my cellar, which is cool and dry, keep- 

 ing them in shallow boxes, closely covered. I put a half- 

 inch of hard-wood sawdust in the bottom of the box, laying 

 the pears in very carefully to the depth of from four to six 

 inches ; then cover with paper, placing a mat or blanket over 

 the paper to keep all close. 



A person who is about setting pear-trees should be very 

 particular in selecting them, never setting poor trees, as 

 they are dear at any price. Procure your trees of some 

 responsible nursery-man, and, if possible go, and select the 

 trees yourself, and see them properly dug and packed. Hav- 

 ing your ground thoroughly prepared, all mutilated roots 

 should be smoothly cut, and you should see to it that the 

 trees are properly set, and the soil well packed about the 

 roots ; then set a stake, and secure your tree properly to it ; 

 have the tops thinned out, and cut back two-thirds of last 

 year's growth, and then give good clean cultivation and an 

 annual trimming and dressing. 



