294 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



and preserving Would hardly believe it, but know it to be so from 

 experience. What prolitic bearers they are ! I have trees seven years 

 old that give from six to ten bushels of fruit. That seems a strong 

 statement, but true, nevertheless. 



The trees should never be trimmed back. It might do to thin out 

 small limbs crossing each other ; but would avoid cutting back, as 

 they bear so much toward the ends of the limbs, these limbs will 

 break off somewhat, but they will keep coming. This tree is a very 

 strong, upright grower before bearing, the leaves being a very rich 

 green ; in fact, the tree is a very handsome one, and in the autumn 

 when full of rich, good-sized orange yellow looking fruit, it is a sight 

 to behold. And later the leaves will turn to a beautiful autumn color 

 of reddish brown. 



After bearing a large crop or two of fruit, the trees begin to have 

 the appearance of some drooping variety. The fruit for eating pur- 

 poses has been made all sorts of fun of; but I want to say that accord- 

 ing to my way of thinking ( and believe I like good eating fruit equal 

 to anyone), it is, if properly handled, equal in flavor to a Bartlett; and 

 where can you find a better pear for flavor than a Bartlett ? As to 

 profit — that is what we are after, at least those of us who grow fruit 

 for commercial purposes — it can't be beat. Last two years I received 

 on South Water street, Chicago, $1.00 per one- third bushel basket for 

 No. 1, 80 cents for ^o. 2. What will beat that ? 



• E. G. Mendenhall. 



Purposes of Life. 



a. W. WATERS, CANTON, MO. 



There are two conditions in farm life that mar, in some measure, 

 its fullest enjoyment. 



1. There are not the facilities for intercourse that exist in towns 

 and cities. It seems to be the normal condition of man to mingle and 

 commingle with his fellows. Hence, we believe this is one of the 

 inducements that cause so many of our people to seek urban homes. 

 The fascination of fellowship and companionship has caused young 

 men and young women to flock to the cities and towns. It is not so 

 much the excessive labor in farm life, for labor incited by proper men- 

 tal conditions is not only endurable but pleasant. This condition of 

 isolation which precludes intercourse and daily fellowship is being 

 largely modified by increase of population, the multiplying of farm 



