120 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



for a good price. Ripens in the last week of October, but will keep in a 

 cool, dry place until September. 



Seckel — There are two varieties of this delicious little pear. The brown, 

 or original Seckel, originated on the farm of a Mr. Seckel who lived a short 

 distance from Philadelphia. This pear is said to be distinct from all other 

 varieties, and is not equalled by any variety in this country or Europe. The 

 tree is hardy, but not quite so vigorous in its growth as some other varieties. 

 The fruit is small, regularly formed, of a brownish color, somewhat russety 

 toward the stem ; flesh white, rich, juicy, melting. Ripens Sept. 20-Oct. 10. 

 Foote's Seckel was raised by a Mr. Foote of Massachusetts from the seed of 

 the Seckel. This vaiiety is from two to three weeks later than its parent, is 

 one-half larger, and nearly if not quite as good in quality. The tree is more 

 spreading and vigorous than the Seckel. Every fruit-grower should plant 

 some of these desirable varieties of pear in his orchard, as there can be no 

 danger of overstocking the market with the Seckel pear. 



Louise Bonne — This is a French pear. It grows equally well as a standard 

 or on quince stock. The tree is a strong grower and very productive, fruit 

 of medium size and good quality, flesh white, sweet, and slightly perfumed. 

 Ripens in October. 



Duchess — A pear imported from France. It is grown to greatest per- 

 fection when grafted ou quince stock. Indeed, when grown as a standard 

 the fruit is so insipid as to be wholly unfit for use, but when well grown is 

 perhaps the largest of all our pears. The flesh is white, juicy, of fine flavor, 

 and were it not for the little hard substances scattered through the flesh, it 

 would be one of our finest pears for dessert. Because of its large size and 

 showy appearance it always brings a good price in the market. If not 

 allowed to overbear the tree will produce a good crop every year. Ripens 

 first of October to 25th. 



Onondaga ( known as Swan's Orange ) — Originated in Connecticut. The 

 tree is vigorous and very productive. This variety proves to be pro- 

 fitable for market. The fruit is large, skin a little coarse aud uneven, 

 quality excellent ; ripens last of September. 



Laivrence — Is a native of Long Island. The tree very hardy, an early 

 bearer. Fruit medium in size, flesh white, good to very good ; ripens 

 in December, and will hold good until March. 



White Doyenne — Is recognized as one of the best varieties of autumn 

 pear. It is known as Butter pear in Philalelphia, as Virgalieu in New York, 

 and as St. Michael's in Boston. It is a French pear and has been kuown to 

 fruit growers for over 200 years. The fruit is a little above the medium size, 

 of a pale yellow, sprinkled with small dots. This fruit ripens iu the latter 

 part of September, but if picked before fully ripe will keep a couple of 

 months. This pear is of very rich flavor. 



In this paper I mention 1 7 or 18 varieties of pear, but were I about to plant 

 in orchard I would reduce this nearly two-thirds, because several of the varie- 

 tes referred to ripen at the same time. 



FEKTILIZING PEAR TREES. 



Some discussion followed upon Mr. Lannin's paper upon pear culture. J. 

 G. Ramsdell said that some varieties of pear were more profitable on quince 

 than as standards. He cited an instance where Mr. Yomans of Walworth, 



