Dwarf Pear Culture, [Feb., 



States. This much can be stated without arrogance, or charge of 

 vain boasting on our part, as complimentary notices can be pro- 

 duced without number, from eminent individuals all over the coun- 

 try, going to show the estimation in which the Society and its opin- 

 ions are held. How limportant, then, that the members should care- 

 fully reflect upon, and investigate every subject upon which they 

 may be expected to express an opinion. Without this care in pass- 

 ing judgment, our sentiments would only be calculated to mislead 

 the uninitiated in new enterprises, and ultimately blast the most san- 

 guine expectations of its friends. In discussion here, as elsewhere, 

 temperance, amenity, courtesy to opponents, should always charac- 

 terize deliberations; recollecting that ' error of opinion can be safely 

 tolerated, when reason is left free to combat it.' This was the mot- 

 to and the polar star, that guided the sage of Monticello in all his 

 brilliant career through life. It was applicable to him, and it is 

 equally so to us. Assertions are one thing, facts quite another. It 

 is the latter which this Society should seek to disseminate, if its 

 basis is to be permanent. On this foundation, we can notbutstandj 

 without it, our fall is inevitable. 



Of what is past, it is the duty of all not to rub the sore, but 

 simply to bring the healing plaster. Thus much I have thought it 

 necessary to say by way of exordium; and now to the subject, 

 straight. 



Before referring to the opinions and experience of others in the 

 growing of Dwarf Pears, I will call the attention of the Society 

 first, to those of my own. In The Cincinnatus, for September, I 

 have very briefly stated my views, which, claiming the indulgence of 

 members, will beg permission to read — at least, in part.* (See Cin- 

 cinnatua. for 1856, page 430.) 



Thus, you will not fail to see that John Jay Smith accords with 

 myself in the opinion that the man who undertakes to grow Dwarf 

 Pears, has got a world to do. Thus you will also observe that Dr. 

 J. M. Ward, one of the most extensive Pear culturists in America, 

 comes to the conclusion that to raise Pears on the Quince stock, a 

 man must, as it were, eat, drink, sleep and die with them. He must 

 have the patience of Job, the hundred eyes of Argus, and the hun- 

 dred hands of Briarius, to secure — what? why, simply a few 



* Vnrioiia refcrencos arc made in tliis artiole whii^h wove rrad 1)v Mr. Rtoms. Imt are 

 here omitted, for waut of room. Tlie reader is referred, however, to the several works 

 quoted from. 



