NOVEMBER. 253 



nearly erect, widely separated. The ground-colour of the skin is 

 yellow; but generally it is nearly covered with dark-brown russet, 

 and often there are many black specks in the cuticle. Flesh whitish, 

 rather coarse in appearance, but buttery, juicy, and very good, al- 

 though the flavour is slightly musky. Eatable in the end of Octo- 

 ber and November. This handsome and valuable Pear has the ad- 

 ditional merit of being a free bearer, and in the vicinity of London 

 succeeds well on standard trees, from which the fruit is better fla- 

 voured than when grown against a wall ; although in the northern 

 counties an east or a west wall would no doubt be necessary. 



J. B. WniTiNG. 



SCOTTISH PANSY SOCIETY. 



The seventh committee-meeting of this society was held at Falkirk, 

 this year, for the purpose of examining the merits of seedlings 

 raised by members in 1851. There was a numerous display of new 

 flowers, evincing a growing determination to bring the Pansy to the 

 highest state of perfection. The committee awarded first-class cer- 

 tificates to four flowers, three of which were produced by Messrs. 

 Dickson and Co., Edinburgh, and the other by Mr. Finlayson of 

 Kincardine. 



These were. Count de Flahault (Finlayson), a yellow-ground 

 flower, with dark maroon belt and top petals, large, and of a rich 

 velvety texture, very fine form, and smooth outline. Will be a fine 

 show-flow^er. 



Sovereign (Dickson and Co.), a yellow self, with large and very 

 dark blotch in centre. 



Etna (Dickson and Co.), also a yellow self, with a beautiful 

 blotch of deep sienna. On comparing these with the best of the 

 class (yellow selfs) in cultivation, they were unanimously considered 

 far superior. 



Miss Talbot (Dickson and Co.), a pure white-ground flower, with 

 deep purple belting and top petals, blotch large and dark, fine form 

 and texture. 



There was another flower, named Miriam, in Dickson and Co.'s 

 stands, particularly noticed, and doubtless very fine ; but being in 

 bad condition, the committee delayed giving a decisive opinion on it 

 till seen in a good state. 



There were a number of seedlings sent by Mr. Whamont, Ar- 

 broath, but unfortunately so much injured in carriage that no de- 

 cided opinion could be given. One variety in Mr. Whamont's col- 

 lection, named Jane, attracted the particular notice of the committee, 

 and which they unanimously recommended to be brought forward 

 again . 



Amongst other flowers forwarded by Mr. Gowanlock of Perth, 

 but also much injured in carriage through post, there was a white- 

 ground flower, with bluish purple belting and top j^etals. The com- 

 mittee were of opinion that, had this flower been in good condition, 



