MAY. 101 



desirable variety ; the tree is hardy and productive, and will suc- 

 ceed well trained as pyramids or as open standards. As yet it is 

 but little known in this country ; and I am not aware if it was in- 

 troduced previous to 1846, at which time we received plants from 

 M. Dauvesse, Fruit Nurseryman, of Orleans. It was undoubtedly 

 raised by Van Mons, the noted Belgian Pomologist. 



26. Marie Louise. Fruit large, of a long ovate irregular figure, 

 a little flattened close to the eye, and obtuse-angled near the crown. 

 Skin brownish green at first, but changing as it ripens to a beautiful 

 golden yellow, dotted and mottled with russet on the exposed side. 

 Eye open, set in a shghtly plaited basin. Calyx short, pointed, and 

 erect. Stalk long, a little curved, moderately thick, and inserted at 

 times under a swollen lip, but generally in a small cavity. Flesh 

 yellowish-white, perfectly buttery, melting, and abounding in rich 

 vinous juice. The above description was taken from a fruit when in 

 perfection ; but unfavourable seasons as well as bad situations make 

 a great difference in its size and colour. It ripens in October ; but 

 its season may be prolonged for six weeks by gathering at diflferent 

 times. The fruit hangs well on the tree, and will be equally good 

 by so doing. The tree is hardy and fruitful, and bears well as a 

 standard in favourable seasons. It deserves an east or west wall, 

 where it is a constant bearer. This noble Belgian Pear is every 

 where held in high estimation ; it is one of the few varieties in which 

 large size, beauty, and all other good qualities are combined. 



27. Althorpe Crassane. Fruit middle-sized, roundish-obovate, 

 and regularly formed. Skin pale green mingled with russet, and 

 thickly dotted with brown specks, and tinged with brown on the 

 exposed side. Calyx moderately large. Eye narrow, slightly sunk. 

 Stalk about an inch long, curved, and inserted in a small even cavity. 



