MARCH. 



71 



PEARS. 



1. BEURRE AGUSTE BENOIST. 

 This valuable Beurre Pear is of recent introduction, and, according to a 

 report in the Revue Horticole, it is a chance seedling of French origin, 

 stated to have been discovered " growing in a hedge near Maine et 

 Loire," and named after the nurseryman by whom it was first propa- 

 gated. A short time ago we received fruit of this Pear from Mr. 

 Nicholson, of Egglescliffe, near Yarm, Yorkshire, from which the 

 accompanying outline and description were taken. We are informed 

 that Mr. Nicholson " received it from France inl848 ; and that the tree 

 is hardy and a free bearer when grown as a pyramid ; he considers it 

 the best anions all the varieties he cultivates." The fruit is of the 



first size, and even in outline ; skin pale yellowish green, overspread 

 with numerous grey specks, and flakes of cinnamon russet near the stalk 

 and apex ; and tinged with rich brownish red on the side exposed to 

 the sun ; altogether a very handsome fruit ; stalk three-fourths of an 



