Frankford Pear.— Specimens of this new variety were received from Mr. 

 Robert Cornelius, who procured them from a grafted tree on the premises of Mr. 



Frankford, Oct. 29. 



Frankford, Nov. 14. 



Eli Merkins, a mile and a quarter from Frankford, Philadelphia. The seedling 

 from which the grafts were obtained, Mr. Merkins found, four years ago, growing 

 on the bank of Frankford Creek, near the bridge, and having on it three or four 

 pears. The following year, he again saw it in fruit, and found the specimens of 

 so good a quality, that he determined to remove the tree to his own premises. 

 This he accomplished at the proper season, taking the precaution, at the same 

 time, to insert several grafts from it into a large, white Doyenne that stood on his 

 grounds. The original tree perished, but, fortunately, the grafts succeeded, and 

 from them were produced the specimens examined by the Committee. 



Size, medium, 2;^ inches long by 2 and 5-16ths broad. Form, roundish, some- 

 times inclining to pyriform, not unfrequently obovate. Skin, yellow, containing 

 many russet dots, especially towards the crown, and having, occasionally, a faint 

 blush on the part exposed to the sun. Stem, usually about thirteen-sixteenths of an 

 inch long by one-sixth thick, sometimes short, thick, and fleshy, at its termination ; 

 inserted in a small cavity. Calyx, medium, open ; set in a shallow, moderately 

 wide basin. Core, medium. Seed, generally abortive ; when perfect it is ovate, 

 dark brown, an angle at the obtuse end, plump, three-eighths of an inch long, 

 one-fifth wide, one-seventh thick. Flesh, fine texture, and buttery. Flavor, ex- 

 ceedingly rich, with a delicious aroma. Quality, "best." Maturity, November. 



This new native Pear is a decided acquisition, and, as soon as its value becomes 

 known to the pomological community, it will be extensively cultivated. One 

 specimen was examined on the 29th of October, and was pronounced "very good." 

 But, on the 14th of November, when it attained its full maturity, there was no 

 hesitation in placing it among the "best." Its original locality, in Frankford, 

 was in the immediate vicinity of the place of origin of the " Philadelphia" Pear. 



Wilmington Pear (1847, E. 1). — The Wilmington is a seedling of the Passe 

 Colmar, raised from seed planted by the undersigned in 1847, and grafted 

 quince in 1850. This grafted tree fruited for the first time in 1855, and 



