:==Lqy:rr0X 



8JIELD0N PEAR. 



tributed others. They have, bo far ns I know, all proved fine., even tlie imperfect ones, 

 which lajit I esteem a very desirable trait — if it is a trait — so many of o\ir peiirs fail in this 

 rei?pect. As I expected, the fruit from No. 1 was best ; bnt tlie others were so nearly cxjual, 

 and so similar in llavor, that I feci quite disposed to doubt their seedling origin and hold to 

 the belief that nature has not gone so far out of her usual course as to produce several such 

 excellent fruits from so small a number of seeds, and these all alike ; besides, there is said 

 to be more In the vicinity, from tlie same lot, just as good and just like thera, ripening at 

 the same period, and all large, bearing trees, i)roducuig from sis to twelve bushels of fruit 

 each. Tins is hard to believe, even with good evidence. 



" My observation of these bearing trees led mo to form a very favorable opinion of its 

 vigor, hardiness, and productiveness ; and as I am partial to its high ilavor, and exceeding 

 juiceness, you may suppose tliat I hope to see it fairly proved and generally known." 



Our opinion, as to tlie quality of this variety, coincides with that of Mr. Hooker. 

 If it prove as fine always, and in other places, as we have so far seen it here, it will 

 rank as " best." It has been pretty widely disseminated for trial and we hope soon 

 to hear a good account of it. 



Fruit — medium, or rather above medium size ; the outline, and engraving, are 

 from average specimens. Form — generally roundish, but varying much ; some- 

 times quite round, others obovate 

 or inclining to oval; some taper 

 to a point at the stalk, and others 

 are as broad at the stalk as at the 

 eye. Stalk — short, sometimes set 

 on the surfoce, but generally sunk 

 slightly, as in the outline. Calyx 

 — medium size, in a smooth, round, 

 rather shallow basin. Skin — 

 smooth, usually of a greenish rus- 

 set ; some specimens are tinted 

 with light red on the sunny side, 

 "some slightly bronzed, and others 

 without any color. Mr. Hooker 

 found all on one tree colored, and 

 the specimen from which our col- 

 ored drawing was taken, had, as 

 represented, a rich dash of red on 

 the sunny side. Flesh — remark- 

 ably melting and juicy, sugary and 

 rich, with a sprightly and peculiar 

 flavor that is totally distinct from all other pears we have tasted. It is rather gritty at 

 the core, and ripens and keeps remarkably well in the house. Tree — erect in its habit, 

 with light yellowish shoots and prominent buds, much like the wood of the Oswego 

 Beurre. It is hardy and a good bearer, but so far has not succeeded v;ell on the quince, 



THE SUELUON PEAR. 



