VAN ABSCHE PEAR. 



countrymen will turn their attention seriously to this suLject, we have no doubt but 

 thiit tliev -Nvill work out a system as well adapted to their wants as the French marai- 

 chcrs (market gardeners) find this is to theirs. 



A correspondent who has given considerable attention to this subject, has promised 

 to communicate to us soon the result of his investigations ; and we solicit others who 

 may have experience in these matters to add their mite, for we regard the subject as 

 a most important one, lying at the bottom of wliatevcr improvement we hope to 

 accomplish. 



«-•-» 



THE VAN ASSCHE TEAR.* 



Stnonyms: Vail Assenc, Vanacssi, Van Asshe. 



Within the past ten or fifteen years an immense number of foreign varieties of pears 

 have been imported. Although much is said against the multiplication of sorts, and 

 long catalogues, yet it can not be denied that these extensive importations and experi- 

 ments have rendered important service to fruit culture in this country ; and those who 

 have conducted these experiments at the sacrifice of great cost and labor, and with such 

 patience and perseverance, deserve the thanks of every man who wishes the advance- 

 ment of this great branch of horticulture. We grant that many have proved to be 

 nothing above mediocrity ; many, too, have proved worthless ; but a very considerable 

 number of great excellence have been obtained, and have greatly augmented and 

 enriched the resources of fruit growers. Look at the Beurre (TAnjou^ Belle Lucra- 

 tive, Doyenne Boussock, Rostiezer, Doyenne d'Ete, Beurre Giffart, and many others 

 we might name. If only the three first named varieties had been received, they 

 Avould in our opinion have been a very fair compensation for all that has been done. 

 We remarked often last summer, during the period when the Doyenne cfEte was in 

 eating, that it alone was sutBcient to recompense us for years of research and trial, 

 and that it was really worth thousands of dollars to this country. We have not done. 

 In fact we are but beginning to realize. In the great collections of Wilder, IIovey, 

 Walker, Cabot, and other great cultivators, there are more Beurre cTAnjous and 

 Doyenne Boussocks. Look at the list of those that "promise well," which Col. 

 Wilder has given us, from his own experience, in the last and present numbers of the 

 Horticulturist, and say whether it would be well to relax our efforts, or cry down 

 such a commendable spirit of enterprize. No ! no I Encourage it, rather ; but, let 

 all who wish to tread 07i firm footing, cultivate only well 2^'i'ovcd sorts, and the long 

 catalogues will do them no harm. The wheat has already been sifted from the chafi' 

 to such an extent as to form a pretty reliable guide. We trust that neither our words 

 nor our motives will be misunderstood. We are of those who believe we have not 

 attained perfection ; we go for progress. 



The Van Assche pear, it will bo seen by reference to the transactions of the " Amer- 

 ican Pomogical Society," is classed with "New varieties which promise well." 



* Bee Frontispiece 



