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),HIS is a question that can not be answered properly in a 

 ' * few words, yet we are over and over again requested to 

 answer it within the limits of a brief letter. We propose, 

 therefore, to devote a short chapter to the subject now, in 

 order to avoid the necessity of frequent and unsatisfactory 

 replies hereafter. 



Looking at the question in the abstract, we can say, with- 

 out the slightest hesitation, that Pear culture, for market, 

 is profitable. Land of the finest quality for the purpose, 

 situated in the finest fruit-growing districts of the United 

 States, and of easy access to the best markets, can be purchased for Jlfti/ to one hun- 

 dred dollars per acre — varying with the value of the improvements, in the way of 

 buildings, condition of the land, contiguity to railway stations, &c. This is one great 

 point settled, — good cheap land, in a favorable chmate, and all desirable facilities for 

 marketing the crops at any season of the year. 



As to the prices of Pears, we need say but little ; they are so high as to be the sub- 

 ject of general remark. In our most abundant Pear month of all the year, October, 

 good Pears, such as Virgalieus, sell readily at Rochester, in the orchard^ at five dollars 

 per bushel, and in New York for nearly twice as much. A few days ago, Messrs. 

 Curtis & Lincoln, of Boston, sent us a small box of Easter Beurres which, as they 

 stated, sell readily in Boston at two to five dollars per dozen. And it is well known 

 that Pear-culture around Boston is, and has for years been, a sort of speciality with 

 nearly every man who has land that Pear trees can be grown upon. Neither is it at 

 all likely that prices will come down to a low figure in a great length of time ; for the 

 population, wealth, taste, and luxurious habits of living, are all increasing at such a 

 rapid rate in every city, town, and village, in the country, that no moderate extension 

 of culture can possibly keep pace.* Then it takes at least twelve or fifteen years to 

 bring Pears on Pear stocks to that condition when their fruit may be taken into 

 account. It is perfectly safe, therefore, to assume that Pear-culture is not only profita- 

 ble at present, but is likely to remain so for — we can not say how long. 



It is altogether unnecessary to enter into any calculations respecting the cost of 

 establishing and keeping orchards, or the probable produce of trees at a given age. 

 This has often been done alreadj', and the results, however they might vary according 

 to circumstances, have invariably been encouraging to the planter. Our principal 



* Previous to ISSO, the population of New York increased in five years, 144,4nr); Boston, 22,500 ; Philadelphia, in 

 ten years, 150,725; Baltimore, in five years, Cf),T41 ; Brooklyn, in five years, 37,272; Williamsburg, in five years, 

 11,138. Between IS.'iit and 1S.")5, the increase has undoubtedly been still greater in proportion. The interior cities 

 and villages, as well as the rural districts, are increasing in population at an amazing rale. Cincinnati, in ten years, 

 between 1S40 and lS5(t, increased 72,Ono ; and in the same period Milwaukie sprung up from 1,000 to 20,00(1, and 

 Chicago from 4,000 to 30,000. See how new States grow up, like Minnesota and Kansas, in a few years, without a 

 bearing fruit tree. 



Ai'EiL 1, 1855. 



D 1 



ho. IV. 



