10 Feb., 1919.] 



Pear Growing in Victoria. 



85 



generally larger at tlie basal end than one which is the result of self- 

 pollination. 



Pears borne on young, vigorous, or heavily-pruned trees are apt to 

 be coarse, and deviate from true shape. Pear scab, frost, &;c., also have 

 a direct influence on shape of fruit, often causing distortions. 



Hardiness of the Pear Tree. 



One of the most prominent features of the pear tree is its power 

 of resistance to adverse growing conditions, such as bad drainage, harsh 



Plate No. 7. — Williams Bon Chretien. 

 (Obtuse pyriform, broad at base, tapering bluntly towards stem.) 



soil conditions, drought, and even general neglect. It is not unusual 

 for old pear trees to grow, and even thrive, under conditions of the 

 most unfavorable kind — conditions which have long since brought about 

 the untimely death of apple and other trees. In fact, pear trees are 

 often seen growing vigorously in the back yards of city dwellings, 



