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as guests of the associated Societies, to a banqviet on the same day, at the Hotel 

 d' Albion, to coiniiiemorate the holding at Rouen of the 26th Session of the Pomo- 

 logical Society of Fi-ance. Between 50 and 60 of the most eminent pomologists of 

 France assembled on the occasion, and partook of a very rechercM entertainment. 



In answer to the healtli of the delegates, who were seated in the highest 

 places, Dr. Bull returned thanks in a long and able speech in the French language, 

 which met with the most enthusiastic reception. The Frenchmen rose and cheered 

 again and again, and such a clinking of glasses has rarely been heard. Dr. Bull, 

 under much pressure, was compelled to promise that a copy of the speech should 

 be supplied for publication in the transactions of the Societies. The whole 

 proceeding was highly interesting and enlivening. The English dessert and 

 culinary apples and pears were set out in the Central Hall of the Hotel des 

 Societies Savantes, and made a most imposing appearance. Those of France were 

 placed on a corresponding table, but in very many instances one or two apples 

 only were shown on a plate, whereas the English plates were laden with the large 

 and exquisitely coloured products of Herefordshire, from the gardens of Stoke 

 Edith Park, Holme Lacy, Thing-hill, and many other places. From the moment 

 they were exposed the result was beyond doubt, and the reward made by the 

 judges of a gold medal — the highest prize they could offer — was a satisfactory 

 recognition of the excellence of the collection. Of the grapes, from Mr. Coleman, 

 of Eastnor, it is enough to say they were in his customary form, and took the 

 highest prize awarded for produce of the vine— a large silver medal. They were 

 shown in the best possible condition, without the removal of a particle of bloom. 



The French were stronger in vintage fruits than in the other classes. One 

 exhibitor showed 200 varieties, and others 150, 130, and so on. Here the Here- 

 fordshire exhibit was smaller than it should have been, in consequence of the fruit 

 having been sent late, but the apples and pears shown were of the choicest quality 

 and the judges could not but be aware of their special value. Very few perry pears 

 were exhibited, and those not alone, but in conjunction with apples. The Enghsh 

 perry pears were immeasurably superior to their Norman sisters. There were 

 forty of the very best varieties, and cleaner, better grown examples, were never 

 seen. The choicest of these were produced by Mr. William Smith, of Much 

 Marcle, comprising Squash pear, Oldfield, Moorcroft, Longland, Barland, and 

 other varieties, in prime condition. Messrs. John and William Pope, of Marcle, 

 also sent valuable contributions. Mr. George Best, of Hill Top, Ledbury, 

 provided several choice sorts, and amongst them the "Rock Pear," which origin- 

 ated at Pendock, in Worcestershire, nearly 100 years ago, but has only recently 

 been brought into general notice by means of The Herefordshire Pomona. Grafts 

 of this special variety were obtained last year from Pendock and " The Berrow," 

 in the belief that it had never before been cultivated on the western side of the 

 Malvern Range, but those who are curious on the subject may rely with safety 

 upon grafts obtained from the Hill Top. Persons old enough to remember Mr. 

 Samuel Higgins, who owned and occupied that farm 50 years ago, will give him 

 the credit of having first brought this peculiar and valuable variety into Hereford- 

 shire. Mr. W. S. Lane, of Bosbury Farm, produced fine examples. Dymock 



