PAET Yin.— YAPJETIES. 



COi^DITIONS WHICH AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE FEUIT. 



Great diversity of opinion prevails in regard to the excellence of 

 every variety of the Pear. This arises from the diflerent character- 

 istics of the fruit when modified by circumstances. Some of the 

 conditions unfavorable to the proper development of the fruit are : 



First. The fruit of some varieties is small, astringent and 

 insipid, while the trees are young, but large, delicious, and high- 

 flavored, when the trees become older. 



Second. The fruit may have remained too long upon the tree. 

 Many kinds are- nearly worthless unless picked as soon as the stem 

 will cleave easily from the spur without breaking, and ripened 

 with protection from the air and light. They then become nearly 

 perfect. 



Third. Some varieties are only second-rate when grown on the 

 pear stock, but when grown on the Quince, are ranked as high as 

 " best." 



Fourth. Soils have great influence on the quality of Pears ; 

 incompatibility of soil often ruining the fruit of the best varieties. 



Thus, from lack of knowledge of these conditions, many falla- 

 cious opinions have been formed, and much disappointment has 

 followed the attempts to cultivate varieties which, though •• first 

 rate" in their original position, in other places do not find their 

 special requirements. 



TERMS KELATING TO THE QrALrTT, SHAPE, &C. 



Best, Pears that are of fine texture, melting, very juicy, and 

 high flavored, and the term is applied only to those that possess 

 all the qualities denoted by buttery, melting, juicy, and high- 

 flavored. 



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