FOR MARKET CULTIVATION ON PEAR. 199 



growth is upright, not unlike the Dix, shoots strong and vigorous, 

 of a yellowish brown. The tree is hardy, grows rapidly, and is 

 very productive. On account of the long slim stem, and the weight 

 of the pears, they are liable to be blown off, before maturing, by 

 high winds. The trees should, consequently, be trained low. 



The fruit is large, obovate pyriform, but broadest in the centre. 

 The skin is quite smooth, of a dusky green before ripening, after- 

 wards of a greenish yellow, and often golden. Stem set somewhat 

 to one side. 



The fruit is very juicy, of rich, pleasant flavor, when well ripened 

 — requiring less care in ripening than most others, and although 

 not melting, and often coarse, is still one of the best market varie- 

 ties. Its keeping qualities constitute an important excellence. I 

 have seen this fruit in the windows of fruit-shops as late as the 

 middle of January, ripening up to nearly first-rate flavor without 

 care. 



It is a favorite with marketmen, on account of remaining so 

 long in perfection, its freedom from rot, its fair skin, and the high 

 price obtained for it near the holidays. At that season, it is often 

 sold for two dollars per dozen. While there are many winter 

 pears of higher quality, the Columbia has hitherto stood the 

 strong test of pecuniary profit, under which better fruits have 

 entirely failed. 



