VAKIETIES. 215 



tincertain in this country, but as far as I can learn, its failure is 

 the result of neglect of tliinning and improper treatment in ripen- 

 ing. The French greatly excel us in both these processes, and 

 the imported pears of this variety are almost invariably fine. 



It should be understood and remembered that winter pears must 

 acquire a stock of more concentrated juice than the autumn or 

 summer varieties ; the sap must be richer in the sugar-producing 

 principle, and if more fruit is left on the tree than the roots and 

 leaves can supply with the necessary elements, the consequence is 

 apparent. Second, that all the juice contained in the fruit at the 

 time of picking, is necessary to complete the chemical change of 

 ripening, so that, in proportion as the fruit loses its water, its dry 

 elements lose their power of uniting and producing a high flavor. 

 From these facts, it will be perceived, that unless all the juice of 

 a winter pear is preserved by artificial means, it will be impossible 

 to ripen it with any degree of excellence, although the fruit is 

 medium sized, seldom reaching ten ounces. It has been sold in 

 New York as high as twelve dollars a dozen ; but the more ordi- 

 nary price for good specimens is three dollars per dozen. Its flesh 

 is white, and very juicy, buttery, and melting, when well ripened. 

 It is obtuse pyriform, often a little flattened, dark green, sometimes 

 reddened on the cheek, and acquiring but a faint yellow in ripen- 

 ing. It requires a longer season than that of the Eastern States 

 to come to highest perfection. Its season is March and April ; 

 occasionally May and June. The tree is a hardy, vigorous grower ; 

 bark, a peculiar reddish brown ; shoots, stocky, tending to upright 

 growth. It is well adapted to the Quince, on which it makes a 

 strong growth, with much improved fruit. 



My recent experience is, that the Doyenne d'Alenfon and Beurre 

 d'Hiver Nouveau will prove greatly superior to this for general 

 cultivation. But it is too early to speak decisively. 



