240 



PEAR GROWING IN CALIFORNIA. 



contract it. The Bartlett originated in England, where it was 

 named William's Bon Chretien and where it is still known by that 

 name. Downing, in his "Fruit Trees of America" states: "When first 

 introduced to this country its name was lost and, having been culti- 

 vated and disseminated by Enoch Bartlett, Esquire, of Dorchester near 

 Boston, it became so universally known as the Bartlett pear that it is 

 impossible to dispossess it now." 



The fruit is large, attaining on an average 2| inches at the time of 

 picking. The color is light yellow, with a beautiful red blush when 

 grown under conditions favorable to coloring. The mountain counties 

 of the state favor the coloring of Bartletts and many beautiful speci- 

 mens are grown in higher altitudes as in the pear-growing sections of 

 Lake, Nevada, Placer and El Dorado counties. Ordinarily, Bartlett has 

 a clear, smooth skin but when grown under certain conditions it is 



^^2- 



Fig 10. Leaf of Bartlett. 



Fig. 11. Bartlett 



sometimes irregular and roughened. In sections of high wind and 

 extremes of temperature it becomes misshapen. The quality of such 

 fruit may be fine and may compare very well with that grown under the 

 most favorable conditions. In shape it is obtuse pyriform. Calyx open 

 or partly closed. Basin shallow and slightly irregular. Stem quite 

 heavy; average length about 1 inch. Cavity small and regular. Few 

 pears possess a finer texture or better quality. It is sweet, juicy. 



