PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 311 



The fruit is below medium size, the larger specimens measuring 

 six inches in circumference, shape pyriform, tapering rapidly 

 toward the stem end; calix shallow inserted in a regular basin; 

 skin thick, inclined to golden russet. The pears are in good per- 

 fection now (Christmas), and Mr. Quinn thinks its season is from 

 the first of November to the middle of January with ordinary 

 care. They are rich and juicy, free from grits, and in flavor and 

 aroma, occupy the first rank. It is, in fact, a \\ inter Seckel; and 

 if on trial it shall prove adapted to our climate, it will be a very 

 valuable acquisition to our winter pears." 



Mr. Quinn objected to the motion to rescend a part of the name, 

 inasmuch as he was not the originator of the pear, but only the 

 cultivator of the tree. He desired to retain the original name — 

 Quinn Knight's Seedling. 



Mr. N. C. Meeker said he was decidedly' in favor of short names 

 for pears. A great many people dare not sometimes pronounce 

 the long names for pears, because they are so hard. 



It was then voted that the pear be called the "Quinn" pear. 



Mr. Solon Robinson said he thought it the best winter pear that 

 has ever been exhibited at this club. A few specimens were dis- 

 tributed, which were really delicious. 



Blackberries. 



Mr. S. R. Richardson, Newfane, Niagara county, N. Y.: "Do 

 Dorchester blackberry plants winter kill as badly as the Lawton?" 



Mr. Solon Robinson. — No. They originated at Dorchester, Mass., 

 near Boston, where they are perfectly hardy, and where Lawtons 

 are not. As far north as Niagara county they should be protec- 

 ted by covering Avith straw or cornstalks. 



Dr. Peck. — The Dorchester is entirely hardy with me at Croton, 

 is not so productive as Lawton, but far superior. 



Mr. N. C. Meeker thinks the Lawton the poorest sort grown. 

 There are wild sorts far superior. Some of the best of them ought 

 to be cultivated. 



Mr. Solon Robinson, said some of the best of them had been — 

 that is, the Lawton and Kittatinny. 



Dr. Sylvester thought nothing could excel the Lawton in ex- 

 cellence when perfectly ripe. 



Dr. Hexamer said that when perfectly ripe it cannot be sent to 

 market, and that is the difficulty with all wild sorts I have ever 



