8o The Saui Brozvn Pear. 



Mr. Brown was very fond of cultivating choice fruit for his own use, 

 and many years ago was attracted by the appearance of a small pear 

 tree growing where, several years before, there had been a camp-meet- 

 ing held in that county. He took the tree up, and planted it at his 

 place, where it bore after many years. The fruit is known to but few, 

 perhaps now only to the family of the late Dr. Richard G. Stockett, of 

 Howard County, and to my family, where it is very highly esteemed. 

 The tree is a free grower, an early and regular bearer, and free from 

 blight. The fruit is well flavored, delicate, juicy, and melting." 



Our description, made from the specimen figured, is as follows : Fruit 

 large, roundish, a little irregular. Stem hardly half an inch in length, 

 of medium thickness, in a deep, narrow basin. Calyx of medium size 

 or small, partially open, segments standing out ; basin deep, narrow, 

 and even, russeted within. Skin dull yellowish-green, in part covered 

 with thin smooth russet ; in others, and especially towards the sun, 

 clouded, traced, and speckled with the same. Core small, seeds black, 

 or very dark brown, uncommonly broad, plump, and " chunky." Flesh 

 white, rather coarse, a little gritty at the core, melting, very juicy and 

 sprightly, resembling that old favorite the Brown Beuno in flavor, and 

 decidedly of first quality. The general external appearance is much 

 like that of the Merriam pear. Ripe about the middle of September. 



GATHERING APPLES AND PEARS. 



The caution cannot be too often repeated to gather all kinds of fruit with 

 the utmost care, so as to avoid bruising ; for it is sure to rot first wherever 

 bruised, though only in the slightest degree. A good rule for gathering 

 pears is to pick them as soon as the first sound pears, free from worms, 

 begin to drop. They cannot be picked too soon after this. The only ex- 

 ception is the Rostiezer, which must be allowed to ripen on the tree to be 

 eaten in perfection. Some of the best early apples, such as the Harvest, 

 Williams, and Gravenstein, attain their highest excellence only on the tree; 

 and the best growers place soft hay on the ground around the tree, and 

 permit the apples to drop on it. 



