PEARS. 81 



Dix. This fine pear originated in the garden 

 of Mrs. Dix, in Boston ; the size is large, oblong, 

 tapering gently from the blossom end to the stem, 

 which is short; the skin, when ripe, is yellow, 

 sometimes with a blush of red on the side ex- 

 posed to the sun ; the flesh melting, juicy, and 

 very rich, with a high and most agreeable flavor. 

 In perfection during the months of October and 

 November. The tree is of slow growth, the 

 wood small and thorny ; it grows to large size 

 before bearing; it then produces plentifully. M. 



[A remarkably handsome growing tree, bark very 

 smooth and healthy, the fruit in some situations and sea- 

 sons inclined to crack. It is, notwithstanding, one of the 

 most popular native pears of Massachusetts. The fruit 

 was fair with us in 1845.] 



Harvard. This pear originated in Cam- 

 bridge, Mass. The size is large, the form ob- 

 long, contracted in the middle, diminishing to an 

 obtuse point to the stem, which is inserted in a 

 small cavity ; the skin is of a dull russety yellow, 

 sometimes nearly covered with brownish red; 

 the flesh white, juicy, and fine, but subject to rot 

 at the core, which is its only defect. The tree 

 is uncommonly strong and upright in its growth ; 

 it attains a large size before producing fruit ; it is 

 then a great bearer. Ripe in September and 

 October. M. 



[This is a popular pear in the Boston Market, where it 

 is called the " Epargne ; " it is a profitable fruit for cultiva- 

 tion, although occasionally rotting at the core.] 



Bleeker's Meadow. A native fruit from New 

 York ; the size is small, the form round, some- 

 what flat ; the skin, when fully ripe, is yellow ; 

 the flesh yellow, melting, juicy, and high flavored. 



