62 AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



LEADING MARKET VARIETIES 

 Bartlett Leads 



This brief review of some of the characteristics of the leading market 

 varieties, is, as I have seen them in this section of the state, and when mar- 

 ket value is mentioned New York City Market is considered. In order 

 of importance and popularity of the higher grade of pears, the Bartlett easily 

 takes first rank commercially. Its good qualities are generally recognized 

 and need not be mentioned, but I will note some of its weak points in the 

 orchard. The tree seems to lack constitutional vigor owing probably 

 to its deficient root system. It has a great tendency to overload with fruit 

 and great susceptibility to the ravages of blight and Psylla when they are pre- 

 valent. With the careful cultivator some of these difficulties are ^overcome, 

 by others only partially so. 



Seckel : this ranks second in importance as a commercial fruit and is a 

 favorite with the fruit canning public, who appreciate quality. In marked 

 contrast with Bartlett it makes a strong vigorous tree, many old trees 

 reaching great size. In habit of bearing in the orchard it closely resembles 

 the Baldwin apple having pretty regularly its off seasons. I have found 

 by special heavy fertilization this is overcome to a large extent. My 

 experience with this variety in quite a large way leads me to the opinion 

 that it is not a great success on heavy clayey soils. I know of no variety so 

 susceptible to attacks of the codling moth as this owing to its habit of grow- 

 ing the fruit in clusters. 



Bosc : While this is an old variety, it has only recently assumed much 

 importance as a commercial sort. Its superior quality and attractive appear- 

 ance when in perfection are adding every year to its laurels in the markets. 

 The tree, being such a poor, irregular grower when young, almost necessitates 

 the top working on some strong growing sorts, will not succeed on Angouleme 

 with me and reports are also unfavorable when top worked on the Kieffer. I 

 have a few top worked on this, and so far are doing well too soon yet to form 

 an individual opinion. Under good care I find this variety fairly productive 

 but it is not a fruit for slipshod cultivators. After this variety reaches 

 some age the trees develop much vigor and great hardiness having passed 

 through last winter with little injury while adjacent Bartlett trees were 

 largely killed. 



Clapp : is practically the earliest maturing variety that growers are giv- 

 ing any attention to. Its great beauty added to its fairly good quality has 

 made it desirable for market purposes. A tendency to rot at the core if 

 left too long on the tree and great susceptibility of the tree to blight are its 

 only drawbacks. 



Clairgeau : is growing more in favor in the markets each recurring sea- 

 son while a pear of only fair quality in comparison with the Seckel and Bosc 

 its size and appearance count for much. When properly handled and 



