THE PEAR 157 



We must not press this point too far, however, 

 for the plum seed also dies if dried ; yet the plum 

 came to America in prehistoric times along with 

 the apple. And, for that matter, we shall see 

 elsewhere that there is another possible interpre- 

 tation of the story of the prehistoric migrations 

 of the trees. 



Be all that as it may, the pear retains to this 

 day evidence of the inherent need, in the interest 

 of its race, that the seeds borne at the heart of 

 its fruit shall be preserved in a moist condition. 



The skin of the pear, except in the most re- 

 cently modified varieties, is firm and thick. It is 

 of a green or mottled yellow color calculated to 

 protect it from the observant eyes of birds and 

 animals rather than to attract them. It has been 

 assumed that the eatable pulp that surrounds the 

 seed was designed by nature that is to say, de- 

 veloped through natural selection for the pur- 

 pose of attracting animals and birds, that these 

 creatures may aid in disseminating the seed. 



But the case of the pear, in common with that 

 of the wild crab apple, suggests that the chief 

 purpose of the fruit pulp is to keep the seeds 

 moist until the season for growth arrives. As a 

 further aid to this, and in token of the moisture- 

 loving quality of its seeds, the skin of most wild 

 pears has a granular or even gritty texture. 



