42 THEDIXPEAR. 



by the alterations made in the neighboring land. The widow of the late 

 Rev. Dr. Harris, who was the daughter of Madam Dix, states that it first 

 sprung up in the shrubbery of the garden, and was supposed to have been 

 a cross between the Bon Chretien, the St. Germain, or the White Doyenne, 

 these varieties having been cultivated in this as well as in the adjoining 

 gardens. The tree did not come into bearing until after the death of her 

 father, Dr. Dix, which occurred in 1809. 



It is hardy, but does not make a rapid growth, and although it does not 

 come into bearing until it has attained a considerable size, yet the crop is 

 generally certain and abundant. The young branches are slender, and the 

 sterile spurs often armed with thorns, being an approach to the pear in its 

 pristine state. With good cultivation it forms a thick head, but has a 

 tendency to throw up long straight shoots from the centre of the tree, 

 which require thinning out. It begins to bear when about fifteen years old, 

 and although in some soils the fruit is liable to crack, it is deservedly a 

 favorite pear among cultivators. When grafted on old trees it will often 

 come sooner into bearing. 



