APRIL. 



187 



has now been attempted, no doubt of their correctness has 

 been entertained. 



Some general remarks concerning a few varieties of pears 

 completes what is now to be offered concerning this fruit. 



The Boston pear was last year very fine, and the speci- 

 mens exhibited justified all that has before been said in its 

 favor. About this pear there has been a difference of opinion, 

 and among fruit growers some discussion ; arising, probably, 

 from the fact, that it has varied greatly in quality in different 

 years ; having been, when first exhibited, very excellent, then 

 for a year or two indifferent, while the past season it has 

 manifested its original superiority. No one has grown this 

 pear but the Messrs. Hovey, and it is but justice to give iheir 

 explanation of this difference in quality, which is, that the 

 first year the specimens exhibited were gathered from a strong 

 and established tree, while those subsequently shown, grew 

 upon weak trees in the nursery rows, until the past year, when 

 strong and well grown trees again produced fruit, and the 

 pears were excellent ; August. 



Langelier'' s Beurrc has now been fruited for four or five 

 years, and a Somewhat mature opinion can be formed con- 

 cerning it, and though it might not be, perhaps, safe to recom- 

 mend it for general and extensive cultivation until after further 

 trial, still, so far as individual experience will warrant a de- 

 cided opinion, it is altogether in its favor. Specimens were 

 produced last year in considerable quantity that were large, 

 very handsome, and excellent. It is a very sound fruit, does 

 not rot at the core, and keeps well ; season January, but may 

 be kept longer. Young trees do not set the fruit well, but 

 this is a defect that age will probably cure, for grafts set in 

 the top of old trees have been found to bear profusely, so as 

 to render severe thinning necessary. 



Doyenne Boussock gives indication of being adapted to 

 general cultivation ; its size and beauty render it a very 

 attractive fruit ; in order to be eaten in perfection it should 

 be gathered before fully ripe, when it seems more juicy and 

 to possess more flavor than when permitted to ripen on the 

 tree. M. Berckmans, now of New Jersey, states that this pear 



