STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 1 37 



Mr. PhinnEy : I cannot say that I feel entirely satisfied with 

 them now. I think it very essential to remove the tops, espe- 

 cially of the Northern Spies. This should be done gradually. 



Mr. MerriIvIv: Did I understand Prof. Munson to say that 

 one should not prune with an axe? 



Prof. Munson : I do not know that I did ray so, but I do 

 say so now. Use a saw, .then you are not so likely to do harm 

 to the tree. Make two cuts, one at least a foot from the trunk, 

 then one close to the trunk. This will prevent splitting. 



PEAR CULTURE— A DISCUSSION. 



D. P. True : Bartlett pears have not been raised successfully 

 here. 



Iv. GuRNEY : I raise good Bartletts. 



Prof. Munson : You must be on high ground. 



Mr. Gurney: How about the Lawrence? I have raised 

 some fine Lawrences and think them a good winter pear. 



D. P. True : Some like the Lawrence and in certain localities 

 it does very well. The only two winter pears which I have 

 found any good, however, are the Beurre de Anjou and Vicar 

 of Winkfield. These I have had great success with and know, 

 in my experience, are the best. 



C. S. Phinney: What kind of soil is best for pear trees, the 

 same as for apple trees, rocky soil, or clayey soil ? 



D. P. True : I should say the rocky soil would be the best. 

 J. W. True : Have you had much success with the Flemish 



Beauty ? 



D. P. True: I have had a few trees and raised some fine 

 fruit. 



J. W. True : Has spraying prevented cracking, in this 

 variety ? 



D. P. True : I sprayed my Flemish Beauties in the spring 

 and had no cracks. I can't say whether the result was due to 

 spraying or not. 



J. W. True: Did the Flemish Beauties russet? 



D. P. True : No, they were fair and red-cheeked. 



E. W. WoosTER : Were you ever troubled with pear blight ; 

 that is, about June have your trees turn brown, then black, 

 then died altogether ? 



