PEAR GROWING IN CALIFORNIA. 



240 



FIG. 26. Heavy load of fruit on A. J. Cook (new variety) in 1916. 

 Photo by J. E. Hassler. 



approximately 400 pounds of fruit and again in 1917 about the same 

 amount. Fig. 26 shows the large crop of 1916. The heavily laden 

 branches had to be propped and testify to the f ruitfulness of the variety. 



NAME. 



The name A. J. Cook was given to this new pear by Mr. A. L. Wisker 

 at the suggestion of Mr. Hassler, a firm friend of the late State Commis- 

 sioner of Horticulture, who frequently visited the beautiful Hassler 

 ranch, and who took a keen interest in the horticultural development 

 of the place. Mr. Wisker was the first man to propagate this variety, 

 and in fact as far as the writer is aware, is the only one in California 

 at the present time who has the trees growing in his nursery. The 

 description was published in a price list of the Loma Rica Nurseries 

 in 1916. 



DESCRIPTION OF FRUIT. 



Size medium to large; surface somewhat warty or irregular. Color 

 yellow like Bartlett, often with beautiful red blush. Skin smooth 

 and shiny, with little russet. Shape obtuse, pyriform, variable. Some 

 specimens are shaped almost exactly like Bartlett, others resemble 

 Winter Nelis. There is a characteristic fleshy projection, frequently 

 covering the cavity, the stem being attached at right angles as in Fig. 30. 



