PEAR GROWING IN CALIFORNIA. 



273 



Seckel. 



Origin Pennsylvania. Size small. Color reddish brown with russet 

 and red cheek. Shape obovate. Calyx open. Basin small and shallow. 

 Stem short and heavy, about f inch. Cavity small. Quality best. 

 Flesh fine grained, sweet and buttery. Downing in his "Fruits and 

 Fruit Trees of America" states: "We do not hesitate to pronounce 

 this American pear the richest and most exquisitely flavored variety 

 known. In its highly concentrated, spicy and honeyed flavor it is not 

 surpassed, nor indeed equaled, by any European variety." When 

 shipped from Sacramento Valley usually sells well $1.75 to $2.00 per 

 - box (25 pounds). 



The tree is very hardy and a heavy bearer of clustered fruits. It is 

 not grown in large commercial plantings in this state because of its 

 small size, and early ripening characteristics. It is an early fall pear 

 and every orchardist should have at least one tree in his home orchard. 



FIG. 82. Leaf of Seckel. 



FIG. 83. Seckel. 



Sheldon. 







Origin New York. Medium or large, roundish, obtuse obovate ; skin 

 greenish yellow, covered with thin russet, a little brownish crimson 

 with russet dots on exposed side ; stalk short, stout ; cavity deep ; calyx 

 open. Flesh whitish, sweet, very juicy, melting, vinous, texture rather 

 coarse ; very good ; October. Tree vigorous ; it requires double working 

 on quince. (Description by Brackett.) 1 



1 "The Pear and How to Grow It.' 

 Agriculture. 



Farmers' Bulletin 482. U. S. Department of 



66 



