ESSEX SOCIETY. 83 



storms and high winds, by this method. Winter pears should 

 be allowed to remain on the tree as long as possible without 

 danger of injury from the frost, and when gathered should be 

 carefully packed and kept in a dry place. 



Varieties of the Pear. The varieties of the pear are almost 

 endless. New kinds are obtained by crossing, and in the gar- 

 den of the Horticultural Society at London, more than seven 

 hundred kinds have been proved. Most of these originated in 

 Belgium, although some of the finest, such as the Seckel, the 

 Dix, Buffam's, Dearborn's seedling and Andrew's pears, origin- 

 ated in this country. Many of the Belgian pears, which have 

 been cultivated with great success in that country, have not 

 been fully tested with us. The soil and climate have consid- 

 erable effect upon the quality of the pear. Varieties, which in 

 one soil and climate are superior, in another are secondary. 

 And of the pears which have been fully tested, it is impossible 

 to select a limited number which may be recommended as deci- 

 dedly superior, as the tastes of different individuals differ very 

 much in regard to this fruit. In conversation with a nursery- 

 man in Salem some weeks since, upon the comparative excel- 

 lence of the different varieties, he stated that, of the many varie- 

 ties in his nursery, he considered the Bartlett the most inferior. 

 Many others entertain the same opinion of this most popular and 

 excellent fruit. This difference of opinion is shown in the 

 replies made by different nurserymen to the inquiries which 

 have been made at different times, through the horticultural 

 papers, as to the best varieties for a small garden. There are 

 few who agree upon a selection. The best way for a person to 

 decide upon a selection is, to try for himself the different vari- 

 eties, and select according to his taste. 



