CLASSIFICATION OF PEARS. 205 



DIVISION III. WINTER PEAKS. 



Class I. Distinct pyriform. 



Section I. Large pears. 

 Section II. Medium in size. 

 Section III. Small. 



Class II. Obscure pyriform, obovate, or turbinate. 

 Section I. Large pears. . 

 Section II. Medium in size. 

 Section III. Small. 



Class IIL Roundish or oblate. 

 Section I. Large pears. 

 Section II. Medium in size. 

 Section III. Small. 



VARIETIES. 



The quality of pears is remarkably liable to change from 

 external causes. A difference in soil and cultivation exerts 

 so great an influence with many fine sorts, that while they 

 possess the highest flavor when growing on favorable ground 

 kept rich and mellow, they become greatly inferior or even 

 worthless in poor soil with neglected culture. Besides 

 these, there are other influences dependant on a change of 

 locality, all of which taken together, have contributed to the 

 great diversity of opinion which exists in relation to many 

 celebrated varieties. The experienced pomologist will hence 

 perceive the difficulty of weighing evidence for and against 

 the different sorts, and of expressing a degree of quality 

 that shall coincide with the opinions of all. 



It will be understood, that the quality given on the fol- 

 lowing pages, refers only to pears tested in this country. 

 Some European varieties, which maintain a high character 

 at home, prove of no value here. 



In describing pears, it may be well to repeat that the term 

 base applies in all cases to the part nearest the tree ; and 

 apex, to the part most remote. This is in accordance with 

 universal practice among eminent botanists. The apex is 

 usually termed the crown; and it is sufficiently evident 

 that the crown (upper portion or surmounting part,} cannot 

 at the same time be the base. 



