1887.] TRANSACTIONS. 15 



crop, coax or fertilize it as we may. Then we sow seed or plant 

 tubers brought from afar, and lo ! once more the earth gives 

 of her increase and the granger needs, and feels able to build, 

 another barn. Do varieties degenerate and disappear? The 

 continued existence of many to this day weiglis heavily in the 

 argument for the negative. Yet, from careless cultivation, or the 

 entire neglect of it, it is beyond dispute that many kinds become 

 scarce and finally cease to find favor because of the degeneration 

 from such treatment or rather abuse. Facts can be alleged iipon 

 either side of the contention. Let it be the aim and effort of this 

 Society, if varieties of approved excellence can be perpetuated by 

 diligence and proper treatment, to see that nothing is omitted 

 that may enure towards the accomplishment of that end. 



But, after all, — shall not old things pass away and all things 

 become new ? 



At the very last Exhibition which Mr. Joseph C. Lovell at- 

 tended, he concurred with your Secretary in the opinion that, of 

 all Pears of foreign origin and recent introduction, Ansault is 

 easily the best. It would appear designed to supply the place of 

 Belle Lucrative ; manifesting the same extreme fecundity, with 

 similar juiciness and a much higher flavor. Its season endures 

 for weeks and, taken all in all, it is a decided acquisition. As 

 much may be alleged of Dr. Reeder; — an older acquaintance, 

 whose surpassing excellence was especially evident, this last Au- 

 tumn. And it may be aj)propriate here, and in this connection, 

 to repeat the hope that Earle's Bergamot shall be disseminated 

 more widely. This local novelty commended itself to critical 

 judges, A. D. 1887, as never before. As the one Pear of pre- 

 eminent high quality, 



" Native here, 

 And to the manner born," 



it merits peculiar encouragement. As a memorial of that honor- 

 ed associate, whose whole life was a continuous service to this 

 Society, it ought to be more widely difl^used. Saved from extinc- 

 tion by a lucky chance; and propagated, at present, by a very 

 few; there is great danger that it may be utterly lost, unless its 

 scions are taken from the scant town gardens wherein it is now 

 appreciated and dispersed among the Pomologists of the County. 



