1897.] ESSAYS. 23 



set, origin Actou, Mass., is the most attractive of any of the russet 

 varieties. Jacob's Sweet, origin Medford, Mass., a verj' large, 

 handsome Sweet, recommended by the National Pomological Society. 



Very little that is new can be said, either of the varieties or the 

 cultivation of the Pear. More efficient work for the benefit of the 

 growers of this fruit has been in weeding out undesirable and unprofit- 

 able varieties. The public are largely indebted to Marshall P. Wilder 

 and C. M. Hovey for their long continued effort in testing the differ- 

 ent varieties of the pear. Col. Wilder showed at one exhibition in 

 Boston four hundred and seventeen varieties, and Mr. Hovey at the 

 same exhibition more than three hundred ; the former being asked 

 how many of his varieties he would recommend his friends to grow, 

 replied "not more than ten." 



To those intending to set out young trees of this fruit and desiring 

 information as to varieties, I would recommend that they attend the 

 exhibitions in Boston or of this Society, also consult the prize 

 schedules of the two societies. Those schedules are believed to con- 

 tain the names of all the varieties at present desirable for general 

 cultivation ; and it will be found that the prizes are graded, the higher 

 and larger number being offered for those varieties considered the 

 most desirable. 



It may be desirable to grow a limited number of the early varieties 

 for home use ; the Summer Doyenne, Giffard, and Clapp's Favorite will 

 supply this want. The earliest variety of any considerable market 

 value is the Bartlett. This well-known pear is more largely used than 

 any other, both for the table and preserving ; it is seen in glass jars 

 on the shelves and in the windows of all grocers, where it proves a 

 tempting advertisement ; it comes into bearing early and almost inva- 

 riably produces an annual crop. The Seckel, Sheldon, Louise Bon 

 of Jersey, Marie Louise and Hardy are October pears deserving a 

 place in the amateur's collection. The Bosc, Dana's Hovey and 

 Comice are all excellent varieties ; and ripening in November, when the 

 market is not over-supplied with table fruit, makes them the most valu- 

 able of all the varieties. The Dana's Hovey should be allowed to 

 remain on the tree until they begin to fall of their own accord, then 

 gathered and kept in a cool place until the middle of November, when 

 if brought into a warmer temperature the color will change from a 

 dull green to a yellow shade and their quality will fully merit the 

 name which Downing gives them, the Winter Seckel. With a suitable 

 storeroom for winter, the Anjou, Vicar, Josephine of Malines, Duchess 

 of Bourdeaux and Winter Nelis are the most desirable varieties. 



