4 TRANSACTIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 



has so generally failed for a number of years past, and been supposed by 

 many to exhibit the last signs of a worn out variety, appears in some places 

 to be returning to its former health and vigor ; many beautiful specimens 

 have been exhibited at the Society's Rooms, particularly during the last 

 season, and hopes are entertained that this superior variety will again take 

 its place at the head of the list, and resume its former character as the best. 



During the last three years, a number of fine native seedling pears, 

 brought to the notice of the Society, have produced quite a sensation among 

 fruit growers. By these evidences of what has been done by accidental 

 crossing, horticulturists are encouraged to hope for greater improvements, 

 when the more scientific mode of cross-impregnation shall be resorted 

 to, as practised by Van Mons and other cultivators in Europe. A 

 large field opens to American horticulturists for the production of im- 

 proved varieties of fruits of all sorts, as we believe it is generally admitted 

 that our climate is equal to any in the world for the cultivation of the pear, 

 the apple, and other fruits common among us. Among these seedling pears, 

 we notice, — 



1st. A beautiful pear, from a tree twelve years old, raised by G. W. Oli- 

 ver of Lynn, in eating the middle of October ; of medium size ; color, 

 dark cinnamon with a red cheek; flavor approaching to that of the Seckel; 

 an abundant bearer; exhibited October 21, 1843. The same variety was 

 shown the following year, and was thought by the committee fully to sus- 

 tain its character as given the year previous. 



2d. The Early Wilbur pear was raised by D. Wilbur, Jr. Somerset, Bris- 

 tol County, and exhibited September 23d, 1843 ; it was then in perfection, 

 and was pronounced by the fruit committee to be very fine ; size some- 

 what larger than the Seckel ; of a brownish russet color ; flesh melting 

 with a very small core. 



3d. The Hull pear, sent also by Mr. Wilbur, and in eating at the same 

 time with the other variety, was considered a desirable fruit ; of larger 

 size than the Andrews, and would compare well with the Bartlett in ex- 

 cellence, but of different flavor. 



4th. The Lawrence pear. This variety was sent by Messrs. Wilcomb & 

 King, nurserymen, Flushing, L. L, and originated in that place. They 

 say "it produces abundant crops every year, and is in eating from October to 

 February. It is not inclined to rot or shrivel, as is the case with some of 

 our winter pears. The tree is of fair growth, and very full of thorns, and 

 appears to be a cross of the St. Michael's and St. Germain, as it resem- 

 bles both of them in wood, foliage and fruit, and there is no other variety 

 in the neighborhood." It is about the size and somewhat of the shape of 

 the Urbaniste, melting, of fine flavor, and thin skin. 



5th. The MacLaughlin pear was sent to the Society by S. L. Goodale, 

 of Saco, by whom it was grown. This pear is described by Blr. Manning as 



