THE TYSON PEAR. 



ft 



Tyson. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xii. p. 434. 



The Tyson pear, though of very recent introduction 

 to notice, has justly been placed among the best pears 

 which our country has yet produced. Nearly, if not 

 quite, equalling the Seckel in the rich, spicy aroma 

 which distinguishes that delicious variety, it is of 

 larger size, with a more melting flesh, and comes in 

 at an early season, just before the Williams's Bon 

 Chretien, when we have but few fine pears. It is 

 also a most vigorous grower, exceedingly hardy, and 

 an abundant and very regular beai-er. 

 The Tyson pear originated in Jenkintown, near Philadelphia, on the 

 farm of Mr. Jonathan Tyson. It sprang up in a hedge ; and about the 

 year 1794, the tree, then an inch or more in diameter, was removed to 

 a more favorable situation. Five or six years after this, it began to 

 produce fruit, which proved so good that several trees were then grafted 

 with it. Suckers were also taken from the original tree, which produced 

 the same fruit, thus showing its seedling origin. The original tree now 

 stands in the village of Jenkintown, and, according to a communication 

 to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, from Dr. Brinkle, of Phila- 

 delphia, who measured the tree last spring, the trunk, at two feet above 

 the ground, was six feet in circumference. 



This fine variety was introduced into the vicinity of Boston about the 

 year 1837, or 1838, by the late Dr. Mease, of Philadelphia, and first 

 fruited in 1842, in the garden of the late Wm. Oliver, Esq., of Dorches- 

 ter, and our drawing is from specimens from this tree, now quite large, 

 and in the possession of Mr. J. H. AVelch. 



The Tyson is somewhat variable in form, as will be seen by our two 

 outline engravings : often the stem end is much elongated, so as to give 

 it a cala.bash shape ; several specimens have been received from Mr. 

 Manning, all of which partake of this character. The vigorous habit of 

 the tree probably prevents its fruiting as early as some varieties ; but it 

 generally conies into bearing the fourth or fifth year. Whether it will 

 succeed upon the quince has not yet been ascertained. 



Tree. — ^\^igorous, erect and upright, of very regular, pyramidal form ; 

 branches numerous, quite erect, and thickly clothed with short spurs. 



Wood. — Dull reddish brown, sprinkled with whitish specks, not very 

 stout, and short-jointed ; old wood somewhat mottled or clouded with 



