THE COLLINS PEAR. 



Collins. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xvii. p. 256. 



Watertown, of some Collections. 



The Collins is one of the most recent additions to 

 our list of American pears ; and has not, we believe, 

 yet fruited anyAvhere except upon tlie original tree : 

 but though so entirely new, and only proved from one 

 locality, we think there can be but little doubt it will 

 take its rank among the very best of our native vari- 

 eties. In size, it is larger than the Wliite Doyenne, 

 (or St. Michael,) which it otherwise greatly resembles, 

 being generally like it in form, the color of its skin, 

 and texture of the flesh; but is a much more vinoub 

 pear, and its flavor, though not perhaps quite so rich 

 and sugary, is brisk and more refreshing, somewhat like the Marie 

 Louise. 



The Collins pear originated in Watertown, Mass., in the garden now 

 owned by Mr. Norris Collins, and specimens were first exhibited before 

 the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1(848. They attracted, and 

 deservedly, much attention from the fruit committee. Mr. A. Pike, 

 nurseryman, was the first to discover the merits of this variety, and 

 he exhibited the first specimens : he also presented us with a number of 

 the pears, which we thought had the promise of great excellence ; and 

 subsequent trials of the fruit every year up to this time have more than 

 confirmed our first impressions of it. Taking into consideration all its 

 qualities, it is a great acquisition to our list of fine autumn pears. 



It is supposed to be a seedhng of the White Doyenne, which sprung 

 up accidentally where the tree is now growing, there being no other 

 variety in the immediate vicinity. It first began to bear in 1839 or 40 ; 

 since then it has fruited every year, proving it to be a constant bearer, 

 as well as a most productive variety. The original tree appears about 

 twenty-five years old, is about thirty feet high, and pyramidally formed, 

 the branches being weighed down by the mass of fruit which it has 

 repeatedly produced. The tree is a moderate grower. Whether it will 

 succeed on the quince stock has not yet been fully tested. 



Tkee. — Moderately vigorous, upright, of tolerably regular form, with 

 rather slender annual shoots. 



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