20 AVORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1850. 



if the cultivator would not be disappointed. Beauty, size, productiveness, ease 

 of ripening, of keeping, hardiness of the tree, are each of almost equal 

 importance with the quality of the fruit. And while tliere are so many varie- 

 ties that combine in themselves all or nearly ail these merits, he is very unwise 

 who is satisfied with those which possess only a portion of them, and especially, 

 as it is very often the case, with such as have only a single good quality. 



In preparing the ground for a pear orchard, the only truly economical 

 method is to thoroughly trench the whole soil to a depth of two feet, under- 

 draining where necessary, manuring liberally, and planting close together, with 

 a view to thin out, by transplanting or cutting away hereafter. 



The importance of shelter, not merely to keep the fruit from being blown off 

 by the wind, but for the protection and encouragement of the tree through the 

 winter and spring months is not at all appreciated. Where the grounds are 

 exposed to the northwest winds they should be effectually sheltered from them 

 by. the erection of fences, buildings, or by planting belts and hedges of hardy 

 evergreens. Of stimulants, nothing I have ever used has produced such 

 results, according to the cost, as the superphosphate of lime. It should be 

 stated, however, that before applying it, I ascertained by a chemical analysis 

 of my soil, that it was deficient in those ingredients in which this manure is 

 particularly rich. But any manure will answer, provided you use enough of it. 

 With such preparation of the soil, and with a judicious selection of varieties, 

 the pear will succeed as well or better on the Quince, as upon its own stock, 

 and upou either will be one of the most profitable ci-ops that can be grown. 

 These suggestions I make, not as the things I do, but rather as the lessons that 

 after twenty years' experience I have learned. 



If it will not be considered as overstepping the proprieties of my position, I 

 will venture to name twelve varieties of pears, which are of such excellence, of 

 such easy culture, so sure to ripen, in short that combine so many of the proper- 

 ties that are essential to a perfect fruit, that no person who feels interest 

 enough to plant the tree, can well fail of a satisfactory return in the fruit. 



There are undoubtedly a very i'ew of the newer varieties equal to those in 

 the list, but they have not yet been proved beyond a doubt in this vicinity. 

 Many other varieties of excellent quality have some faults ; are late in coming 

 into bearing, difficult to ripen, liable to crack, ordinary in appearance, feeble 

 growers, or, ripening at the same time, are inferior in quality to the kinds 

 enumerated. 



The following are twelve varieties I should recommend. Beginning with 

 these there will be no failure or disappointment, and the list can be extended 

 at pleasure: Rostiezer, Belle Lucrative, Fulton, Beurre Bosc, Doyenne Bous- 

 sock, L. B. de Jersey, Bartlett, Flemish Beauty, Seckel, Winter Nelis, Beurre 

 d'Aujou, Duchcsse. 



