1873.] REPORT ON PEARS. 43 



Mr. Alex. Dickinson has experimented with the Bartlett. Mr. Francis 

 Dana has produced a seedling resembling the Winter Nelis, but larger 

 and more oblong. And at the meeting of the Pomological Society at Bos- 

 ton this month, there was on exhibition a large number of seedlings from 

 the Seckel. 



But aside from the production of new and superior varieties, the new 

 ideas to be gained by these experiments, of the habits of the Pear and the 

 cultivation of a more critical taste, would make them well worth the trial. 



Of the hundred or more of new seedhngs on exhibition at the session 

 of the Pomological Society already alluded to, probably at least one-third, 

 if judged by the standard of fifteen or twenty years ago, would have 

 been deemed superior Pears, and perhaps recommended as new varieties; 

 while, tested by the more cultivated and discriminating taste of to-day, 

 not more than three or four would be selected as worthy of attention. 



ITow, can this Society subserve the ends of its organization in any better 

 manner than by affording some encouragement for experiments in this 

 direction? If no other practical result be attained, the experimenter will 

 have gained a fund of invaluable knowledge of the laws of impregnation, 

 hereditary transmission, and the other habits of the Pear, which he would 

 never gain in a lifetime spent in feeding and thinning for the largest 

 plate of Bartletts, or the best collection in a certain class. 



The Committee have made the following Awards of Premiums and 

 recommend the subjoined Gratuities: 



CLASS 1.— 



For the best twenty named varieties of twelve specimens each, 



P. M. Marble, of Grafton S16 00 



For the second best, S. S. Foster 12 GO 



For the third best, V. P. Townsend 10 00 



CLASS 2. — 



For the best fifteen named varieties, of twelve specimens each, 



Alfred Davis 12 00 



For the second best, James Draper 9 00 



For the third best, James F. Allen 6 00 



CLASS 3.— 



For the best ten named varieties, of twelve specimens each, 



Stephen Salisbur}' 8 00 



For the second best, S. H. Colton 6 00 



For the third best, D. Kinsley 4 00 



CLASS 4. — 



For the best five named varieties, of twelve specimens each, 



Edward W. Lincoln 6 00 



