64 



some of the finer sorts of French pears, 

 which, though apparently in a very healthy 

 and luxuriant condition, are yet in a state 

 of almost total barrenness." For the very 

 cause which, at last, destroys them altoge- 

 ther, preserves them longer in thh appa- 

 rent healthy state, viz. the ''strength and 

 firmer cohesion of the bark, which con- 

 tinues to stretch longer without bursting, 

 and forming residence for the vermin, than 

 those of weaker cohesion ; yet they are 

 really and truly bark-bound, which prevents 

 them receiving that nourishment fit for 

 bearing fruit. And it may be observed, 

 that these trees, though they may continue 

 for a number of years in this apparent 

 healthy state, at last break out into one 

 universal canker. 



As the stricture of the bark is the cause 



