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THE GENESEE FAEMER, 



THE BLEEKERS MEADOW PEAR. 



Whereyer tliis variety succeeds as well as it does in Western New York, we can not but 



^"^ regard it as a useful and profitable or- 



chard pear. The tree is remarkably- 

 hardy and vigorous, grows erect and rap- 

 idly, bearing enormous crops. The fruit, 

 although at best only second rate for 

 the table, is excellent for stewing; and 

 with us retains its freshness, fine color, 

 and flavor, all through the months of 

 November and December. It is a na- 

 tive of Pennsylvania, and said to be a 

 descendant of the Sechel. We would 

 not recommend it for the garden ; but 

 for the orchard, where trees are to be 

 treated with a very low culture, and 

 neglected as to pruning, it is one of the 

 best sorts we know of. 



Fruit — medium size; on old trees, 

 rather small; roundish and regular. 

 Skin — smooth, bright yellow, sprinkled 

 with dark dots, and occasionally a red- 

 dish brown tint on the sunny side. 

 Stalk — stiff, stout, about three-fourths 



BLEEKER'S MEADOW PEAR. ^c „„ -,,1, 1„, ,, , 1 ' ^.1 +1 1 ri 1 



ot an inch long, slightly sunk. Calyx 

 ■ — open, basin shallow. Flesh — white, half melting, with a high musky flavor. 



The Curculio — A Remedy. — I propose to introduce the reader to a new and dis- 

 tinct mode of warfare upon that mischievous insect, the curculio ; all former warfare, so 

 far as I know, having been predicated upon false opinions concerning its nature and 

 habits. It comes out of the ground about the commencement of warm weather, when 

 the plum tree is in blossom, or soon after. They are at this time about the size and 

 have nearly the appearance of a common louse, are unable to fly, and invariably crawl 

 up the tree during the fore part of the day, or at any time when sufficiently warm. 

 Here they remain, mature, and do their destructive work before they are able to fly. 



I am of the opinion that all the benefits arising from whitewash of lime, is owing to 

 its caustic properties, in retarding their progress up the trunk of the tree, and destroying 

 them when quite young and tender. I propose to make a ring of tar around the body 

 of the tree, and by strict attention destroy them as they crawl up. Last spring (though 

 too late) I killed in this manner upwards of six hundred on one tree. Gathered fallen 

 plums every day, and destroyed them. I intend to give them special attention next 

 season, and report progress. Let every one who owns a plum tree do likewise. 



I am well satisfied that the curculio migrates slowly ; that they increase in favorable 

 situations (soils) with a rapidity proportionate to the amount of fruit within their range. 

 That they are averse to using their wings, any one may soon convince himself by shaking 

 them from the tree when full grown ; in a short time they will bo seen making their 

 way up the trunk of the tree. By removing a tree to where no plums have ever been 

 grown, a phnitlful crop will bo had for two or three years. The tar should be stirred 

 and renewed every day. O. T. llouiis. — Jiaiulvlph, Pa. 



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