G4 



PEARS. 



marked, that there were commonly but four cells in this pear; 

 others, however, have observed five, but not a greater number. 

 As is the case with a great many other varieties, one of the 

 two seeds which are in each cell is almost invariably abortive. 

 This fruit ripens at the end of October or earlj^ in November. 

 I have quoted the Ronville, or Martin-sire of Quintinye and 

 Evelyn, with an expression of doubt, because they mention 

 theirs as ripening in January'. It appears, by referring back to 

 Rozier, that although he and the New Duhamel doubtless re- 

 fer to the same fruit, there exists some variation between their 

 respective descriptions. Miller's description likewise varies 

 somewhat from the preceding one. 



BEAUTY OF AUTUMN. Pr. cat. 



Bcllissime d^autornne, } j^^^ j)^j^_ p^ ^^^_ ^^ ^^ 

 vernullon, ^ 



Supreme. 

 Petit ccrteau. 



This pear is much elongated, and not of very regular form ; 

 it is rounded, and in general raised by swellings or irregular 

 projections, and is three inches and a half in height and two 

 inches in diameter at the widest part. The stem is fifteen to 

 eighteen lines in length, and it has commonly one or two pro- 

 jecting ridges around it. The skin is yellowish on the shaded 

 side, and a fine red next the sun, entirely dotted over with small 

 fawn-coloured specks. The flesh is white, half melting, occa- 

 sionally somewhat gritty, with a pleasant and rather high fla- 

 vour, which is very agreeable. The fruit attains to maturity 

 early in September, and readily becomes mellow. The tree 

 is vigorous, and may be propagated on either pear or quince. 

 I perceive that in the London Horticultural Society's catalogue, 

 the Vermilion d'ete is ranged as a synonyme of this variety, 

 but I follow the New Duhamel in keeping them distinct, in 

 which other French authors coincide. 



