140 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Dearborn's Seedling and Beurre Giffard, for summer varieties, 

 the aogregate will constitute a number from which a good and 

 reliable selection may bo made. Whatever varieties one may 

 prefer, it is well to bear in mind that the best pears, being more 

 refined than the apple, cannot be successfully raised with the 

 common attention bestowed on the cultivation of that fruit. 

 Travelling agents are not always the most reliable persons ; 

 trees delivered by them are often of inferior quality, and untrue 

 as to variety promised ; therefore as a matter of economy and 

 reliability in regard to the varieties sought, it is well to visit the 

 nursery of a man of established reputation, and there to make 

 selections, preferring those trees standing a proper distance 

 fi'om others, and such as made a vigorous growth the preceding 

 season. 



It is better to pay a round price for a good tree of the right 

 form to be easily trained in pyramidal shape, which concurrent 

 testimony establishes to be the best, than to accept as a free gift 

 a tree of stunted growth and straggling form. When trees on 

 the quince stock are sought for, it is proper to be assured that 

 they were worked on the Angers, as those on the Orange or 

 common quince stock are nearly worthless. 



The ground having been liberally manured and thoroughly 

 worked to the depth of eighteen inches or more the year pre- 

 vious, trees may be set in rows twelve feet apart and six feet 

 apart in the rows, — those on pear stock the same depth that 

 they previously stood ; those on quince stock three or four inches, 

 not more, before the union. 



The space between the rows may be used for root crops ; grain 

 would be injurious. The ground should be kept free of weeds, 

 and should annually receive a bountiful dressing of manure. 



The depreciating tone in which dwarf trees are often spoken 

 of, probably has its origin in the negligent manner in which 

 they have been planted and cared for. 



It has been said, and perhaps wisely, and from a conviction 

 deeply impressed by sad experience, that he who goes to a nurs- 

 ery with the intention of buying pear-trees to bo set out in the 

 same manner, and to receive no more attention than apple-trees 

 commonly do, had better pay the nurseryman his price and 

 leave the trees with him. 



The pear, whether on quince or seedling stock, is highly ap- 



