332 THE CULTIVATION OF THE 



for many years to come. I have lost one tree by disease, 

 and then I was away from home for ten months. I think 

 I'd have saved it, had I been at home. 



Question 5. Am not competent to give an opinion. 

 Judging from my own experience with severe winters, 

 since my trees have been in bearing, with high cultiva- 

 tion and proper pruning, there is little to be feared from 

 frost in this locality, at least, from severe winters, as I 

 have had abundant crops after such. 



Question 6. Last winter, 84-85, was a very severe 

 one. All my trees bore good crops this season, except 

 the Lawrence, which had been full the two preceding 

 years. Hence, I repeat that, with trees properly cared 

 for, fear of frost should not deter any one from growing 

 this magnificent fruit. 



Question 7. My trees are planted 8x12. Hence, 

 could only plough the first two or three years. Have 

 dug (spaded) the ground once per year, in the Spring, 

 and occasionally, again in the Fall, and kept weeds down 

 during summer with hoe or hand cultivator. Dig as 

 soon as ground is dry enough in Spring ; spade deep. 

 This would not pay on a large scale, but not having the 

 experience, cannot recommend a substitute plan. But 

 I am well convinced that pear trees require, or are better 

 to have, the soil thoroughly worked, at least, once per 

 year. If in the Fall, then after growth has ceased. 



