Pear-Growing in "Egypt!' 73 



Of varieties I speak with caution, as experience varies considerably, in 

 different localities, with the condition of soil and the elevation, two or 

 three hundred feet of altitude so entirely changing the complexion of most 

 varieties as to place them often beyond the recognition of their friends ; 

 and because the next ten years is likely to change the judgment of growers 

 as to many kinds. 



Our earliest valuable pear is the Doyenne d'Ete, which ripens with us 

 the last of June. Its succeeds well as dwarf or standard. It is profitable, 

 n\ainly, because it has no competition. The Madeleine, at the same sea- 

 son, cracks badly with many, and is but little planted. Bloodgood is not 

 much grown, but is thought well of from its season, early bearing, and 

 fair quality ; though its appearance is against it. Beurre Gifford is a 

 pear which has given great satisfaction to all who have fruited it, not- 

 withstanding its faults as a tree. Its good size and quality, and great 

 beauty of form and color, make it a favorite ; and it will bring the high- 

 est prices in all markets. No pear of its season will be so largely 

 planted hereabouts. Tyson, Dearborn, and Jultenne are planted in a 

 small way; but it is too early to speak for them. Rostiezer is quite 

 widely but not largely planted, and, I think, has not yet become popular. 



In Egypt, as everywhere, the Bartlett leads all others in popularity 

 and in the quantity planted. It succeeds magnificently with us, notwith- 

 standing some inclination to blight. But, when blighting, it grows and 

 bears and blights -aw^ pays right along, and more of the last, the growers 

 say, than any other kind ; and it will be planted more largely than any thing 

 else, blight or no blight. In a few years, Southern Illinois will supply the 

 Boston and New-York markets with Bartletts in their season, adding a 

 month to 3'our enjoyment of that variety. 



Belle Lucrative comes with the Bartlett, which is its greatest fault ; for 

 the latter outsells it, notwithstanding its superior quality. It is a fine 

 grower as dwarf or standard, a profuse bearer, and but for its season, and 

 a little tendency to rot at the core, would be one of our most valuable mar- 

 ket kinds. That superb pear, the Howell, also follows the last two excel- 

 lent kinds too closely, ripening the last half of August ; and needs to be 

 carried through the preserving-house into a later season to bring its 

 worth in market. The Howell receives the unqualified admiration of its 



