The Pear Duc/iessc d'Angonleme. 285 



THE PEAR DUCHESSE D'ANGOULEME. 



We frequently hear complaints about the stunted growth and unproduc- 

 tive habits of this variety, which, although truthful in some respects per- 

 haps, we should say, judging from the scrubby-looking specimens often 

 seen in village-yards, is the result of a poorly-selected tree at first, or of 

 a misunderstanding of its subsequent requirements. 



To be successful with the Duchesse, it should come from the nursery in 

 a healthy, thrifty condition. It should have a good soil, and, if possible, 

 a location protected from harsh winds. Its vigor should be maintained by 

 annual dressings of good stable-manure, especially if on quince-roots ; and 

 the trunk and lower branches should be kept smooth, and free from moss 

 and the cocus (scale insect) by washes of soap-suds, or mild dilutions of 

 whale-oil soap and water applied with a stiff brush. 



The importance of selecting trees that have a good previous season's 

 growth is not always considered : in the case of the Duchesse, experienced 

 cultivators often regard it as a primary step towards success. 



If possible, then, this matter of selection should be seen to, either per- 

 sonally or by some experienced friend, rather than to purchase at random 

 or by order ; then, with the simple routine attentions alluded to, a satisfac- 

 tory growth will be likely to follow. 



About the productiveness of the Duchesse there is much interesting evi- 

 dence, showing that even unproductive trees have been made fruitful by 

 certain manipulations not laid down in the books. One or two illustrations 

 here will suffice. 



A had a Duchesse tree, measuring, say, twelve inches in circumference 

 above the ground. It blossomed full every year, but produced no fruit. 

 He resolves to change the variety ; and accordingly cuts off the top, putting 

 in grafts of other popular sorts. From that time, the tree annually produced 

 a good crop of this noble fruit. 



B has a similar experience. His trees were literally covered with white 

 blossoms every season ; but hardly a leaf appeared, so dense was the floral 

 display : even the terminal-buds were crowned with blooms. It was so in 

 years previous ; but the prospective product all dropped, covering the 

 ground with embrj'o fruit. 



