156 



Remarks on Twenty-one Varieties of Pear. 



provement. The necessity for painting every two or three years, 

 fortunately compels the question to remain always an open one. 

 Ill-planned roads and ugly houses are troublesome to alter, but an 

 improved taste may readily satisfy its craving for harmonious col- 

 or, which will give, in every instance, a most liberal return for 

 whatever outlay of thought or money may be judiciously bestowed 

 on it. 



REMARKS ON TWENTY-ONE VARIETIES OF PEAR. 



BY JAMES SNOWDEN. 



AviNG, during the two past seasons, tested a 

 largo number of the recent additions to our 

 pear list, I send you my opinion regarding 

 their respective qualities. One fact I have 

 demonstrated beyond a doubt, and that is, none 

 of the exotic varieties arc equal (taking every- 

 thing into consideration,) to the better sorts 

 of native origin. They are more sensitive to 

 the fluctuations of heat and cold, betray less 

 health, and consequently require a greater de- 

 gree of attention from the hand of the pomo' 

 legist. I find it very injurious to make use of 

 large quantities of highly stimulating manures, as the 

 excessive growth produced thereby, induces succulent 

 wood. This plethora is succeeded by a reaction, the 

 tree is enfeebled, the entire economy loses its accustomed 

 activity, and a sclerotic nursling aflSicts your vision, your hopes of 

 a return of vigor prevents you from iiprooting it and substituting 

 a tree with a happier habit, and there it remains imtil death ensues ; 

 or if recovery transpire, it is generally at a late period. I should 

 therefore recommend as a manure for the pear, chiefly composts, in 

 which lime and iron abound in large proportions ; being less stimu- 

 lating, they operate specifically as a fertilizer, and also in neutral- 

 izing the baneful effects of more heating manure. They induce a 

 glossy, deep green foliage, and incline the wood to produce fruit 

 spurs instead of watery shoots, which should (particularly in the 

 pear) not be suffered. 



