The Grand Bretagne and Vendam Pears. 26" 



other variety that has come under my observation possesses this 

 singular quality. I subjoin the description communicated by a 

 correspondent of the " Gardeners' Chronicle" : — 



The Verllam Pear. — Syn. Buchanan's Spring Beurre. — Under 

 the latter of these names a tree was received into the collection 

 of the Horticultural Society, from the nursery of Mr. Buchanan^ 

 of Camberwell, in 1828. The name, however, is objectionable, 

 inasmuch as the fruit is not properly a Beurre, nor is it asserted 

 that the variety was raised by Mr. Buchanan. In 1827, however, 

 a cutting was received from Mr. Jutler as the Verulam Pear, 

 which proved to be identical, and this name is considered the bet- 

 ter one to adopt. 



The fruit is produced all over the tree with great regularity, 

 and it is remarkably uniform in size, which is similar, in tolerably 

 good soil, to that of the fruit here represented, from a standard ; 

 but in rich soil it grows considerably larger. The form is regu- 

 lar. Stalk, slender and woody. Eye rather open in a slight de- 

 pression. The skin is strong, and with its bronze-like close coat- 

 ing of russet, is well adapted for protecting the fruit for a long 

 period. The flesh is crisp and juicy, and in good seasons becomes 

 tolerably melting, especially if placed in a temperature of from 

 sixty degrees to sixty-five degrees for some weeks previous to 

 using. Its principal merit, however, is as a stewing Pear, for 

 which purpose it is found to be excellent, and acquiring a fine 

 rose color without the aid of cochineal. In this way it may be 

 used all through the winter and tiH May. 



The tree is hardy, forming a round spreading head, and bears 

 abundantly. Shoots, moderately strong, dark olive, sprinkled 

 with both round and linear grey specks ; leaves, middle-sized, 

 somewhat obovate, acuminate slightly serrated ; petioles, slender, 

 about 1^ inch in length. A variety of Pear that is hardy, an 

 abundant bearer as a standard, and which keeps sound like the 

 above, must be considered a valuable acquisition. R. T. 



