296 Probable Characters to be looked for in a Seedling Pear-tree 



The spines should not extend on the stem and branches higher 

 than 5 or 6 feet from the ground, especially if the seedling ap- 

 pears naturally inclined to take the form of a dwarf pyramid. 

 The higher the tree, the more rare the spine, and ultimately they 

 entirely disappear. 



These observations may guide tlie cultivator in the selection of 

 seedlings before the third transplanting. Ifis in the second year 

 after the third transplantation that the indications of the future 

 worth of the tree are displayed to the close observer in the most 

 striking manner. In a promising seedling the whole habit of the 

 tree is pleasing to the eye, and clearly indicates that the period 

 of full growth and of fructification is at hand. 



(The preceding article, is from the Gardeners' Chronicle. Amateurs 

 who contemplate, or who are engaged in producing new varieties 

 of pear from seed, can glean from it many valuable facts. We 

 have ourselves, originated several varieties of plum from seed, 

 and our experience is conviucing, that out of a seed bed containing 

 several thousand plants, selections can be made with a positive 

 certainty of receiving superior fruit when a crop ensues, simply 

 by becoming familiar with certain external peculiarities which 

 invariably individualize all trees that offer good fruit. These ex- 

 traneous characteristics are more apparent in the plum, than in 

 the pear, peach, or apple. In no instance — out of several hundred 

 seedlings that we have fruited, has a tree that bore the marks of 

 a wilding, born fruit other than that of a primitive description- 

 The subject is worthy the attention of Horticulturists. Ed.) 



