California F/uit. 329 



regret that the Cratcegus pyracantha is not to be found in the nurseries. 

 It is grown here in large quantities. 



You are right about tlie Stuariia pcntagynia. It is the finest summer- 

 blooming shrub we have of its season ; giving, when there is little else in 

 bloom, a profusion of white, crimped, saucer-like flowers. You are not 

 quite right, however, in stating that those who introduced it are now out of 

 it. They were temporarily exhausted of it last spring, but now have a 

 stock of several thousand. 



But I have extended my remarks far beyond my first intention, and will 

 trespass upon your patience no longer. 



Flushing, Aug. 19, 1S69. 



[We fully agree with our correspondent's remarks on the style of the 

 article to which he refers in our August number; including his intimation, 

 that we should have expressed our opinion of its spirit at the time it was 

 published : but, having omitted it then, we embrace this opportunity to do 

 so. Having published two articles on the same subject with that of the 

 article in question, we felt that justice required us to give place to a reply : 

 and we had no choice but to omit the article altogether, or to print it 

 entire \ and chose the latter course, although we deemed some of it highly 

 objectionable. — Ed.] 



CALIFORNIA FRUIT. 



Through the kindness of Mr. Wilder, we have had the opportunity to 

 examine and test some fine specimens of apples and pears received by 

 him from California. The Gravenstein Apple measured twelve inches and 

 three-quarters in circumference, and was less flattened than is usual here. 

 The specimens were not quite ripe. Beurre Clairgeau measured eleven 

 inches and three-quarters ; Flemish Beauty, twelve inches and a quarter, 

 yellow clouded with russet, and having a bright crimson cheek ; Seckel, 

 full of rich, sugary juice, sweeter than when grown here, but less aromatic. 

 Beurre Bosc was very fine-grained, melting, high flavored, and delicious. 



Beurre d'Anjou measured eleven inches and a half, buttery and juicy. 

 Sterling, brilliant color, very handsome, and of fine quality. 



