Notes oil England and France. 17 



liable and infallible than by the mere inspection and exami- 

 nation of the fruit, liable as is the fruit to vary in quality 

 and appearance, in dilferent expositions and soils. Or, as 

 the pastor, or good shepherd, knows, and is fully able to 

 recognize, by their varied features, each and every indivi- 

 dual of his own flock. 1st. they are distinguished by the 

 general form of the tree, some growing tall and handsome, 

 the shoots rising vertically or upright, in others horizontal 

 or straggling, or pendulous. 2d, by the growth of the 

 young wood, which in some is very strong or stout, in oth- 

 ers slender and feeble ; — by the form and position of the 

 eyes ; — by the color of the young wood, which varies from 

 dark brown or black to yellow or deep red ; — by the color 

 of the blossoms, which vary from dark red to white ; — or 

 by the color of the leaf, and also by its peculiar character 

 and fomi. 



Of the fruits the most approved, and of the more recent 

 introduction, the following kinds appear from the best in- 

 formation I was enabled to obtain, to stand preeminent. 

 Of Grapes, the Canon-Hall Muscat ; New Siceet Water ; 

 Wilmofs Neiv Early Muscat ; Wibnofs New Black Ham- 

 burg ; this last being remarkably distinct in its appearance, 

 and larger than the Black Hamburg, more singular and 

 beautiful ; yet not indeed deemed superior in regard to 

 flavor to that celebrated variety. From Mr. Ronald, who 

 from his position and opportunities, ought certainly to 

 know, I have understood distinctly, that this kind is iden- 

 tical with the new and celebrated " Victoria." Black 

 Champion is another kind, recommended by Mr. Gray the 

 younger, who so very lately deceased, as i\e\Y and much 

 superior to Black Hamburg, being both a larger berry and 

 of higher flavor, and an excellent bearer. 



Of Pears, very lately proved by Mr. Thompson at the 

 Garden of the London Horticultural Society, the Van 

 Mons Leon le Clerc, as he stated to me very recently, is 

 believed to be the best pear in the world, uncommon size, 

 beauty, flavor, and all things considered. The Benrre 

 Base, and the Louise Bonne de Jersey^ as there lately 

 proved, have 7nore than rivalled the Marie Louise as most 

 valuable and productive and profitable kinds. The last 

 named, particularly, has proved with us a prodigious 

 bearer, and is in very high repute at Paris ; it is there called 



VOL. IX. NO. I. 3 



