No. 4.] FKITIT8 FOR TlIK HOME GARDKX. 381 



Spitzenburg is regarded by many as being tlie highest in 

 quahty of all our Anieriean apples ; it is certainly one of tiie 

 finest dessert fruits now grown. It is not adapted to Massa- 

 chusetts, however, except on the higher lands in Worcester 

 County and the western part of the State. Even in the 

 localities generally adapted to it the tree is a poor grower, 

 and much subject to disease. In order to overcome these 

 difficulties, it is best to graft it in the tops of other trees. 



Northern Spy is another great favorite, and one of many 

 good (jualities, which succeeds onl}^ on the higher lands in 

 this State. It is always rather slow in coming into bearing, 

 and frequenth' is a shy bearer throughout its life. Its high 

 fjuality and the success with which it keeps late into the 

 winter, however, make it almost a necessity in the home 

 ijarden. • 



There are manj^ other varieties, such as Westfield, Maiden 

 Blush, Belleflower, Fameuse, Switzer, Swaar, etc., which 

 might be mentioned in this list, and which would doubtless 

 be chosen by many persons who have preferences for them. 

 It is impossible, however, to name all the apples which 

 might be used in a fruit garden in Massachusetts. The fore- 

 going list completes those which seem to the writer to be 

 most interesting. 



No sweet apples have been named in the foregoing list. 

 It is difficult to find a good sweet apple. Probably Tolman 

 is the best, althouoh Leicester Sweet and Orange Sweet are 

 preferred by many. In the selection of sweet apples, one 

 should be left entirel}^ to his own preferences. 



Pears. — The selection of pears is even more difficult than 

 the selection of apples. There were more varieties named 

 in the books up to a few years ago than there were of apples, 

 and doubtless more varieties cultivated in Massachusetts. 

 At the present time, however, the nurserymen propagate 

 comparatively few. The principal ones will be named below. 



Bartlett is doubtless the pear most known. It is a fruit 

 of good color, good flavor and good tree. It can be gen- 

 erally recommended. 



Clapp (Clapp's Favorite) is another good old-fashioned 

 pear, planted by nearly all growers in this part of the coun- 



