CHAP IT. DESSERT FRUITS. 247 



Apple-trees in India are propagated by layering. General 

 Jenkins says: "Cuttings of Apple-trees may be planted in 

 January and February, and in the Rains, near water. When 

 they shoot strongly they should be planted out, and cut down 

 to two or three buds. Of these let the strongest shoot grow, 

 and rub off the others. Train it up straight to about three feet, 

 cutting it down when it appears to grow too fast, and rubbing 

 off any side-shoot you do not approve. Graft in March."f 



Pyrus communis. 

 PEAK. 



Nashpdiee. 



The Pear-tree thrives well in most parts of India. In Bengal 

 as low down as Calcutta it blossoms, but never sets fruit ; but in 

 gardens at any distance beyond about a hundred miles higher 

 up, fruit is often met with, of moderate size, very hard, and 

 unfit to be eaten uncooked, but excellent for baking and 

 stewing. Pears of this description, too, I learnt from General 

 Jenkins had been introduced from the Bootan Hills, where they 

 are indigenous. 



Any mellow and melting kind of Pear has not, I believe, been 

 cultivated with success in the plains of India. Possibly Pears of 

 this description may have been introduced ; but as the Pear is a 

 fruit which does not ripen upon the tree, but which, after being 

 gathered, requires to be laid by some time in a cool place before 

 it becomes mellow, it is not likely perhaps that in this country 

 it can ever be cultivated with satisfaction for the table. Young 

 plants of two or three varieties were brought a few years ago to 

 Calcutta in a ship laden with ice from America. These were 

 purchased by the Agri-Horticultural Society for their Gardens, 

 have grown vigorously, and are now fair-sized trees. They pro- 

 duce blossoms abundantly every year, but nothing more. 



The Pear-tree is easily propagated by layers. 



Eriobotrya Japonica. 

 LOQUAT. 



A small tree with handsome foliage and large noble leaves ; 

 native of Japan and China ; succeeds nearly everywhere on this 



* MS. Notes. 



