ABOUT T"RUITS, FLOWERS AND FARMING. 331 



Thus a fruit may be no better than many others, but the 

 tree, blooming very late in sj^ring, is seldom overtaken by 

 prowling and irregular frosts. Some of our best fruits have 

 stingy bearing-trees, or trees of very tender and delicate 

 habit ; and we are obliged to tolerate more hardy and pro- 

 lific trees with fruit somewhat inferior. 



A few fruits are retained on the list because they have 

 the singular property of being uninjured by frosts, and 

 others because, though not remarkable for flavor, they are 

 endless keepers, of both which properties the Rawle's Jen- 

 netting is an example. 



In fruits designed for market, beauty and abundance 

 must be allowed to supersede mere excellence of flavor. 

 Some very rich fruits are borne in such a parsimonious way 

 that none but amateurs can afibrd tree-room. 



Nor are we to overlook nursery qualifications ; for, of two 

 fruits equally good, preference should be given to that 

 which will work the kindliest in the nursery. Some will 

 bear grafting on the root, some will not ; some take well by 

 buddmg, and grow ofi" promptly and with force ; others 

 are dull and slugglish, and often reluctant to fonn the new 

 partnership. While then it will always be to the nursery- 

 man's interest to work such kinds as he can sell the most of 

 — he has a right, in so far as he directs the public judg- 

 ment of his neighborhood, to give a preference, among 

 equal fruits, to such as work the surest and strongest. It 

 is as much the interest of the purchaser and the public to 

 have the freest growing sorts, as it is the nurseryman's 

 interest. Thus, if another Seckle pear could be found grow- 

 ing on the tree of Williams' Bon Chretien^ it ought to sup- 

 plant the old Sec kle tree, which, in spite of its incomparable 

 fruit, is a vexatio is thing to manage; and, as often in the 

 case of other and fairer fruit, makes one wonder how such 

 amiable and beautiful daughters ever had such a surly and 

 crusty old father. 



A pomological censor must also have regard to varieties 



