268 Pears. 



The quality of pears is remarkably liable to change from external 

 causes. A difference in soil and cultivation exerts so great an influ- 

 ence with many fine sorts, that while they possess the highest flavor 

 when growing on favorable ground kept rich and mellow, they become 

 greatly inferior or even worthless in poor soil with neglected culture. 

 Besides these, there are other influences dependent on a change of 

 locality, all of which taken together, have contributed to the great 

 diversity of opinion which exists in relation to many celebrated varie- 

 ties. The pomologist will hence perceive the difficulty of weighing 

 evidence for and against the different sorts, and of expressing a 

 degree of quality that shall coincide with the opinions of all. 



It will be understood, that the quality given on the following pages, 

 refers only to pears tested in this country. Some European varie- 

 ties, which maintain a high character at home, prove of no value 

 here. 



In describing pears, it may be well to repeat that the term base 

 applies in all cases to the part nearest the tree ; and apex^ to the 

 part most remote. This is in accordance with universal practice 

 among eminent botanists. The apex is usually termed the crown j 

 and it is sufficiency evident that the crown (upper portion or sur- 

 mounting part) cannot at the same time be the base. 



DIVISION I. SUMMER PEARS. 

 CLASS I. DISTINCT PYRIFORM. 



BARTLETT. (Williams' Bonchretien.) Quite large, obtuse-pyriform, 

 somewhat pyramidal, surface wavy, clear yellow, sometimes a faint 

 blush ; stalk an inch and a fourth long, stout, slightly sunk ; b?.stn 

 little or none ; apex slightly plaited, sometimes smooth ; flcih 

 nearly white, fine grained, exceedingly tender and buttery, with a 

 nearly sweet, sometimes faintly sub-acid, fine, moderately rich 

 flavor. Ripens end of summer and beginning of autumn ; and 

 far north, is strictly an autumn pear. The fruit, when not fully 

 grown, ripens and becomes of good quality if kept in the house a 

 week or two. Growth erect, vigorous, leaves folded, slightly 

 recurved, shoots yellowish. Tree very productive, and bears very 

 young. Although not of the first class as to flavor, the many f ne 

 qualities of this pear render it a general favorite. Fig. 266. 



BEURR& GIFFARD. Medium, pyriform slightly Bosc-shaped, but 

 shorter, skin greenish yellow, marbled red on the sunny side ; stalk 

 rather long, calyx closed, basin small ; flesh juicy, melting, slightly 

 vinous, exceedingly agreeable. Middle of August. Shoots slen- 

 der, reddish purple, growth straggling. 



