CHAPTEE VI. 



THE PEAR. 



THOUGH the pear is closely allied to the apple 

 and may be grafted upon it (with only poor 

 results), yet it is a very distinct and superior 

 fruit. No one will question that the Cornice 

 and the Seckel are of more refined texture and 

 higher flavor than any variety of the apple. It 

 is essentially a dessert fruit, though some varie- 

 ties, like the Vicar, are valuable for coddling and 

 others make excellent preserves. It is not as 

 healthful, or as valuable for culinary purposes, 

 as the apple. Yet there are reasons why it will 

 receive more general cultivation and be regarded 

 as an indispensable fruit on every estate. There 

 are a few good winter kinds, but it is especially 

 a summer and autumn fruit. This early fruit 

 is comparatively transient and is liable to suffer 

 from transportation. Much of it perishes in the 

 hands of the dealer. For these reasons the cost 

 of good specimens is greatly increased. It is 

 cheaper and less troublesome to raise our own 



