THE PEAR. 81 



when well drained. In a light, sandy, or grav- 

 elly soil the quince root is sure to disappoint. 

 The character of the root is to be considered, it 

 being fine and fibrous, not striking down and off 

 like the pear, and hence requiring a constant 

 supply of food and moisture near the surface. 

 By giving these requisites there can be no doubt 

 that some varieties will give the best results 

 upon the quince root, and will continue in vigor 

 for many years. 



The prevailing impression is that dwarf pears 

 have disappointed expectations and are not per- 

 manent. The reasons for this opinion grow 

 out of the fact that they have been planted in 

 unsuitable soil ; that they have been thrown into 

 premature fruitfulness and have been allowed 

 to overbear; and chiefly that they have been 

 starved to death. Yet it remains true that where 

 the conditions can be secured, they are emi- 

 nently suited to the amateur's wants and also 

 are of real value to the marketman. The ad- 

 vantages claimed are important. The tree is 

 dwarfed to occupy but a fifth part of the room, 

 thus giving the amateur the privilege of a large 

 increase of varieties. Low trees are more easily 

 pruned and kept in form, the fruit is more easily 

 thinned and picked, it is much less liable to be 

 blown off; the roots of the quince are more 



