510 THE PEAR. 



The quality of pears is remarkably liable to change from 

 external causes. A difference in soil and cultivation exerts 

 so great an influence 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 cele- 

 brated varieties. 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 follow- 

 ing pages refers only to pears tested in this country. Some 

 European varieties, 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; and it is sufficiently evident that the crown (upper 

 portion or surmounting 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 ; 

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

 flesh 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 fine qualities of this pear render it a general favorite. Fig. 

 643. England. 



