120 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



Gathering and Storing the Fruit. The fruit should not 

 be gathered until well into November; then be stored, 

 calyx downwards, on sheets of clean paper in any light 

 place, such as the shelf of a cool greenhouse or vinery, 

 to mellow or soften, when it is fit to eat. It usually takes 

 about a fortnight to ripen. 



Pests and Diseases. Practically none. 



Varieties. 



There are four varieties in cultivation: 



Dutch. The best sort for general cultivation. Fruit, 

 large, usually 2in. in diameter. Colour, greyish-green 

 till ripe, then brownish. Flavour, very good. Leaves, 

 large. Free bearer. Good for standard culture. 



Nottingham, or Narrow-leaved Dutch. A smaller- 

 leaved and less vigorous variety. Suitable for pyramids 

 or bushes. Fruit, medium, lin. in diameter, pear-shaped. 

 Colour, yellowish-brown, marked with russet. Flavour, 

 excellent. 



Royal. A free bearer, suitable for pyramids or small 

 standards. Fruit, medium-sized, roundish. Colour, 

 brownish. Flavour, nice, pleasantly acid. 



Stoneless. A variety without seeds. Fruit, small, tur- 

 binate. Colour, russety-brown. Flavour, moderate. 

 Fruit keeps well after gathering. Free bearer. 



