136 GARDEN GUIDE 



Successful Pear culture is only practicable where the condition 

 of the soil permits a free growth of wood. The trees may be planted 

 closer together than in the case of Apples, because the tendency of 

 the Pear tree is to grow tall rather than to spread out. Where an 

 Apple orchard is planted, Pear trees may be planted be- 

 PEARS tween the rows until the Apple trees require the room, 

 when they should be cut out rather than encroach upon 

 the room allowed for the Apple trees. Pears come into bearing much 

 quicker than Apples, and the trees never assume large proportions. 

 It is well to bear this in mind when planting, but a small Pear tree 

 will produce liberally, and a careful selection of varieties will give a 

 long season of fruit. Pears delight in a heavy soil, and as they bloom 

 early in the season a sheltered position should be selected where some 

 protection may be had from a windbreak of tall evergreens or group 

 of buildings, or from the natural formation of the place chosen, such 

 as the shelter afforded by a hill. The trees should be planted on the 

 eastern slope when many are to be grown, but in the small garden 

 pyramids or espaliers should be used. These give the best results, 

 yielding a large amount of fruit in a restricted space. Pears respond 

 to good cultivation and will stand closer pruning than Apples. The 

 tall growing varieties should have the heads cut hard to prevent the 

 trees reaching too great a height, which makes the gathering of the 

 fruit difficult. It is good policy, therefore, to keep the trees low and 

 bushy. Pears make spurs freely, and in pruning, this fact should be 

 held in mind. Encourage a free, open, branching habit, and prune 

 to clothe the branches with fruit bearing spurs, cutting out all super- 

 fluous growth at the Spring pruning. 



Probably the worst enemy of the Pear is rust and fungus, an 

 attack of which causes the fruit to grow deformed and unsightly. A 

 frequent spraying with arsenate of lead, three pounds to fifty gallons 

 of water, will keep the foliage and fruit in good condition. This 

 should be applied immediately after the blossoms fall, and again about 

 three weeks later, and should any sign of fungous growth appear later, 

 another spraying should be given to insure good looking fruit and a 

 clean, healthy growth to the trees. 



Pears are usually grafted, and trees can be purchased much more 

 cheaply than they can be grown to a fruiting age. 



The following tried and popular varieties will prove a valuable 

 addition to the garden: 

 GLAPP'S FAVORITE. Large, pale^yellow; flesh fine, juicy and buttery. 



August. 



BARTLETT. A very'popular variety; large, shapely, melting; luscious 

 flavor. September. 



