Descriptions of Six varieties of Pears. 181 



found in our woods and pastures. It is not our object now, 

 however, to discuss the theory of raising fruits, but merely 

 to describe such as have been already produced. 



The Duchesse d'Angouleme is figured in the Pomological 

 Magazine, where it is also described as the "very finest" of 

 the late autumn pears ; some cultivators do not admit this, 

 and esteem it only as second rate. It is a variety which 

 varies according to soil, situation, exposure, &c., but, when 

 in perfection, it is a superior fruit. Its size, when well 

 grown, is very large; and specimens from the Island of 

 Jersey, exhibited before the London Hort. Soc, have weighed 

 twenty-two ounces. Twelve to sixteen ounces is its ordinary 

 weight, under good cultivation. 



Size, very large, four inches long, and three and a half in 

 diameter : Form, roundish oblong, tapering to the stem, 

 where it ends obtusely, with an extremely uneven and 

 knobby surface : Skin, fair, smooth, rich yellow, when 

 mature, faint blush upon the sunny side, with several 

 scattered russetty patches, and a few black dots ; the whole 

 surface very regularly sprinkled with russetty points : Stem, 

 medium length, about an inch, thick and large where it 

 adjoins the branch, and deeply sunk in a round cavity : Eye, 

 rather small, deeply sunk in much furrowed depression : 

 Flesh, fine, white, melting and juicy : Flavor, rich, per- 

 fumed and excellent. Ripe in October and November. 



This variety succeeds well upon the quince, and is, per- 

 haps, better adapted for that than the pear stock. The ex- 

 ceeding large size of the fruit renders it unsuitable for large 

 standards, as much of it would be blown ofi" by high winds. 

 Trained low, in pyramidal form, there can be no prettier 

 sight, than a tree loaded with its immensely large and golden 

 fruit. 



It was first introduced to notice, about the year 1815 • 

 at the period of the return of the Bourbons to France; 

 and was named after the Duchesse d'Angouleme. The trees 

 grow erect and handsome; and the wood yellowish, with 

 white spots. It comes early into bearing, and produces 

 constant crops. 



We can recommend it as a variety of which there should 

 be at least one tree in every collection. 



