134 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



REPORT OF TUB COMMITTEE APPOINTED AT THE WINTER MEETING, ON 



PEAR CULTURE, 



The Committee appointed to take into consideration " the extent 

 to which it is expedient for the Society to recommend the cultiva- 

 tion of the pear in this State," have attended to the duty assigned 

 them, and beg leave to report: 



That from the discussions of the Society and other sources of 

 information (with our own sh'ght experience), we can very confi- 

 dently recommend the general cultivation of the pear in this State 

 where the conditions are favorable 



The pear tree requires care in planting, good soil, good drain- 

 age and high cultivation — the trees will not flourish if badly 

 planted in poor soil, and starved. 



Our climate is no bar to success, provided care is taken in the 

 selection of varieties. That some failures will occur must be ex- 

 pected, as in all other branches of business ; but if beginners will 

 feel their way carefully, planting but few at first, and confining 

 their selection of varieties mainly to the most desirable from the 

 Society's catalogue, they will be satisfied with the results. 



Much of the want of success may be fairly attributed to the 

 purchase of worthless trees hawked about the State, often proving 

 untrue to name. Purchases had better be made from some good 

 reliable nurseryman. 



As to situation and soil, authorities differ, and each person must 

 use his own judgment. Some claim there must be some good pro- 

 tection to the orchard, while others have had excellent success in 

 the most exposed situations. 



The Committee could give other useful hints to beginners, but 

 the limits of the Society's report will not admit of it. 



While the Committee recommend pear culture in this State, they 

 would not do it to the exclusion of the apple, which is the surer 

 crop, and of the greatest value to the State. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



' ^ GommiUee. 



UENRY McLaughlin 



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