540 Marlhy Anne Pear. 



Marthy Anne, nearly all were really very good pears, show- 

 ing that, though the chance of obtaining a very superior fruit 

 is somewhat uncertain, the tendency of seedlings to go back 

 to anything like a wild state is not borne out. The present 

 season more of the seedlings have fruited, and among them 

 some of very good promise. 



The Marthy Anne (jig. 38, j Seedling No. 1, has had the 

 commendation of the Fruit Committee of the Massachu- 

 setts Horticultural Society, and will rank among our best 

 November pears. Of large size and handsome appearance, a 

 vigorous growing tree and a fine bearer, ripening at a good 

 season, it must become a favorite with all amateur cultivators. 

 Our description is as follows : — 



tSize^ large, about three and a half inches long, and three 

 inches in diameter : Form, obtuse pyramidal, largest abov 

 the middle, rounding off to the crown, and tapering to a 

 somewhat obtuse point at the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, pale 

 lemon yellow, mottled with green, and profusely dotted with 

 large, pale russet specks : Stem, rather long, about one inch 

 in length, moderately stout, little curved, and inserted in a 

 very small, contracted cavity : Bye, medium size, open, and 

 slightly depressed in a small very shallow basin ; segments 

 of the calyx short, broad, rounded : Flesh, yellowish white, 

 coarse, half melting, and very juicy : Flavor, rich, sprightly 

 and sugary, with a delicate aroma: Core, large, slightly 

 gritty : Seeds, medium size, dark brown. Ripe in Novem- 

 ber. 



We trust Mr. Dana's success will induce all cultivators who 

 have plenty of room, to attempt the improvement of this de- 

 licious fruit by the growth of seedlings. By judicious selection 

 of the seed, we have no doubt the number of our American 

 varieties may be greatly increased, and eventually a selection 

 be made which shall surpass any of the foreign sorts we now 

 possess. 



