STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 67 



plain that several varieties of apples, when planted in a sino-le 

 orchard, is more reliable for a crop as seasons come and go, than 

 one variety ; sometimes climatic conditions prove injurious to one 

 or more varieties, when others in the orchard are uninjured. In 

 the earlier times, and even now, there were many theories not well 

 founded, relating to orcharding. Of late years growers are chano-- 

 iug their views, and the majority of orchardists endeavor to under- 

 stand the reason ot their practice, under these conditions the march 

 of progress has been rapid, and success is in proper ratio to the 

 care the orchard receives. I have for some years given more 

 especial attention to the growing of apples than to other fruits. - In 

 the autumn of 1843, I planted the apple seeds from which the trees 

 in my orchard of twenty acres are planted, budded the trees, and 

 planted them, and have watched their progress of growth and bear- 

 ing ever since. The trees now are at maturity and bear full crops, 

 and I have received a vast amount of pleasure and a reasonable 

 amount of profit from my husbandry. 



The pear is a fruit that the average American is especially fond 

 of, and within the past half century has given a great amount of 

 thought and labor to its cultivation. 



Not only the orchardist, but everyone owning a piece of ground, 

 however small, does not feel quite satisfied without a few pear 

 trees. The pear has drawn out perhaps more enthusiasm than any 

 other fruit which we have cultivated. There are now over 3,000 

 sorts that are recorded and described, enough perhaps for the most 

 ardent cultivator. This number is perhaps well enough for those 

 whose money, time and taste permit, but the orchardist, or those 

 who grow pears for market, or home use, a dozen of the best sorts 

 are found sufficient for the most refined and cultivated taste, and 

 requiring far less care. The public at large have never become able 

 to know or name even a dozen sorts. 



By reference to Rhind's Vegetable Kingdom it will be seen that 

 the the pear tree is indigenous to the northern sections of the tem- 

 perate zone, flourishing as far north as fifty-seven degrees, and it 

 has been acclimated and grown within the boundaries of twenty- 

 seven degrees. 



In attempting to acclimate and grow the pear in a warmer climate 

 its primitive habits should not be lost sight of, neither the change 

 in the conditions caused by good or excessive cultivation of the 

 pear. Very high cultivation only can produce specimens of fruit 

 that bring the highest price in market, or receive the prizes at 



