570 GARDENING FOE THE SOUTH. 



Imperial, (Sneed, 



Jewel, - Suber, 



Maggie, Taber, 



Onderdonk, Thurber, 



Pallas, Victoria, 



Peento, Waldo. 



Marketing. — Early peaches are shipped in baskets 

 packed in crates. When the fruit becomes more plenti- 

 ful, however, well ventilated barrels may be used. Equal 

 care must be exercised in assorting this fruit and packing 

 separately the same sizes and grades as is cautioned in 

 shipping oranges. Too great emphasis cannot be placed 

 on this important point. Take care in handling the 

 peach, so as not to injure the " bloom" on the fruit. 



PEAK. — f Pyrus communis.) 



The Pear is often found growing wild in hedges in 

 various parts of Europe, China and Western Asia. It is a 

 thorny tree, with upright branches, tending to the pyra- 

 midal form. The wild fruit is exceedingly harsh and 

 astringent; but no fruit whatever is more delicious, 

 sugary, and melting than its best improved varieties. 

 The pear was early brought into cultivation; there were 

 thirty-two varieties in Pliny's time, \^\ they were " but a 

 heavy fruit, unless boiled or baked," and it was not before 

 the seventeenth century that it became really worthy of 

 culture for the dessert. Indeed, the majority of the best 

 varieties have originated within the last century. The 

 pear, under favorable circumstance's, is a long-lived tree. 

 The Endicott pear tree, still living in Danvers, Massa- 

 chusetts, was planted by Governor Endicott in lf>2S, or 

 eight years after tin 1 landing of the Pilgrims. 



M. P>osc mentions trees in Europe which are known to 

 be four hundred years old. Even in this State trees that 

 were in full bearing forty years ago are still healthy, 

 vigorous, and productive. It will endure in suitable soils 



