CR3PS AND PROFITS. 153 



hardihood, in a little group of pomological gentle- 

 men, to express a modest opinion in praise of the 

 flavor of the Bartlett pear. 



The gentlemen did not deign a reply ; but I waa 

 looked upon very much as a greenhorn might be, 

 who at a political caucus should venture a word or 

 two, in favor of honesty. 



Quince stocks for pear trees have their advocates ; 

 and there has been a very pretty war between the 

 battlers for the standards, and the ^battlers for the 

 dwarfs. Having made trial of both, and considering 

 that most human opinions are fallible, I plant myself 

 upon neutral ground, and venture to affirm that each 

 mode of culture has its advantages. There are, for 

 instance, varieties of the pear, which, in certain 

 localities, will not thrive, or produce fair specimens, 

 without incorporation upon the quince stock. Such, 

 in my experience, are the Duchess d'Angouleme, and 

 the Vicar of Winkfield. The finest fruit of the Belle 

 Lucrative, and the Bonne de Jersey, I also invariably 

 take from dwarf growth. 



The dwarf trees, however, demand very special, 

 and thorough culture ; if the season is dry, they 

 must be watered ; if the ground is baked, it must be 

 stirred. I look upon them as garden pets, which 

 must be fondled and humored ; and like other pets, 

 they are sure to be attacked by noxious diseases. 

 7* 



