92 THE CANADIAN IIOllTIOJJLTUKIST. 



Whoever is appointed to receive the Commissioner vshould see 

 that he does not return without a full list of either plants or cuttings 

 of our hest standard varieties of tliis luscious fruit, which Australia is 

 able to raise in such profusion, and with so little trouble. The semi- 

 tropical climate of those colonies wliere the orange and lime, the 

 mulberry, fig and peach, the shaddock and citron, the loquats, pine- 

 apple and bananna make ones teeth water to read about, would develop 

 quantities of such varieties as Burnet and many of tlie Rogers, and 

 such grapes as Ilickett's Lady Washington, as have never been dreamed 

 of in this country. 



It would be v/ell tv3o if some of Mr. Arnold's new varieties of straw- 

 berries could be tested in these far off regions, where, though separated 

 by space, all fruit growers feel the kindred of brotherhood. Our climate 

 is so mucli colder than tliat of our fellow colonists that the exchange 

 ■of plants will all be on one side, but they may have some new serials 

 ■or annuals that v/ould be suitable to our hot summers, and would 

 mature before autumn closes in. If the new conservatories were 

 ready at the Model Farm, on receipt we might be able to see what 

 kind of looking things in the shape of plants and iiowers their wild 

 perennials would turn out. 



TAVO DELICIOUS PEAES. 



Fine samples of the Dr. Keeder pear, jusfc brought in from our orchard, 

 gives me an opportunity to taste one of the iinest varieties known to culti- 

 vators. It is much to be I'egretted that the best fruits ai-e usually the least 

 known. Coarse kinds are introduced in great abundance^ and are to be 

 found everywhere, but how i-arely do we see the really choice sorts. But 

 this is easily explained. Almost invariably fine quality is secured at the 

 expense of vigorous habit, and generally the high flavored fruits aie such 

 indiflferent growers that nurserymen cannot propagate them to advantage, 

 and usually the fruits are not sufficiently attractive in size and color to take 

 well in the markets ; hence the reason that they do not become disseminated. 

 Dr. Heeder is no exception to the rule. It is & moderate, slender grower, 

 either on the pear or quince, and to produce good trees it costs three times 

 as much as it does of strong growing sorts. The fruit is only of medium size, 

 but so juicy, melting, highly perfumed — in fact, so perfect in every respect 

 ■ — that no amateur should be without it. This season it ripened nearly 

 two weeks earlier than casual. It is genei'ally in ])erfection in JSTovember. 



Another high flavored pear, meriting perhaps the first place on account 

 •of quality is Bonne du Puits Ansault, one of Mr. Leroy's introductions, 

 which is destined to do him credit for all time to come. It too, is a 



