106 THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST, 



before me. The tree is a rapid, straggling grower, with large shoots $ 

 it stands the frost and severe weather well ; the bark is a yellowish- 

 brown color, and is clean and healthy. Succeeds well as dwarf or 

 standard. The fruit should be gathered some days before ripe ; it will 

 hot keep long. 



The Ontario Agricultural Commission after finishing their duties 

 here paid me a visit, and expressed their delight while looking at this 

 noble pear, as well as others that I may mention hereafter, and with 

 my mode of cultivation. With the liberal aid given by the Qiitario 

 Government, the Fruit Growers' Association ought to play a con- 

 spicuous part in this great land of my adoption. British North 

 America ere long will be one of the greatest countries under the sun, 

 and one of the most valuable possessions of the British Empire. 

 Canada is said to be the brightest gem in the British crown. Itself 

 of richer value, it will be guarded with all the power, wisdom and love' 

 of a family heirloom. On these grounds, therefore, we can never cease 

 to be affected with everything that affects the parent state. 



I fear that I have trespassed on your valuable space, and perhaps 

 allowed my mind to run into a strain foreign to the Horticulturist, 

 but being one of its first Directors I trust you will forgive me. It is 

 this little monthly that is always welcome to my home, and has my 

 best wishes for its future usefulness! 



ON PEAE BLIGHT. 



BY PROS". E. W. OLAYPOLE, YELLOWSPRINGS, OHIO. 



In the number for April, 1881, appeared a useful q,nd rational 

 letter from "Eusticus" on pear blight. "Eusticus" records his experi- 

 ence, and then clearly and logically reasons from it to its cause. He 

 does not jump to the conclusion that wood ashes are a specific remedy 

 for this the most deadly enemy of the pear and apple in many parts 

 of the country, but suggests that the ashes may improve the condition 

 of the tree, and so make it less susceptible of injury from the blight. 

 The fire-blight is now believed to be a parasitic growth in the soft 

 bark of the young twigs, which disorganizes the tissue and destroys 

 the starch ; at least this is the opinion of Prof Burrill, who has made 

 a special study of the subject. Now it is well known that though 



