The Canadian Horticulturist. 



U5 



As to whether they could adapt themselves to the climate of Ontario, that 

 is a matter which so far as I am aware has not yet been put to the test, but I 

 think is well worth trying. They would have to go south during winter, but 

 there is plenty of room for them, and they could choose winter quarters to suit 

 themselves as others do. 



The whole habits of this bird point to it as a true friend of the farmer and 

 gardener, and if any of those who made such a mistake in introducing the 

 English sparrow to Canada, will try the introduction of the starling it would, I 

 think, be about the best compensation they could make for the evil done by the 

 sparrow. We have an abundance of food for the birds in summer which we can 

 well spare, and if a few are tried and they find out where to go in winter, I have 

 no doubt but they will thrive and make a very desirable addition to the list of our 

 feathered friends. 



Cairnbrae, March ^, i8gi. 



WINTER PEARS FOR MARKET. 



HE Anjou pear I regard as the queen of winter pears for the 

 table. It possesses all the virtues of a perfect pear, being 

 rich, vinous and melting, with keeping qualities not excelled 

 by any pear of its season. It is large, of pleasing shape, 

 fragrant, and when fully ripe of a warm straw color. Com- 

 ing into market when all fall pears are gone, it may be kept 

 from November until March. As a market fruit it is always in ready demand 

 wherever known, and brings the highest price, $5 to $6 per bushel for fine 

 selected fruit. The tree is hardy, vigor us, not subject to blight, does not over- 

 bear, and hence requires little thinning, while few inferior fruits are seen on the 

 tree. 



Anjou does well as a standard or a dwarf. It should be planted in well- 

 prepared, rich, dry ground and kept under the best cultivation, enriching it every 

 year alternately with a moderate dressing of well decomposed stable manure and 

 hardwood ashes. A thin sprinkling of salt during winter is also beneficial. 

 Pruning is very important to keep up the vigor and health of dwarf trees and also 

 to prevent overbearing. Dwarf trees that have been maintained under proper 

 cultivation, and have been properly pruned, may be seen producing excellent 

 crops of fine fruit after a half century of existence. Most of the dwarf pear- 

 orchards throughout Western New York are neglected in most, if not in all, the 

 about requirements, and therefore their lease of life is short and unsatisfactory. 

 The Winter Nelis is one of the finest winter pears, and a great favorite in 

 eastern markets. The fruit is of medium size, melting, and possesses a rich 

 aromatic flavor. For a dessert pear in respect to size, color and quality it has 

 no superior among winter varieties. Its season is "from December to March. 



