117 



PYRUS, 



PEAR TREE. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 



The numerous pear tree family is divided into two main branches. One stems from the 

 wild pear tree and the other one apparently from a union of the quince tree with the pear 

 tree. Similarities of shape & characteristics clearly point to the first origin & at the very 

 least lead to a presumption about that of the other. Repeated crosses between these two 

 branches & between individuals within the same branch have produced an almost infinite 

 variety of pear trees. Isn't it possible without being rash to further imagine that the pear 

 tree, living on its own in the wild, would not have been averse to interacting with the 

 service tree & with the beautiful Mespilus [Translator's note: azarole] family? The 

 shapes, colors, & features of several pears seem to support this idea. Regardless of these 

 notions, the pear tree in general is a large & beautiful tree that grows straight & holds up 

 its branches well. Its varieties are identified by the size & vigor of the tree, the colors of 

 the shoots, the shapes & sizes of the leaves & flowers, & most of all by the shape, size, 

 color, flavor & season of the fruit. However the following characteristics are common to 

 all of them. 



The flowers consist of 1°. a not very deep cup-shaped calyx divided at the edges 

 into five thick sections that come to a point. It often lasts until the fruit ripens. 



