GATHERING THE FEUIT 67 



ripened in the house, than if allowed to become fully 

 matured on the tree. There are a few exceptions to 

 this rule, but they are very few. And, on the other 

 hand, we know a great many varieties, which are only 

 second or third-rate when ripened on the tree, but possess 

 the highest and richest flavour if gathered at the proper 

 time, and allowed to mature in the house. This proper 

 season is easily known, first by the ripening of a few 

 foil-grown, but worm-eaten specimens, which fall soonest 

 from the tree ; and, secondly, by the change of colour, 

 and the readiness of the stalk to part from the branch 

 on gently raising the fruit. The fruit should then be 

 gathered, or so much of the crop as appears sufficiently 

 matured, and spread out on shelves in the fruit room, 

 or upon the floor of the garret. Here it will gradually 

 assume its full colour and become deliciously melting 

 and luscious. Many sorts which if sufiered to ripen in 

 the sun or open air are rather dry, when ripened within 

 doors are most abundantly melting and juicy. They 

 will also last for a considerably longer period, if ripened 

 in this way, maturing gradually as wanted for use, and 

 being thus beyond the risk of loss or injury by violent 

 storms or high winds. 



' Winter dessert pears should be allowed to hang on 

 the tree as long as possible, till the nights become frosty.' 

 They should then be wrapped separately in paper, 



' I feel compelled to differ from Mr. D. in this respect, for in 

 the antumn of 1855, I suffered many pears to hang on the trees tiU 

 the end of October, and they never ripened. I believe the first week 

 in October to be the best period to gather winter pears in. 



p 2 



