THE PEARS OF NEW YORK 63 
tion, are seldom used by pomologists because character of plant and fruit 
may be studied during a much longer time and are of greater cultural 
importance. In the blooming season, length, diameter, and the pubescence 
of stamens may be noted, but much more important taxonomically is the 
position of the stamens on the calyx-tube in the mature fruit. These 
organs, or remnants of them, persist in the ripened fruits, as will be noted 
in the discussion of characters of the fruit. Lastly, some varieties may 
be told during the blooming season by the distribution of the blossoms 
on the tree. The flowers of many varieties are borne on the periphery 
of the tree, and give the plant an aspect by which one may recognize the 
variety at once. 
If a variety is not noteworthy in the characters for which the fruit is 
grown — those which appeal to the senses of taste and sight — it has small 
chance of being cultivated long or widely. Hence, especial attention is 
paid to descriptions of the fruit. Some pomologists describe varieties only 
from the fruit, saying little or nothing about the plant. 
FRUIT-CHARACTERS OF POMES 
Season and use.— Perhaps season is the first, and certainly it is one 
of the most important characters to be noted in the ripened fruit. By 
season is meant the period in which a variety is in proper condition for use. 
Unless otherwise stated, season has reference to the period during which 
fruit is in condition in ordinary storage, as it is understood that cold-storage 
greatly prolongs the natural season. The terms summer, fall, and winter, 
sometimes modified by early or late, give the season with sufficient accuracy. 
Keeping quality and shipping quality, both dependent on several factors, 
are usually mentioned in connection with season. 
Rather closely connected with season is use. The uses for which a 
variety is particularly suited should always be indicated. Thus, a market 
variety is one suitable for the general market; a local market sort is one 
which does not stand handling well enough for the general market but is 
acceptable in local trade. A variety for dessert or table is suitable for 
eating in the uncooked state; cooking or kitchen varieties are desirable for 
culinary purposes. 
Size and shape of fruit— Of external characters of pears, size is 
important if several typical specimens can be examined, but is often 
misleading because under the stress of environment abnormal specimens 
may be produced. Gradations in size are expressed by the terms Jarge, 
