PEARS 



The Pear takes rank with the Apple as a popular hardy fruit. 

 Its history as a cultivated tree dates back to the Roman period, 

 Pliny describing varieties which were distinguished by special 

 flavour or aroma. The number of varieties now known to be in 

 cultivation in the British Islands probably exceeds 1006. Most of 

 these are of continental origin. In France, Pears have received 

 much attention for many centuries, the climate there being ex- 

 ceptionally suited to them. The popular old Windsor Pear is said 

 to have originated in that country several centuries ago. The 

 prototype of Garden Pears, Pyrus communis, a native of Europe 

 and Western Asia, and not uncommon in our hedgerows, has small, 

 hard, somewhat dry fruits. The process of evolution which has 

 resulted in the large, luscious fruits of the best garden sorts has 

 been very slow; at first by the selection of wildings or chance 

 seedlings in cultivation, but latterly by cross-breeding or inter- 

 crossing the best varieties. It is usual to graft the varieties on 

 either the wild Pear or the Quince, the latter producing as a rule 

 the most satisfactory results, whilst trees on the former stock, 

 though slower in coming to fruitfulness, are much longer-lived. 

 The extent to which Pears are grown in some districts in France 

 is shown in the statement that upwards of 700 tons of the fruit 

 have been sent away from one station (Angers) between July 

 and January. The varieties represented in the Plate are three 

 of the best dessert Pears grown in England. 



