364 



GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



ders it a welcome addition to the dessert. It is also used 

 medicinally in fevers, on account of its agreeable cooling 

 nature ; but it is not half as much cultivated as it deserves 

 to be. It might be profitably exported to any extent. 



Projpagation and Culture. — This tree is propagated from 

 seeds, layers, suckers or cuttings ; also, by budding and 

 grafting. Seeds must be sown as soon as they ripen. 

 Any good soil will do for the pomegranate. It requires 

 little pruning — only taking out some of the weaker shoots, 

 shortening in or pinching those that are overgrown, to 

 make them throw out new fruitful shoots all over the tree. 



The only varieties worth cultivating for the fruit are ; 



1. The sweet-fruited pomegranate. — Pulp sweet, and 

 juicy. 



2. The sub-acid-fruited pomegranate or common variety. 



3. The wild or acid-fruited pomegranate, of brisk, acid 

 flavor — is used for making a nice syrup. 



Pyrus Communis. — Pear. 



The Pear is often found growing wild in hedges 

 in various parts of Europe, China, and Western Asia. 

 It is a thorny tree with upright branches, tending to 

 the pyramidal form. The wild fruit is exceedingly 

 harsh and astringent ; but no fniit whatever, is more deli- 

 ciously sugary and melting than its best improved varie- 

 ties. The pear was early brought into cultivation ; there 

 Avere thirty-two varieties in Pliny's time, yet they were 



but a heavy meat unless boiled or baked," and it was not 

 before the 17th century that this fruit became really worthy 

 of culture for the dessert. Indeed, within the last fifty 

 years, the majority of the best varieties have originated. 



The pear, under favorable circumstances, is a long-lived 

 tree. The Endicott Pear tree, still living in Danvers, 



