PEARS. 



131 



those OD the fruit spurs are larger than the others ; fruit rather 

 below the middle size, not very constant in form, but usually 

 obovate, and more or less elongated ; eye rather shallow ; skin 

 when fresh gathered, green on one side and red on the other, 

 changing to a deep rich sanguine hue, speckled with grayish 

 ocellate, broad spots next the sun, and a clear lemon on the 

 other side ; flesh white, juicy, buttery, with a rich aromatic, 

 subacid, vinous flavour. 



MARIE LOUISE. Pr. cat. Pom.3iag. 



This variety was reared from seed by Dr. Van Mons, of 

 Brussels, and having been introduced some years since to this 

 country, has now become very considerably disseminated. 

 , The Pomological Magazine remarks, that in England the 

 high opinion that was entertained on its first reception in re- 

 gard to its good qualities, has been amply confirmed by expe- 

 rience, and that it has been found one of the most valuable 

 autumn pears, resisting the inclemencies of a severe climate, 

 and appearing capable of affording a certain crop under what- 

 ever circumstances it may be placed. In flavour and beauty 

 it has scarcely a superior, and in unfavourable seasons and 

 situations, when other pears failed to acquire their accustomed 

 flavour, this has been found to attain it fully as well as its 

 usual size and colour. 



The Magazine referred to further remarks, that there can be 

 scarcely any doubt but that the pear mentioned in Loudon's 

 Magazine, vol. iii. p. 353, under the name of the Forme de 

 Marie Louise is the same as this ; the appearance of the fruit 

 from standards and walls being so difierent, as to justify any 

 person unacquainted with the habits of the variety, in con- 

 sidering them distinct. 



It ought to be in every collection, however limited or select ; 

 it ripens in the middle of October, and keeps till the end of 

 November ; the shoots are moderately strong, rather dark co- 

 loured, with dull brown spots ; the leaves which are about the 

 middle of the young shoots, are ovate, somewhat acuminate. 



