292 



PEAR. 



SO generally planted as some other sorts, owing no 

 doubt to the young trees being so long barren after 

 they are planted. This loss and discouragement is, 

 in many cases, increased by mismanagement : for it 

 is no uncommon thing to meet with pear trees from 

 twelve to twenty years old, which have never show^n 

 either flower or fruit. But the writer flatters him- 

 self that, if what is in his power to ofi'er as advice 

 and instruction be observed, he doubts not but that 

 those who follow, will find it to their interest and 

 satisfaction. 



One of the first considerations is the production of 

 proper stocks. These raised from the seeds of some 

 of the cultivated varieties are both more convenient 

 and suitable, than stocks raised from the wild crab 

 pear, which in this country are now very scarce. 

 The seeds of the most erect growing pear trees are 

 usually chosen for raising stocks from ; such as the 

 summer bergamot, the swan's egg, and the Windsor. 

 These produce seedling stocks which soon run up 

 standard high, and fit to receive the graft; whereas 

 were seeds of dwarfish growing kinds employed, the 

 seedlings are apt to partake of the habit of the parent 

 tree, and be longer in gaining the desired form and 

 height. Here it may not be amiss to pay a deserved 

 compliment to both the French and Flemish nursery- 

 men, for the pains they take in keeping distinct, and 

 classifying their stocks. Tall and strong growers, 

 middling growers, and dwarfish growers, are each 

 kept separate, and grafts adapted to them according 

 to the purpose of the planter. This practical ex- 



