418 Description of American Fruits. 



tree, which is one of the oldest inhabitants of this part of the 

 world. It is known as Governor Stuyves ant's Pear, and is 

 an excellent sort : the fruit and leaf resemble the Summer 

 Bon Chretien in appearance, but it is of higher flavour ; it is 

 ripe the third week in August. The tree looks healthy and 

 vigorous enough to live another century. I am indebted to 

 Peter Stu yvesant, Esq. the present proprietor of the estate 

 where the tree grows, for the following account of it. It is 

 supposed that it was imported from Holland, but of this Mr. 

 Stuyvesant is not certain ; but there is no doubt but that 

 it was planted by old Governor Stuyvesant where it now 

 stands. He assumed the government of the province, then 

 called the New Netherlands, in 1647, which has always been 

 considered to be the date of the introduction of the tree, it 

 is consequently upwards of 170 years old. From its aromatic 

 flavour, it is sometimes called the Spice Pear. 



I am, with the highest respect, 



Your most obedient, 



and very humble servant, 

 Michael Floy. 



New York, 

 December 6, 1824. 



