1L>0 



Observations on a Seedling Pear, fyc. 



the Althorp Crasanne is one of the very best. It is described, from 

 a standard, in the Second Series of these Transactions, Vol. 1. 

 p. 106, from fruit of the first year of its production, in 1830. In 

 the present season, Mr. Knight has sent specimens in high per- 

 fection, both from standards and from a wall ; and from one of 

 the latter the accompanying drawing, by Miss Drake, has been 

 made. 



In the first notice of this variety, above alluded to, it was de- 

 scribed as having much the appearance of the Crasanne, possessing 

 all its richness, with less grittiness. This is so far correct ; but as 

 it has since been grown in greater perfection it has altered in form, 

 and, therefore, it will be necessary to notice more particularly its 

 general characters, whether grown on a wall or as a standard. The 

 specimens from a wall were very large and obovate ; the eye was in 

 a moderately deep depression, with the segments of the calyx some- 

 what collapsing ; the stalk usually less than an inch and a half in 

 length, or sometimes considerably shorter, thicker than that of the 

 Crasanne.* The skin was yellowish green, with a faint brownish 

 blush next the sun, and some russet near the stalk. The flesh was 

 white, melting and buttery, with very little grit, rich and excellent, 

 but not equal to those from standards in point of high flavour. From 

 a standard, the fruit was large, roundish-obovate, the eye was in a 

 tolerably even-formed hollow, and open, with the segments of the 

 calyx forming tubercles, inclining to collapse. The skin was greenish- 

 brown, interspersed with russet-gray, not unlike in colour the Cra- 

 sanne ; but the stalk differs much, being only about half an inch, or 

 an inch in length ; whereas in the Crasanne it is one and a half, or 

 two inches. The flesh is buttery, rich and very high flavoured. 

 The season of this Pear is the end of October and November. 

 In mentioning this sort Mr. Knight says, " as a dessert Pear, 



* The general form of the fruit is considerably more globular and more approaching 

 that of the Crasanne. T. A. K. 



