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XXV. Remarks upon the Comparative Advantages of 

 Grafting Pears upon Quince Stocks. In a Letter to the 

 Secretary. By Mr. Thomas Torbron, F. H. S. Gar- 

 dener to the Countess of Bridgwater, at Ashridge, in 

 Hertfordshire. 



Read January 2, 1827. 



Sir, 



For several years I have been of opinion, that perhaps 

 there are few, or none of the sorts of fruit that come to matu- 

 rity in this country, without the aid of glass and artificial 

 heat, that merit more attention and encouragement than 

 Pears, considering the long space of time that they may be 

 had for the table. For where there is a judicious selection, 

 and soil and situation suitable, they may be supplied with 

 but little intermission, from July till May following. 



One great improvement in the cultivation of the Pear, is 

 a method practiced many years ago, but not generally enough 

 adopted; that of the choice sorts being grafted upon the 

 Quince, by which they come several years sooner into bear- 

 ing, and produce much better crops, than those upon the 

 common or free stock. 



I have had opportunities of seeing the superiority of the 

 Quince stock in three different counties, and with as many 

 different sorts of soil, and have not found any disadvantage 

 whatever in it, although some disapprove the use of it. I 

 think the objections are made only by those who have not 

 given the two sorts of stocks a fair trial. Pears on the 

 Quince require less wall room at planting; but an equal 



