THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF HARDY FRUIT GROWING. 327 
in that respect, and far more prolific as a bush tree. Fruiterers 
who know the variety will willingly pay a good price for large 
and well-formed fruit of it ; and as this variety becomes better 
known, it is probable that it will be very extensively planted in 
the future. 
Marie Louise d'Uccle can scarcely be styled a first-rate 
dessert Pear, but it is one of the most free-bearing sorts we 
have. The fruit attains a fair size, and sells on the average at 
12s. per cwt. 
All the above varieties are in season before or up to Christ- 
mas, after which period dessert Pears are scarce in the market ; 
but a variety in use from Christmas and onwards that has been in 
excellent demand of late years is Joseijhine de Malines. If it is 
allowed to hang on the trees as long as possible, in fact until there 
is danger of sharp frost, the fruit will frequently keep till early in 
March, and if sold then will bring from 20s. to 30s. per cwt., 
although the fruit is below the average size ; but owing to the 
demand for Pears early in the new year, size is not so important 
as a nice appearance and good flavour. Joscijliine de Malines 
is also a heavy cropper on both the Pear and Quince stocks. 
A class of Pears which will, I think, pay for increased plant- 
ing are stewing varieties, as there is a steadily growing 
demand for them. By planting hardy prolific varieties like 
Catillac, Uvedale's St. Germain, Verulam, and Vicar of Wink- 
field, as fine a lot of stewing Pears can be placed on the market 
from October to March as anyone could desire to have. Judging 
by our experience, this class of Pears are more hardy, prolific, 
and not so particular as to soil or situation as are the dessert 
kinds. Indeed, if dessert Pears are scarce, and the season has 
been a favourable one for ripening the fruit well, both Verulam 
and Vicar of Wink field are by no means despicable for dessert, 
thus selling for more than if sold for stewing. 
In consigning Pears to a salesman or other source, the same 
remarks as previously made on carefully sorting the fruit are 
applicable. Any small or blemished examples mixed with good 
fruit lowers the value very much. Another item in sending 
away Pears is to take great care in packing, so as to avoid the 
slightest injury. Our practice is always to send away the fruit 
immediately it shows signs of becoming mellow. In this state it 
travels more safely, and, if not ripe enough on arriving at its 
