FLADBUKY PEAE. 
4 ^ 
has hitherto been scarcely open to him. This is no longer the 
case ; and the fruit garden and orchard are consequently rising 
in the estimation of all rational cultivators. Credible writers 
on the usages of the ancients induce a belief that, in ages past, 
horticulture shared much of the personal attention of the great 
and the mighty. Francis Austen, who wrote nearly two hun- 
dred years ago, says “They accompt this course of life free from 
many mischeifes, and vexations, that necessarily attend other 
affaires : great and many cares and troubles are found in hon- 
ours, and high places, but this course of life, about Orchards 
and Gardens, is full of sweet rest, honest businesse, and mo- 
dest pleasures, which many famous and learned men have had 
recourse unto, for refreshment after study and other labours : 
It is full of honest profit and gaine, and brings and adminis- 
ters all necessaries, here a man enjoyes pleasant quietnesse and 
tranquility of minde, which is seldome attained hy those that 
follow state employments : This is worthy the exercise of wise 
men, of good men, of learned men, of Kings and Emperours ; 
they have taken great delight in the study and practice of these 
things : This course of life is farre off from covetousnesse, and 
even tyed and married to all offices of love and friendship.” 
For a knowledge of the Fladbury Pear we are indebted to 
our excellent pomological friend, John Williams, Esq., of Pit- 
maston. He has cultivated it for several years, having first re- 
ceived grafts of it from a friend near Fladbury, Woi’cestershire, 
with information of its having been raised by a cottager in that 
parish, from seeds of the Swan’s Egg. 
Our drawing of it, and also the following notes, wei'e taken 
in December, when it was in perfection for the table. Eye 
resting on a narrow scarcely depressed table ; sepals hard and 
spreading. Stalk an inch long, inserted without any cavity. 
Colour a greenish yellow, and on the exposed side tinged with 
red, sometimes assuming soft broken strijies; the whole surface 
finely specked with brownish green, having occasional patches 
of pale russet. Flesh tender, juicy, and sweet, somewhat gritty 
in the centre ; slightly sub-acid, mingled with a mild astrin- 
gency, peculiar to itself, and highly grateful to most palates. 
The tree is of free healthy growth; and an abundant bearer, 
as a standard — the only mode of growth to which it ever has 
been submitted. 
