5 ® 
BEKGAMOTTE d’eSPEREN. 
knife, and devoted the latter part of his life to the culture of finit 
trees ; more particularly to the raising of Pears from seeds, and 
his efforts have been crowmed with success. This reminds us of 
Eoman generals, who where called from their quiet pursuits of 
iigriculture to the battle or the dictatorship ; and on their return 
as conquerors, gladly resumed their wonted labours; never omit- 
ting to enrich themselves and their country, by carrying home 
from the conquered nations, such plants and seeds as were new to 
them, or valuable. 
Tins Pear, which is perfectly green till the latter end of the 
year, ultimately puts on a complete coat of smooth dark russet, 
and continues quite firm in texture till March, when it begins 
to be slowly and gradually ameliorated; and in April and May 
becomes melting, juicy, and delicious. Its eye is small, and 
scarcely sunk below the surface ; stem short, issuing from a 
level surface. Its flesh is greenish near the skin, till very ripe ; 
when it becomes white ; is fine from grit, sweet, and, as we have 
said, of fine flavour. 
Pear-trees, grafted on Quince stocks, and trained as pyrami- 
dal dwarf trees, for garden culture, are very generally grown in 
France and Belgium; and, from the readiness with which they 
come into bearing ; the pleasure, the profit, and the continual 
interest they excite, both in bloom and fruit ; and being available 
in the garden or shrubbery, they are beginning to obtain more 
e.xtonsive attention in this country. The old style of espalier 
training is passing away; and as the newly-introduced superior 
Pears of our continental neighbours become known, and duly 
appreciated, so will their cultivation rapidly increase. 
The Bergamotte d’Esperen has proved, in this country, a pro- 
lific bearer, as a pyramidal tree, when grafted on the Quince ; 
and is more hardy than most of the Belgian varieties. Although 
possessed of this valuable quality, it merits the advantage of wall 
training; which, doubtless, would add to the beauty of its fruit. 
