J. A. Spaulding: “Far better than Keiffer, mure juicy than Bart- 
lett; a good color and size for retailing.” 
S. J. Hunter, Professor of Entomology, K. S. U.: “ I have exam- 
ined the pear A. H. Gkiesa has named the Douglas, after the county 
in which it originated. This pear in shape, size and color resembles 
the Keiffer; it differs markedly however, in texture and flavor. In text- 
ure it is almost as fine as the Bartlett, and is remarkable for its entire 
absence of the heavy wood core, so common in the Keiffer. In flavor 
it may be compared to the refreshing juicy taste of the Duchess. It is 
noteworthy that such a pear should be produced at such a late season, 
after all varieties of desirable pears have gone.” 
B. F. Smith, President, Douglas County Hort. Society: “A new 
fruit of merit. The fruit man, who desires to keep in the front rank 
of the great army of fruit growers, is ever on the alert for new and bet- 
ter varieties than we have. Fruit perfection is not at hand as yet; but 
improvement is being made along the line of orchard and berry fruits. 
The industry is growing more interesting as the years go by, owing to 
the profit and pleasure there is in the business. We are greatly in need 
of a new sort of pear that is not subjedt to blight. Pear culture has 
fallen behind on account of this blighting of nearly all the old favorites; 
as the Bartlett, Anjou, and others. Recently a new seedling has been 
produced from Keiffer seed. It is about as large, ripens about the 
same time; in flavor, to my taste, as good as the well know Bartlett. 
The tree is a strong grower and begins to bear when three years old. 
This pear will be introduced by A. H. Griesa, thC originator of the 
Katisas and Cardinal Raspberries, the Mele Strawberry, and other 
fruits. Mr. Griesa has had many years of experience in testing new 
fruits, and has never offered any new fruit that was unworthy or un- 
profitable. It is the opinion of the writer, who has forty year’s experi- 
ence with growing pears, that this seedling will become famous as well 
as profitable throughout the country.” 
I. J. Gray, Secretary, Douglas County Hort. Society: “The new 
pear which you have developed by uniting a seedling Keiffer and 
Duchess and naming it the Douglas, is indeed a production of the 
highest merit. Its smooth exterior renders it attractive to the eye, and 
the rind is much thinner than any variety with which I am acquainted. 
Its flavor cannot fail to be pleasing and its juice is superabundant. The 
length of its stem is favorable, and the core is the smallest I have ob- 
served of any of its size. However, its chief excellence is in the fact 
that it will come into bearing the next year after planting. That is 
bound to make it a winner. You are to be congratulated.” 
