
          325

25

Seckel Pear

[sketch of pears]

This pear assumes a variety of sizes and forms according to
the age situation and vigor of the tree & the strength of the soil.
It differs much in the skin and color, when large the skin is
rough with a dead olive green with a russet brown towards the Sun,
when small the skin is smooth, becomes yellow with a bright
red cheek. It is frequently resembled in its appearance to stone
or marble fruit (artificial).  The flavor of this fruit is very
superior - by many it is esteemed as the finest fruit of our Country
even superior to the Beurrée doréé. The flesh is melting juicy
exquisitely flavored, not apt to rot, being in high order from
the latter end of August till the beginning of November.
It ought not to be picked till nearly ripe.

The tree of the Seckel pear is remarkably beautiful in its
growth. The form is round, the leaves are green & beautiful,
the branches short and thick, growth luxuriant
in appearance but not very long. It strikes the eye
of a stranger as the most ornamental pear tree in
our gardens from the symmetry of its form and the
brilliant green of its foliage.  It is less subject to
the destructive blight which attacks our pear trees in
Summer than any other fine kind. It is fine
when eat from the tree, and is not injured but in many
instances acquires additional flavor by picking it
before it is fully ripe.
        