1S71. ] 
THE BEST LATE PEARS. 
105 
If these old plants can have bottom-heat np to 70°, and their tops be kept 
near the glass during their resuscitation, the second crop of bloom will be more 
exquisitely beautiful than the first. It may be smaller, but every branch and 
twig will have its scarlet crook at the end thereof. The slenderness of the 
flower-stem and the number of the flowers give such plants at a distance the 
appearance of some marvellously bright and beautiful fuchsia of an entirely new 
style. In fine, I recommend this old Salvia splenclens with the utmost confidence 
to all who have either flowers to gather, or glass-houses to furnish with bright¬ 
ness and beauty in the dead season. Always effective, its climax of grandeur 
is reached when the glass roof and the outside world is mantled in snow. The 
glow of the scarlet on the silvery sheen of the snow-drift produces an effect as 
unique as it is richly beautiful. 
A similar effect on a small scale may be produced by placing well-bloomed 
plants of this Salvia on the dinner-table. The scarlet glows down as if it 
would burn a hole in the tablecloth, which, on the other hand, seems to rise up to 
meet and tone down the red glare with its soft cool touch. We often hear of 
unity sprung out of diversity. By using this charming plant for dinner-table 
decoration, we may learn that harmony may be the produce of the most violent 
contrasts. — D. T. Fish, Hardwicke , Bury St. Edmund's. 
THE BEST LATE PEAKS. 
I ERE the Bergamotte Esperen has been in season for the last two weeks 
(April 12), and is one of the very best late melting Pears grown. I planted 
three trees of it in a new orchard, and they bore full crops of fruit last 
p autumn. They were on the Pear stock, but some bush trees on the Quince 
stock are equally prolific. This fine late Pear is well worthy of a wall in late 
situations, for it is a far better variety than Easter Beurre, and unlike it, comes 
true to its season of ripening and use. 
Another excellent late Pear is the Doyenne d' Alencpn, which, with me, grows 
and bears well on the quince stock as a pyramid. It is likewise highly deserving 
of a wall in cool climates. Its season of coming in with me has been variable, 
from January to April. 
Beurre Sterckmans , grown on a west wall, has been another first-rate melting 
late Pear here this year, its season being in February and March. Some bush 
trees of it on the quince stock have not borne fruit yet. 
Madame Millet , grown on a south wall, is a delicious late melting Pear, of 
large size, and well worthy of extensive cultivation. Its season is from April to 
June. 
Bezi Mai is a very large and handsome half-melting Pear, but requires wall 
training to bring it to perfection. Its season is May and June. 
The very latest Pear grown here is Leon le Clerc de Laval , which bears well 
on the quince stock ; and grown as a bush. When at its best it is only half- 
