10 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ January, 
sides at tlie base, while the stem was freely branched in the upper half, where it 
was furnished with numberless flowers. Treated in this way, Dahlia iniperialis. 
becomes a thoroughly distinct and remarkably handsome decorative plant for late 
autumn in-door purposes. The plants go on developing in an ordinary greenhouse 
until chilly weather conies on, and then it is that a mild heat is necessary to 
secure the opening of the blossoms, which, as above described, are drooping, with 
the florets somewhat converging, which seems to give the flower-heads a lily-like- 
aspect. Two varieties have been observed, one with the flowers entirely white, 
the other with a red spot at the base of each ray floret.—M. 
THE PEARS AT TORT WORTH COURT. 
Y subject may be fitly introduced by the remark that the experience- 
iL gained in any given locality is not sufficient to enable us to determine 
with certainty the real merits of the different varieties of our hardy fruits. 
^ There are many contingencies that arise to vary the results of our inves¬ 
tigations, and they may help to enable us to account for much diversity as to quality. 
There are to be considered, for example, the situation of the garden, the amount 
of shelter, the physical character and mineral constituents of the soil, and the 
mode of training and pruning, all of which exercise an abiding influence. 
Much of late years has been written in favour of the Quince as a stock for 
the Pear; but from what I can learn, the excitement in its favour is abating, and 
experience is giving us an insight into its true value. I cannot help thinking that 
the discussion was mixed up with a great deal that was useless, and frequently 
altogether beside the mark. All our Pears are worked on the Pear stock, and 
I am thankful to say that such is the case, for otherwise I fear that our supply 
would not equal the demand. Our kitchen garden is situated 300 feet above 
the sea level, and is only slightly protected, being exposed to the severe hurricanes 
from the British Channel. With these prefatory observations, I proceed with my 
descriptive and annotated list, which I shall continue as opportunity offers :— 
Alexandre Lamhre .—Under the majority of circumstances, the quality of this variety cannot 
be considered to rank higher than third-rate ; hence it is undeserving of a place even in an 
extensive collection. Judging from appearance, it would be pronounced first-class, but it is 
the very reverse of this, being gritty and dry-fleshed. Admirably adapted for the market, 
where appearance is more frequently valued than quality. This is a hardy kind, and a profuse 
bearer, the fruit weighing about 4 oz., and beginning to ripen about the 20th of October. 
Beurre d'AinanUs .—There can be no doubt of this variety being one of our best autumn 
pears—possibly the very best, as it possesses all the qualities that can be desired, gushing with 
juice, and rich in sugar. It begins to ripen about the 10th of September, and weighs from 
10 oz. to 12 oz. The habit is vigorous, and it is a great bearer. The Beurre d'Amanlis 
panacMe has no distinguishing character, beyond that of the fruit being striped with yellow. 
Beurre de Ranee .—This is a pear of varying qualities, and exceedingly uncertain as to 
flavour; in some seasons it is delicious, and at other times insipid. When grown as an open 
standard, the fruit rarely, if ever, shows its true character, unless it may be in some favoured 
locality. In the majority of cases it ought to be trained on a south wall, where it not only 
produces fruit of greater size, but brings out fully its valuable properties. Weighs 8 oz.,^ 
begins to ripen towards the end of December, and goes on progressively till the middle of 
February. 
