f omologtral, 
RIPENING AND MARKETING PEARS. 
W. H. WHITE. 
MOST SALABLE SORTS. 
To ripen and market any product, especially 
pours, proHupposes that we first produce such 
fruit in quality and quantity as to be worthy of 
such disposition. There is very little encourage¬ 
ment for the horticulturist, or for any one else, 
to produce and place on the market anything ex¬ 
cept a fairly good article—the greatest profit 
arises from superior products, well matured, 
and placed in mar. et in an attractive form. Two 
or more specimens may be in most respects well 
grown or matured, aud still be very unlike ; and 
when olTered as show samples, or for sale, the 
one will have precedence over the other in the 
eyes of the general public. A large or finely 
formed well-grown pear, unless properly ripened, 
will possess but little attraction either to the eye 
or taste; whereas, if the same be properly 
ripened, both these senses are gratified. Some 
varieties possess natural attractiveness to a 
greater degree than others, even when equally 
well matured and ripened, and such will fre¬ 
quently be preferred by the superficial observer 
and consumer, but the educated and experienced 
tiste will sometimes see excellence underneath 
a somewhat unattractive exterior, and select ac¬ 
cordingly. Br.t in catering for the general pub¬ 
lic wo can hardly be expected to educate and 
radically transform their taste at once, but we 
must take it as we find it and raise the standard 
gradually; therefore I say, that which pos¬ 
sesses greatest attraction to the eye will general¬ 
ly be the thing sought; and this is true with re¬ 
gard to fruit as well as other things. 
WHEN AND HOW TO GATHER. 
Pears should not bo allowed to ripen, but only 
to mature their growth on the tree, from which 
they must be picked at the proper stage—if we 
can determine that exact stage—aud be ripened 
ar tificially. The exact time to galher the differ¬ 
ent varieties must be learned by observation and 
experience. Fruit of the same variety on the 
same troo matures at different dates and should 
not be all gathered at the same picking, but at 
different times as it becomes mature and is de¬ 
veloped. Some varieties require to be taken 
from the tree at an earlier stage than others. 
A rule given a nd acted upon by many experienced 
horticulturists, is to “ pick when the stem of the 
fruit will part from the spur without breaking.” 
Either when the seeds have changed from a 
white to a brown color, or when the sugar begins 
to form, would be the most exact; and this time 
varies in different seasons, soils, condition of tho 
trees, etc. etc. Pears always look better and 
sell more readily and for better prices when 
gathered with the stem entire, and for the same 
reason care Bhould be taken that they are not 
bruised or otherwise disfigured. Therefore, 
when gathering or in any way handling them, 
this fact should be constantly kept in mind and 
acted upon. In gathering, carefully place the 
fruit, by hand, in suitable baskets—any bruise 
soou begins to decay, and will always show and 
detract from the value of the fruit. 
STORING. 
It is always best to assort the fruit at the time 
of gathering, especially if to be sold—large, me¬ 
dium, and small-sized should be placed in sepa¬ 
rate parcels and immediately removed to the 
place where they are to be kept, which may 
be auy suitable dry room or place where light 
aud sir may he excluded from the fruit, and the 
temperature be kept at nearly an even standard. 
It sometimes occurs that there is in the market 
a kind of “glut ” of oertaiu varieties, and if they 
were held back a few days it would greatly re¬ 
lieve the market and enhance prices to the bene¬ 
fit of producers. As it is to the interest of 
these to arrange and create a continuous mar¬ 
ket. at remunerative rates, they should at such 
times place their pears in detention rooms where 
an even aud low temperature may be main¬ 
tained. Rooms suitable for this purpose may 
be arranged in connection with an ice house, say 
at one side or over it. The room should be 
double-walled—sides, doors, windows and roof— 
with sir chambers between, all made tight. 
ARTIFICIAL RIPENING. 
All pears are superior when ripened at the par¬ 
ticular date when they would naturally come to 
perfection, and in nature they do not retain this 
superiority long after such date; but by arti¬ 
ficial means they may have that date delayed 
somewhat or hastened, yet they are somewhat 
less choice when these means are necessarily re¬ 
sorted to, especially if the difference in time is 
considerable. As a low temperature retards 
ripening, so also an increased temperature hast¬ 
ens or wilt cause premature ripening, so that 
fruit placed in the retarding room may he held 
till sneh time as better prices may be realized, 
while when fruit is to be disposed of as soon aB 
ripe, it may be placed at once in a fruit-room 
where an even warm temperature is maintained, 
the warmer, of course, within reason, the sooner 
the ripening process is gone through, In all 
cases the fruit, while ripening, should be ex¬ 
cluded from light and air, and the same precau¬ 
tion should be observed while it is held in the de¬ 
tention-room, as it is upon this measure that the 
color, firmness and, in part, the flavor depend. 
Frequent examinations of the ripening fruit, 
and the removal of the ripe ones, are also requi¬ 
site. When it is necessary or desirable to ripen 
pears in perfection immediately after gathering, 
I find no better way than to place them in shal¬ 
low boxes, drawers, or baskets in the fruit-room, 
excluding light and air from the fruit, and 
where a temperature of 50° to 60° may be main¬ 
tained. This treatment brings out color and 
flavor. With care in gathering, handling, etc., 
I find that such management is all that is neces¬ 
sary in ripening summer and autumn varieties. 
TREATMENT OF WINTER VARIETIES. 
Winter varieties demand special treatment. 
They require to be left on the trees as loDg as 
the leaves remain green and healthy, or as long 
as they are safe from frosts. Different cultivators 
pursue different methods of treatment subse¬ 
quent to gathering. Some pack them iu close 
packages, as barrels, boxes, etc., and place these 
in some cool and dry place, such as the north 
side of a building or wall, etc., covering them 
with loose boards or the like, to shed rain. Here 
they remain till hard frosts come, when they are 
removed to some building, Buch as a barn, 
where they remain until it is decidedly cold, 
some straw or hay being thrown over the packa¬ 
ges. Pears will bear 15° of frost without injury 
if kept in close packages, and if light and air 
are excluded and they remain undisturbed. 
Others place them in the cellar a day or two 
after being picked, while others, again, follow 
some course slightly different. I consider as 
good a plan as auy is to assort them as gathered, 
place them in barrels or boxes, put these iu the 
coolest and driest part of the barn, and there 
let them remain till the market is ready to re¬ 
ceive them, or as long as it is safe to risk frosts, 
and I wish to remove them to the cellar. I do 
not like to have them beoome frosty, and so 
place them in a cool, dry cellar. If such a cellar 
is not available, a room can be made above 
ground to exclude hard freezing; in such stor¬ 
age allow them to remain till they may be re¬ 
quired for ripening or other purposes. Various 
contrivances, patented and otherwise, for fruit 
preserving, are now employed iu different locali¬ 
ties and by different individuals; but in our 
New England climate I think there will be little 
or no difficulty in keeping pears as here de¬ 
scribed. The main requisites seem to be, to 
have sound, well-matured fruit and then to keep 
it cool and dry, away from light and a free cir¬ 
culation of air. Well grown and mature winter 
pears, as a general thing, will ripen perfectly in 
the cellar where the temperature ranges from 
3S° to 40°. If desirable to ripen them sooner, 
they can be brought into a warmer room where 
the temperature ranges higher but is still nearly 
uniform: here they will finish the ripening pro¬ 
cess finely. 
PACKING. 
As a rule, dealers understand the ripening of 
pears and prefer to have them before ripe. The 
better way, then, is to properly assort aud send 
them to market in half-barrels, as the half¬ 
barrel package is generally preferred by dealers 
and others ; such packages also sell more readily 
at better prices than those that are larger, whilo 
the freight on them is ieas than on boxes and 
crates. Should they be ripe, however, or nearly 
so, they will bear transportation better in small 
boxes or crates. Appearance goes a long way 
in our every-day life, so attractive packages aid 
largely in selling in market. New, clean barrels, 
boxes or crates, as the case may be, should be 
used for packtug and sending them to market in. 
So put up, they will find a much readier sale at 
much better prices than when old or soiled 
packages are need. 
Assort your pears carefully, putting fruit of 
only one variety and even quality iu the same 
package, aud have them even throughout. Es¬ 
tablish a reputation so that your brand shall be 
a guarantee of excellence and command confi¬ 
dence. When the fruit arrives at the proper 
stage for packing and shipping, take a suitable 
barrel; knock off the hoops aud remove the 
bottom; line it throughout with unsized white 
paper, as it will give the whole a much better 
appearance; pack your pears—one at a time— 
as cIobg as they will lie on their sides, layer by 
layer on the head, till the barrel is one-third full; 
then gently shake it to settle the fruit closer. 
Continue packing as before, shaking three or 
four times till the package is full, so that when 
the bottom is pressed in it may come in close 
contact with the last layer; cover with the 
paper, place and press in tho bottom, and drive 
the hoops on; then drive in three or four nails 
so as to hold the hoops and bottom in place. 
MARKETINO. 
The package should then be marked 1, 2 or 3, 
according as the quality may be, so that your 
consignee may know without opening what the 
quality is. Always advise your consignee by 
letter of the number and quality, etc. of fruit 
packages. If the fruit is choice, half-barrels are 
decidedly preferable for packages. If one lives 
near market, and so desires, he can ripen his 
fruit and take it to market himself iu baskets, 
which should always be lined with white paper 
to give their contents an attractively inviting 
appearance. I would advise lining all packages, 
whatever their shape may be, with white paper ; 
and this should be done, whatever the quality of 
fruit sent to market. Make all the fruit in the 
same package alike throughout., no facing or tho 
like whatever; and always mark the packages 
with your initials or brand, as well as with a figure 
denoting the quality of the fruit they contain. 
They Bhould also have on them the name and 
address of the consignee in plain letters. Minor 
details, when attended to, often make the differ¬ 
ence between a profit and a loss. 
Worcester Co., Mass. 
-- 
THE ORANGE IN CALIFORNIA. 
WM. C. L. DREW. 
VARIETIES. 
The cultivation of the orange in California has 
deservedly attracted much attention, not only as 
a source of profit, but as an adjunct to the beau¬ 
ty of the home surroundings, the farm aud the 
vineyard. 
There is nothing that excitoB tho attention of 
the cultivated and refined like an orange grove, 
whether in fruit or in blossoms, feasting the eye 
with its beautiful contrast of bright evergreen 
foliage and snow-white blossoms or golden fruit. 
This article is not written to give the modus 
operandi of cultivating the orange, but to give a 
short description of the several varieties. I will 
first introduce the most numerous class. 
SWEET ORANGE, CITRUS AURANTIUM. 
This class is composed of numerous varieties, 
from wfaioh I shall select a few of the most dis¬ 
tinct types. JuBt as in other fruits, I am of the 
opinion that many of the so-called varieties are 
not entirely distinct. All practical cultivators 
know that a fruit of any variety, under favor¬ 
able conditions, will beoome more highly de¬ 
veloped or perfected, both as regards size and 
flavor, and as there is no fruit more affected by 
local circumstances than the orange, which is 
affected not only by soil aud situation, but also 
by age, it is presumable tbat the characteristic 
qualities of many of the so-called varieties are 
tho results of some local circumstance and not 
the result of hybridization, by which new strains 
or varieties are originated. It is for this reason 
I Bhall confine myself to distinct typical varieties, 
St. Michael Orange.— This is an excellent 
and favorite variety, being in great repute among 
orange growers. Where grown under favorable 
circumstances, it is sweet aud delicious ; but in 
uncongenial localities, it becomes deteriorated 
and inferior. The fruit of good pize has a very 
thin skin, smooth and brilliant in color. Where 
grown in favorable situations it is very prolifio, 
incredible numbers of good oranges having 
been gathered from one tree in a single sea¬ 
son. It is not as hardy as many other varie¬ 
ties and requires some protection even in our 
moBt favorable sections. 
The Naval Orange. —This is a popular variety. 
It bears fine, large fruit, is frequently seedless. 
It is also propagated under the name Bahia, but 
can always be distinguished by a naval-like soar 
when the blossom drops off. In flavor it has no 
superior. It is not a prolific bearer, but always 
produces fine fruit. It is rather tender und re¬ 
quires to be planted iu a well-sheltered situation. 
Siletta Orange.— This is a general favorite, 
and one that should be well represented in every 
orange grove. It is known by two other cogno¬ 
mens, viz :—“ Cluster" and “ Prolific ” orange— 
the former name indicates the manner in which 
the fruit is produced in hunches or clusters, 
the latter is derived from the prolific manner iu 
which it bears. It is one of the hardiest varie¬ 
ties grown on this coast. Tho fruit is of good 
size, superior quality and flavor, and very bright 
in color. On account of its fruitfulness it is a 
profitable sort. 
Mandarin Orange.— The Dwarf Chinese or 
Mandarin Orange is cultivated both for orna¬ 
ment aud fruit. It is a distinct species includ¬ 
ing several varieties. The trees are of dwarf 
growth, compact in habit, hardier than any other 
strain, bear very freely and while small. The 
fruit is of small size, flattened at both endB, 
and in flavor it is quite distinct from all other 
varieties. Trees of this kind, independent of 
their value for fruit, are very desirablo for embel¬ 
lishing front yards and ornamental grounds, or 
for planting in shrubberies where they are high¬ 
ly effective. 
Coolie Orange,—T his variety is a close rela¬ 
tion to the last mentioned. It forms a beautiful, 
symmetrical tree, with a fine, round head. Fruit 
Bmall, similar to the last, but with a somewhat 
thicker skin, flavor excellent. When in full 
bloom, the tree presents an imposing appear¬ 
ance. 
Pajumata Orange.—T his is one of the com¬ 
monest varieties, being grown very extensively 
in all orange-growing sections of tho world. It 
is very hardy, bears abundantly, and the fruit is 
of medium size and well-flavored. 
Konah Orange. —This is a comparatively new 
introduction. The tree is an exceedingly vigor¬ 
ous grower, fruiting early and bearing regularly 
and heavily. The fruit is of good size, of an ex¬ 
ceedingly line flavor aud of a handsome color 
Acapulco Orange.— This is a standard variety, 
having no rival. The tree is a strong, vigorous 
grower, hardy and a good bearer. The fruit is 
of large size, very symmetrical and beautiful in 
form and color, and of an excellent flavor. 
Maltese Orange. — The Maltese or blood 
orange, so named from tbe color of its flesh, is 
only worth growing for sake of variety. The 
flesh is bl itobed with red stains. It is an abund¬ 
ant bearer and very hardy. 
Bouquet Orange. —This is a variety grown 
principally for its blossoms, for which it is high¬ 
ly esteemed. The fruit is worthless: it is hardy 
and of a symmetrical growth. It produces 
abundance of very fragrant blossoms. 
Pumalo Orange.— Tbis is grown only as an 
ornament. Fruit very large, showy, pear-shaped, 
but inferior. An exceedingly handsome tree 
when in fruit. 
BITTER ORANGES 
are now considered as quite distinct from the 
sweet. Of the Bitter nrange—Citrus vulgaris— 
there is only one variety generally cultivated, 
namely the 
Seville Orange. —The fruit of this variety is 
principally used as a conserve, being too bitter 
to make a palatable desert. Large quantities of 
it are used in making tbe candied peel of com¬ 
merce and in making marmalade. It is grown 
principally, however, for the blossoms, which are 
used in making perfumery! The orange water 
of the perfumers is almost entirely the product 
of the flowers of this strain. It must not be sup¬ 
posed that tho sweet orange blooms are not used, 
but they yield the essential oils in much less 
quantity than those of the bitter. 
In the foregoing list I have neglected to men¬ 
tion the Mediterranean Sweet, tbe Los Angeles, 
the Mission, the Exquisite, and many other 
varieties in cultivation in the orange groves of 
California. 
El Doraldo, Cal. 
EVERY-DAY NOTES. 
SAMUEL PARSONS. 
A PLEA FOR AITHAAS, 
More properly called Hibiscus in botanical 
phraRe, these old-fashioned shrubs also delight 
iu the lovely and ancient name of Rose of 
8haron. Time out of mind Altbiea hedges have 
surrounded gardens and lawns. Their character¬ 
istics have consequently become so familiar as to 
possibly detract from their real value in onr 
eyes. Is it this, or something fairly attributable 
to the plant. True, the flowers are wanting 
somewhat in delicacy, but their tints are rich 
and varied in tho most attractive manner. If 
there is a certain downright appearance of the 
stem, a little general coarseness not exactly 
suggestive of grace, the foliage has, on the other 
hand, a fine, bright hue and curious outlines. 
Sometimes, moreover, the leaves are so striking¬ 
ly variegated with white as to draw forth ex¬ 
pressions of delight from experienced horticul¬ 
turists, who have just left much rarer plauts 
with hut passing notice. Perhapa, such a pecu¬ 
liar combination of qualities makes a really flue 
appearance suggest something odd and not 
quite graceful. Be that as it may, the Althiea is 
a moat valuble ahrnb, especially in August when 
flowers aro scarce. A vigorous habit also en¬ 
ables it to produce strong, compact hedges, use¬ 
ful as well as ornamental. Its individuality is 
certainly marked, so much so as to prevent a 
harmonious combination of its color and form in 
groups of other shrubs. I have always, there¬ 
fore, preferred to see the Alttnea standing singly 
or massed with its own kind. 
THE WEEPING OAK.-QUERCUS PEDUNCUIATA PENOULA. 
This oak is well-known for its fine weeping na¬ 
ture, glossy foliage, and other choice qualities 
peculiar to the genus. It is by no meaus com¬ 
mon, however, requiring a skilled grafter to per¬ 
petuate its beauty. I have long known and 
recognized its exceeding beauty and grace, but 
to-day one of its traits has been impressed upon 
me as never before, viz : Vigor of growth. The 
Oaks as a genus are not celebrated for rapid 
growth. They are sturdy, rugged, aud attain, 
in time, massive size; but, aa a rule, they grow 
slowly while young. Indeed, a purple oak— 
which, by the way, is alBO a variety of pedunculata 
—has been kuown to take ten years to grow 
less than two feet. To-day, however, I have 
seen a Weeping Oak, grafted during the 
Hpring of 1878, that had np to the present 
date in August, made a new growth of five feet, 
and that, too, 011 light, gravelly soil where other 
trees have thriven but poorly. The Pyramidal 
Oak oan alone in this genus, as far as known, 
offer auy parallel to thiB. 
THE JAPAN DOGWOOD.—CORNUS BRACHYOBOTRlA. 
The variegated form of this Dogwood was 
first recognized aud valued iu America f <r the 
tho remarkable permanence of its white shading, 
which, on other kinds of trees, fares so badly 
under our summer suns. Latterly, however, 
the parent stock, 0. Bracliyobotria, has been 
imported for the purpose of propagating the 
variegated kinds by grafting. The habit of this 
shrub has proved vigorous aud hardy, and re¬ 
markable for the broad layer-like masses of rich 
leaves, which grow very muoh after the manner 
of the American DogwoCd, G. florida. J us 
