492 WISCONSIN FRUIT-GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. 
EXPERIENCE WITH FRUIT IN WISCONSIN. 
BY WILLIAM SOPER, OP WAUKESHA. 
Waukesha, January, 1859. 
A. G. Hanford, Esq., 
Dear Sir :—In compliance with your request, I herewith 
enclose a brief and somewhat hasty sketch of my experience 
with fruit in Wisconsin. 
PEARS. 
Oswego Beurre .—I esteem this, one of the most valuable 
Pears; it has succeeded well with me, both on Pear and 
Quince. Very hardy, bears early, constantly, and is heavy 
bearer. Fruit medium, melting, juicy, with a slightly vinous 
flavor ; nob first rate , but when well ripened excelled by few. 
Sufficiently rich and sweet to be considered an excellent Pear. 
Onondaga , or Swan’s Orange.— This excellent Pear has 
succeeded well with me on Pear stock, but not on the Quince. 
It is a vigorous grower, and comes to bearing early, and is a 
heavy bearer. The fruit is large and beautiful, melting, juicy, 
rich and high flavored, and when properly ripened, will rank 
among those of first quality. Its size, hardiness of the tree, 
and bearing quality will always render it one of the most desi¬ 
rable for culture. 
Madeleine .—This Pear has not been the most hardy with 
me ; it makes a good growth on Quince, but does not unite well 
with that wood, and is liable to be broken off by high winds 
and other accidents. On Pear stock it has succeeded better, 
and has come early to fruiting. Fruit medium in size, very 
juicy, melting, and of good flavor. I consider it one of the 
best very early Pears. 
