TOM THUMB. -Another bush cherry, producing year after planti 
of bluish black fruit with red juicy flesh, of tine quality. he: eee 
planted much like a row of currents as it does not need much room. 
Prices of Oka and Tom Thumb cherries: 3-4 ft. 65¢c each; 5 for $2.75; 10 for 
$5.00; 25 trees for $11.00. ‘ 
EUROPEAN BIRD CHERRY. -Also called MAY DAY TREE because of 
the beautiful sight it makes when in bloom with its pinkish flowers. The 
fruit is edible, but many bird-lovers plant the tree for the bird food, or to 
keep birds away from other fruit, hence the name. Grow in  bush-like 
form. 3-4 ft. 60ce. 
PEARS 
PEAR. Pyrus communis. The Pear like the apple is indigenous to most 
parts of Europe, but it does not seem to be quite as ancient as the apple. At 
what period it was removed from its wild state is not known. In regard 
to logevity, it is said to be superior to the Apple. There are trees existing 
and bearing fruit three hundred years of age or more. In the days of Pliny, 
the Romans cultivated thirty-six varieties; and the English writer Parkin- 
son states in his Herbal (1629) that sixty-four varieties were to be found 
in the London Nurseries. The pear was common at an early period in 
Egypt, Syria, and Greece, whence it was imported into France, Italy, Ger- 
many, and Great Britian. In France, pear culture has been carried on to 
a wonderful extent, for at one time, one nursery alone offered thirty-six 
hundred varieties. The pear although not found native in the United 
States, grows here to great perfection, both in quantity and quality. The 
pears offered by us have originated in the North, in Minnesota, Iowa, Can- 
ada, and one variety in Sweden,—the Aspa. MHorticulturists have been 
using Pyrus ussuriensis, a native of China, which is blight-proof and hardy, 
to introduce better and more vigorous blood. The time will come when it 
will be no more usual to plant pears in the North than apples. Much work 
has been done with the pear in the past years, so now it can be planted 
with confidence. Pears do well on clayey soil, in fact they prefer it. 
PATTEN. This is a delicious, hardy pear, blight resistant, and of good 
size. Highly recommended. 
PARKER NO. 1. Origination of Minnesota University, fruit medium to 
large, appetizing yellow color with a distinct blush. Tender flesh of fine 
flavor, small core and few seeds. 
MINN. NO. 3. ..Another valuable introduction from the Minnesota Univer- 
sity, of fine flavor, color, and size. Include this also. 
TAIT. Originated in Canada. Fruit not so large as some kinds, but the 
tree seems to be quite hardy. St. John’s University, at Collegeville, Min- 
nesota, about 30 miles east of us have grown this variety for quite a few 
years. The pear trees on the grounds will surprise one as to size and thick~ 
ness of trunk, and fruit is produced by bushels. 
ASPA. ..This was originated in Sweden, hardy, and worthwhile to plant 
in your orchard. Include it also in your order. It has been recommended 
by some horticulturists that in planting pears, for best results, one should 
use at least two varieties. 
Prices on pears as follows: Parker and Tait: 5-6 ft. 5c each; 5 for $3.50; 
10 for $6.50; 4-5 ft. 60e each; 5 for $2.75; 10 for $5.00. Only Parker and Tait 
can be furnished in the 5-6 ft. size. We can furnish Aspa in 4-5 ft. size only 
at prices above for that size. Minnesota No. 3 in 4-5 ft. whips only at 4-5 ft. 
prices above. Patten pear in 3-4 ft. size only 40c each, 5 for $1.85, 10-$3.25. 
CURRANTS 
CURRANT. Botanically called Ribes, derived from Ribas, the name of an 
acid plant mentioned by the Arabian physicians, and which is known as 
Rheum ribes. The Currant belongs to a natural order of plants called 
Saxifragaceae. Our garden currants have originated from the European 
red currant Ribes and rubrum, and the European black currant, Ribes nigra. 
There are also some native American species scattered over different parts 
of the country. The Dutch were the first to improve the currant by culti- 
vation, nurserymen of other nations paid but little attention to this fruit. 
Previous to the nineteenth century, little improvement was made, currants 
simply being known as black, red, and white currants. The Currant is na- 
tive to cold climates, and does best in colder sections of the country and 
not so well in the south. 
RED LAKE _This is an outstanding variety introduced lately by the Uni- 
versity of Minnesota, and worthy of everyone’s attention. Bears large 
bunches filled with large berries, of a nice red color, juicy, and make the 
prettiest looking jell. If you try this variety, you will feel like throwing out 
the small red sorts. It will positively please anyone interested in currants. 
2-3 ft size, 45c each; 5 for $2.00; 10 pe $3.50; 25 for $6.75. 
