This section is from "The Horticulturist, And Journal Of Rural Art And Rural Taste", by P. Barry, A. J. Downing, J. Jay Smith, Peter B. Mead, F. W. Woodward, Henry T. Williams. Also available from Amazon: Horticulturist and Journal of Rural Art and Rural Taste.
The Fruit Committee respectfully report, that since the August meeting of the Society, several interesting collections of fruits from various localities have been presented for their examination:
Two specimens of a pear, from an old farmer near Westchester. Size above medium, 2 13-16 inches long, by 21/2 broad; obtuse pyriform; greenish-yellow, with some russet markings, especially at the insertion of the stem, and a faint salmon check; item 1 inch by 1-6, inserted somewhat obliquely in a small superficial cavity, ruasetted, and slightly plaited; calyx in a shallow basin, sometimes russeted; seed rather large, dark, flat; flesh of fine texture, buttery, melting; a little more flavor would be desirable; quality at least "good".
Three varieties of Seedling Plums:
1. Fruit an inch and a half long, by one and a half broad; obtuse cordate, suture indistinct; red with a white bloom; stem five-eighths to three-fourths of an inch long, by one-twelfth thick, inserted in an open, moderately deep depression; flesh unadherent to the stone, of pleasant flavor, and "good" quality. This variety appears to be wonderfully productive; a twig three inches long by one-sixth thick, contained eight plums - another two inches long by one-fourth thick, contained seven.
2. Fruit an inch and a half long, by one five-sixteenths; obovate; purple, covered with blue bloom; stem eleven-sixteenths by one-sixteenth; quality inferior, except for culinary purposes.
8. Only one specimen - large, one three-fourths by one eleven-sixteenths inches; roundish obovate; greenish-yellow, mottled and dotted with white; suture broad, extending on one side from the base to the apex; stem three-fourths by one-twelfth, inserted in a slight depression; stone partially adherent. The specimen being pulled somewhat prematurely, a correct estimate of its merits could not be formed. We are, however, inclined to think favorably of it, and should be happy to see specimens of it next season.
Three boxes containing specimens of a plum, and thirty-seven varieties of pears:
A small, round, golden-yellow plum, with occasionally a few crimson dots; stone unadherent; quality "very good".
Specimens too much decayed to judge of its quality.
In good condition; "very good".
Of fine size, but in quality " scarcely good." 5.. Muscadome - "Good".
"Good".
Of large size and fine appearance, similar in form to the Hoeen Schenck; three and three-eights inches long by three and one-fourth broad; round, obovate; greenish-yellow, with spots and splashes of green russet; stem from three-fourths to one inch long, by one-fifth of an inch thick, rather fleshy at its insertion; little or no cavity; calyx open, set in a wide, shallow, sometimes russetted basin; seed ovate, brown, medium; flesh buttery, flavor pleasant; quality "very good." In the London Horticultural Society's Catalogue, and in Dooming's Fruit and Fruit Drees of America, Dillen is given as a synonym of Beurr'e Diel We regard it, however, as a distinct variety, ripening earlier than the latter.
A favorite pear with us - attractive in appearance, and of "very good" quality.
A very large, handsome, Pennsylvania variety, of "good" quality when eaten at the exact moment of its maturity.
Scarcely worth cultivating.
Fair, and "very good." 12. Urbaniste - "Best"
"Very good".
"Good".
Specimens not being fine, the quality was only "good".
Inferior specimens; quality only "good".
" Good".
Originated with Mr. Wm. W. Koto, of Burlington, N. J.
Smal roundish-obovate; uniform yellow russet; stem five-eighths of an inch long, by one-eighth thick, fleshy at insertion; no cavity; calyx nearly closed, set in a superficial basin; quality inferior to the SeckeL.
"Best".
A new Belgian variety; quality "good".
High flavored and delicious; quality "best." This variety has recently been extensively imported under the name Seigneur d'Esperin.
"Very good." 28. Fulton - "Good".
Specimens small; "good".
Scarcely "good".
Quality indifferent.
Decayed
Scarcely "good".
The following ten kinds were not in eating condition: Althorpe rassane, Buffum, Flemish Beauty, Colmar Neil, Jean de Witte, Beurr'e Diel, Bezi de la Motts, Josephine, Figue de Naples.
Two varieties of pears and fine specimens of a plum:
1. Bartleti - Large, handsome; " very good".
2. Lodge - Specimens remarkably fine, three and a half inches long by three broad, possessing the rich, vinous flavor of the Brown Beurre; quality "very good".
3. A large red plum, one and three-fourths inches long by one and three-fourths broad; oblong; light red; suture extending on one side from the base to the apex; stem three-quarters of an inch long by one-twentieth thick; flesh partially adherent to the stone; quality "very good".
Specimens of two pears and one apple:
1. A supposed seedling pear, bearing some resemblance in form and flavor to Henry IV. - rather small, two and one-eighth inches long by one and one-eighth broad; obovate-pyriform; yellowish-green, with large green russet spots and blotches, and a brownish-red cheek; stem broken; fleshy at its termination; inserted without depression; calxy closed, set in a shallow, furrowed basin; seed small, black; flesh melting, buttery, of fine texture; flavor vinous; quality " very good".
 
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