Mespilus germanica.

Varieties

Blake's Large; Dutch, largest fruit; Nottingham, small, but best flavoured ; Stoneless, inferior, but keeps longer than others.

Propagation By Seed

This is a tedious mode, the seed usually lying two years before it germinates. Sow immediately the fruit containing the seed decays, in common light soil. Water the seedlings frequently in dry weather ; thin them to two feet apart; and when four or five years old they will be fit for final planting.

By Layers

This may be done in February and March, making use of shoots of the previous year. They will have rooted by the autumn.

Grafting and Budding may be done on the White Thorn, but the Pear is a better stock for the medlar.

Soil

A well-drained, but retentive loam suits it best.

Planting, Pruning, Etc

See the directions given for the Pear.

Storing

The fruit ought not to be gathered until November, for if the gathering is made before the fruit is fully matured, it shrivels without ripening in its decay. Spread them singly upon sand, the calyx, or open side downwards, and dipping the stalk end in a strong brine of common salt and water, which is said to check the occurrence of mouldiness.