As Pear-trees grow larger than Apple-trees, it is right to allow them more room to develop. Large trees on walls and in orchards should be allowed 4 or 5 feet more than Apple-trees, medium-sized ones 2 or 3 feet, and dwarfs 1 foot. The fruit requires to be kept in the same way as Apples, but we may observe that it suffers more readily from bruises; it is therefore necessary to take care not to bruise it, especially if it is to be kept. Any one almost can tell when a summer Pear is ready for pulling from the tree by its appearance. Sometimes, however, the fruit should be gathered and kept in a cool room before it is quite ripe, in order to have it in perfection. If it is wished to retard fruit for any purpose, it may be done in this way; and if it is desirable to forward it a few days, this may be done by gathering it and placing it in a warm temperature.

Although there is little chance of a beginner making great mistakes in the gathering of summer-ripening Pears, it is likely enough that he will do it in the case of those kinds which do not become fit for use for months after they are gathered. A good rule is, to gather the Pears when the stalks readily part from the spurs, but not before - by this time the seeds are black, which is another sign that the fruit is ready for gathering.

In the list of Pears which we attach, the month when the fruit should be fit for the table is mentioned, but it is well to observe that the time when this takes place varies a good deal. In early seasons the fruit will ripen very much sooner than in late ones. The same holds good in regard to early and late localities, and the difference in the dates of maturing sometimes amounts to a month. It may be well to remark that a variation of a few degrees in the heat of the place where the fruit is kept makes a great difference. Those things can only be learned by the grower as he gains in experience, seeing that no two districts are exactly alike; but we ought to add that almost all the kinds with which we are acquainted ripen much more satisfactorily if they are placed in a temperature of from 55° to 65°, when they show signs of maturing. There is generally no great difficulty in managing this, for the placing of them in a drawer in any room where the temperature is high enough will secure the desired result.

Even placing them in a box on or near the kitchen hearth will do.

The list we append is very select, and we confidently submit it; for we have watched every variety named for years, and have found them to prove trustworthy in the midland counties of Scotland. Those who are favoured in the matter of climate may safely add to the list by following the advice given with regard to Apples.

Early Crawford

An old-fashioned, but by no means a despicable Pear; ripens on pyramids during August; a free and pretty certain bearer, and suitable for northern localities when finer kinds will do no good.

Citron Des Carmes

Rather later than the above, and very good for succeeding it.

Jargonelle

A well-known universal favourite. In Scotland it should he placed against a wall, otherwise it will do little good. It should be allowed to extend itself pretty freely. Although it grows and bears freely with by no means good treatment, it is very much benefited by having its roots looked after, kept fibry by pruning, and near the surface by careful lifting. Ripens at the end of August.

Hessel Or Hazel

Another trustworthy kind, for cultivating as a standard or pyramid in northern localities. It is only medium-sized, and perhaps scarcely first-class in quality; but if we had only room for one standard or pyramid Tear, we would unhesitatingly plant this, for it is a prodigious and certain bearer, and very good indeed when none other will grow. Ripe in September and October - in late years sometimes in November.

Benvie

Another of the same class as the above, and, like it, good for an orchard-tree in northern or late localities. October.

Swan Egg

Another of the same; scarcely so good as Hessle, but keeps rather better; very hardy.

Louis Bon De Jersey

A very fine Pear, but requires a wall in Scotland. It is a free bearer, especially when the roots are cared for in the way we have indicated. If we had only room for one wall Pear-tree, the Jargonelle would have the position; and if there were only room for two, this would be the second. Ripe in October, but very easily forwarded a few days.

Brown Beurre

Ripe in November; requires a south wall, but is a very fine Pear, and should be planted wherever there is room.

Easter Beurre

Another of the same as the last. Well worth a place. November and onwards.

Seckle

A very fine, peculiarly-flavoured Pear. We have known it good as a pyramid in Scotland, but recommend planting it on a wall. October.

Marie Louise

Another good Pear, requiring the advantage which a wall affords - at least in Scotland - but well worthy of it. November.

Beurre D' Aremberg

Also well worthy of a wall. In England it does as a pyramid; but does not succeed in ordinary seasons in Scotland unless on a wall, and then it is sure to do well. November.

Beurre Diel

Almost indispensable for those who require Pears at Christmas and on through January; and quite sure to succeed, if favoured with good cultivation and a warm wall.

Ne Plus Meuris

A late keeper, and one of the very few such succeeding as a pyramid or standard in Scotland.

We are sorely tempted to add some more from our note-book, but think that our selection is quite long enough for any villa gardener whose garden is small, and room for Pear-trees limited.

Insects

The most troublesome insect which attacks the Pear is a kind of aphis or green fly. A thorough washing with the syringe occasionally, is the best way to get rid of this insect, or to keep it within bounds. Syringing wall-trees in summer should always be practised, for it is good for washing off dust, red-spider, and other things which militate against the trees' health. Scale sometimes attacks wall-trees in warm positions. The easiest way to get rid of it is to syringe the trees thoroughly in winter, with water mixed with a sixtieth part of paraffin-oil. It is not likely to be troublesome in cold localities. Sometimes different kinds of caterpillar attack the leaves of this and other fruit-trees. Handpicking is the best cure. A. H. H.