A dictionary of modern gardening - University Library

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PEA 434 PEA
Fig. 112.—(P. 433.)
Columbia. [Bloodgood. Downing.)
(Fig. 113.) An American, as its name
implies, produced in West Cliester
County, New York, where the original
tree still exists. This is truly a valuable
variety, in season when most needed
from November to January. Stem an
inch long, curved. Calyx comparatively
small. Skin, when fully ripe, of a rich
golden hue. Flesh whitish, rich and
aromatic—worthy of general culture.
St. Germain of French and English
Authors. (Fig. 114.) There are but few
winter pears of finer quality than this
old favourite ; and were it not particularly
liable to fire-blight, none would
be more cultivated. The outline is frequently
quite irregular, but in all specimens
full at the blossom end, narrow-
ing towards the stem. The skin is
thick, and green even when fully ripe.
Stem short and obliquelyplanted. Calyx
set in a shallow basin. Flesh white,
and when in perfection, abounding in
juice of exquisite flavour. Ripe from
December to March.
Lewis. (Fig. 115.) This variety derives
its name from Mr. John Lewis of
Massachusetts, on whose farm it originated
thirty years ago. It is in season
from November to February, and may be
enumerated among our valuable winter
fruits. It bears most profusely and,
though not externally attractive, the skin
being rough, would doubtless be highly
profitable if cultivated for city sale. Outline
nearly round, a little flattened at the
crown. Skin green. Stalk an inch and a