THE WORMSLEY BERGAMOT PEAR.

We give a plate of this Pear, which was first presented to the HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY in the last Autumn, both on account of its merits, and because it affords evidence of the probable advantages of breeding varieties of this fruit between the more hardy English, and the more excellent, though delicate, French kinds. The following description of the Wormsley Bergamot Pear is taken from a letter, which accompanied some grafts, that were sent to the HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, in the present Spring, by Mr. ANDREW KNIGHT, by whom this Pear was obtained for seed. " I have given a description of this Pear in the Horticultural Transactions of 1800. The only fruit I had then seen was perfectly spherical, in form; but it has since been subject to much variation, some differing little in form from that of its male parent the St. Germain, and others somewhat resembling the Autumn Bergamot. I have not hitherto been able to ascertain its merits, except from the original tree, which grows in a very strong and deep red soil, which I have proved to be very unfavourable to other Pears: for both the Swan's Egg and Autumn Bergamot remain firm and unmelting till they decay; and, under these probable disadvantages, the Wormsley Bergamot is a very good melting Pear. What may be its merits or defects in other soils, I cannot decide; but I am confident that the trees will grow freely and bear well, in any soil, where other varieties will thrive; for its blossoms and fruit are perfectly hardy: and as the original tree is now only 15 years old, I entertain little doubt that the grafts taken from it will afford trees capable of retaining their health and vigour, as standards, beyond the termination of a second century. The growth of the original tree is tall and aspiring, and it is at present more than twenty feet high, though it has been twice transplanted within the last five years.

"The fruit is in perfection, from the original tree, about three weeks, or a month, after it is gathered: and it has subsequently the defect, common to many varieties of the Pear, of decaying first internally. I do not recommend it for culture, except upon standard trees."