We do not think the pear does so well in any other way as on its own
root. But it has been found extremely difficult to obtain the
requisite stock. Pear-seeds are scarce. When obtained, the seedlings
have proved intractable, and left the nurseryman oftentimes in the
lurch. The first and best substitute for pear-stock, is the _root of
the pear_—great quantities may be obtained when removing pear-trees in
the autumn from the nursery, and also without any injury to the trees,
roots may be taken from old bearing-trees. These are to be grafted in
the manner already described in our pages. Next to this, the quince
stock is to be chosen. The pear is dwarfed upon it. In other words,
the two are but imperfectly suited to each other, and the scion does
not develop according to its original nature. But this very dwarfing
adds something to the good qualities of the fruit, affords trees so
small that, at eight feet apart, they make beautiful linings to a walk
or border, and, morever, brings the pear to its fruit several years
earlier than if it were on its own bottom. But on the other hand, the
pear on quince is comparatively short-lived. The white-thorn has been
tried as a stock and not without success, but it is hardly to be used
except in extremities.
Last, and worst of all, comes the apple. The scion grows as vigorously
upon the apple as upon a stock of its own species, and we do not know
that the fruit deteriorates. But the trees seem to _have no
constitution_. After a few bearings they seem struck with irremediable
weakness, and soon run down and die. Nurserymen ought not, therefore,
to graft the pear upon the apple. To do so, if advised of the
foregoing facts, cannot be honest. Our attention has been called to
the subject by some painful experience of our own.
* * * * *
NESHANOC POTATO.—This potato (pronounced _Me_shanoc), was raised from
the seed about the year 1800, by John Gilkey, Mercer county,
Pennsylvania. He called it _Neshanoc_, from a creek near to which he
lived. It was called by some, _Mercer_, from the county in which it
was raised. It is extensively cultivated, and deserves to be. Mr.
Gilkey was an Irishman—of course a judge of good potatoes.