A Chico correspondent says : "I send specimens of a promising seedling pear I discovered growing upon Rancho Chico this summer. It is evidently a seedling from Winter Nelis. The tree having the same irregular growth, though in a less degree. Although growing at a disadvantage by the roadside, some of the fruit is larger than any Winter Nelis on the ranch. It is also a little earlier in ripening. When fully ripe, I think it superior to Winter Nelis."

[This is more conical, or, rather, more tapering towards the stem than in the Eastern grown Winter Nelis; and the lower portion of the stem itself is of a thick, fleshy character, and tapers gradually, being almost fleshy to the apex. The skin is much more russety than Winter Nelis as we grow them; but we believe it is characteristic of the California-grown pears to be more russety than even the same variety is in the East. The quality is superior to the best Winter Nelis we have ever eaten from Eastern trees. Its exact value will, of course, depend on a comparison with Winter Nelis as grown in the same locality. All we can say is, that the flavor and general qualities give it, as eaten here, a very delicious character seldom experienced in even our very best varieties. - Ed. G. M.]