A. J. Downing, Esq

I send you by express, two specimens of a seedling pear, which sprung up wild in a piece of woodland on the south side of Long-Island, belonging to Nicholas Williamson, Esq. The tree attracted no attention until Mr. W., having occasion to clear the timber from the land, left it exposed to the sun and air, when it soon commenced bearing.

There can be no doubt of its being a natural seedling, but whether it is an acquisition of any value, I leave you to determine. Many believe our American seedlings will prove more hardy and profitable than the delicate foreign varieties in cultivation; and I think I have seen remarks of your own to that effect.

The tree appears quite hardy, is a good grower and bearer.

Mr. W.has sold the fruit at high prices in Fulton market, and those who had it once invariably desired to purchase it again, having readily retailed them for sixpence each.

The specimens sent are not above the average size of this fruit. The tree stands in sod ground, and has never been manured or cultivated in any manner.

You will observe that these specimens show no calyx; this is a distinct characteristic of the fruit, so far as I have observed, and must decide the originality of the variety. Should you think it worthy of publicity, I propose to christen it the "Williamson Pear." From my knowledge of the gentlemanly owner of this tree, I am confident he will be happy to supply you with grafts, should you desire to obtain the variety. Yours, H. Wood.

Brambleworth Cottage, Oct. 2,1851.

We are a little reserved in our praise of new varieties - but there can be no hesitation in pronouncing this pear one of the very best. The flavor is of the rich saccharine-vinous, well known in such fruits as Surpasse Virgalieu, Beurre Bosc, etc. The fruit has a rich yellow color, abundantly sprinkled with russet dots, and has a "thorough-bred" look and taste in all respects. Cultivators will do well to get possession of what appears to be a new American sort of such a high grade.

The following is the pomological description of the fruit: Medium size - obovate, nar

The Williamson Pear.