The characters of pears are graphically shown on the opposite page in a descriptive form filled out for Bartlett in a description of this variety for _The Pears of New York_. This is, however, but a skeleton, and most of the characters must be more fully described than a form like this permits. Few pomologists in these days have the temerity to offer a description compiled in whole or in part. Descriptions are worth while only when made from living specimens before the eyes of the describer. SPECIES OF PEARS The foregoing pages discussing the characters of pears were preparation for a proper understanding of descriptions of pears. A discussion of the species which constitute or may constitute forms for cultivation either for their fruit or as stocks upon which to grow edible pears logically follows. Edible pears fall into two well-marked groups: Those coming from Europe and northwestern Asia, occidental pears; and those coming from eastern and northeastern Asia, oriental pears. OCCIDENTAL PEARS In this group belong the thousands of varieties under common cultivation in Europe, the United States, and in temperate regions settled by Europeans. These pears are distinct from oriental pears in place of origin, and by fairly well-marked botanical characters. Thus, the leaves of these occidental pears are crenate-serrate and entire and never setose-serrate; and the calyx is persistent on the fruits. For most part, the fruits of the two divisions are quite distinct, especially in shape, but no constant line of cleavage can be found in the pears. There are several species of these occidental pears grown for their fruits or as ornamentals. Only one, however, is of great importance. This is _P. communis_, to a discussion of which we now come. 1. =PYRUS COMMUNIS= Linnaeus. =1.= Linnaeus _Sp. Pl._ 479. 1753. =2.= Loudon _Arb. et Frut. Brit._ =2=:880. 1838. =3.= Schneider _Laubholzk_. =1=:661. 1906.