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45 About the Cover
The Journal of the American Pomolgical Society invites book reviews. The first is the review,
provided by Dr. Kate Evans, is a review of “The Book of Pears: The Definitive History and
Guide to Over 500 Varieties”, by Joan Morgan with paintings by Elisabeth Dowle. The
illustration on the cover is one of 40 that accompany the text. The illustration of ‘Seckle’
pear was selected because it is probably the oldest American pear cultivar that is still widely
grown. In Pears of New York, U.P. Hedrick described ‘Seckle’ as “standing almost alone in
vigor of tree, productiveness, and immunity to blight, and is equaled by no other variety in
high quality of fruit. If the fruits were larger, Seckle would challenge the world as a pear for
the markets as it now does as a pear for the home orchard.” Seckel was a favorite of Thomas
Jefferson. The original tree was found near Philadelphia in the late 1700s and at the first
meeting of the American Pomological Society, held in 1949, Seckel was recommended for
general cultivation and the variety has ever held its place among the pears recommended by
the Society.
About The Cover:
illustration from The Book of Pears
Adams County Nursery, Inc. • Aspers, PA
(800) 377-3106 • (717) 677-4124 fax • email: •
Adams County Nursery
recognizes the importance of
starting with quality nursery stock.
We know it is your goal to produce high quality fruit. We strive to produce quality
trees for the commercial industry. Let us help you get started.
Begin with us. Begin well.
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End well.