Medlar
(Mespilus germanica.) The wild Medlar, from which the cultivated varieties have originated, is a common deciduous shrub, or small tree, found in hedges and woods throughout a great part of the European continent. It has been found in some parts of England; but whether the plants were, in all cases, truly wild, or had become naturalised, is somewhat uncertain. Under cultivation, the varieties of Medlar differ in habit, the majority being characterised by a spreading, crooked growth, many of the branches assuming an elbowed form, by turning at right angles in various directions. The fruits are produced on the points of main or side shoots. They are hard and useless until beginning to decay, when the green colouring matter passes away, the flesh or pulp becoming soft, and acquiring what is considered by some an agreeably acid flavour. In this incipient state of decay (the process of which is called bletting), the fruits are generally eaten raw, but sometimes they are preserved with sugar.
Propagation. The general method of propagation adopted for Medlars is that of budding or grafting. Seedling plants may also be raised, if desired, with a view to obtaining new varieties or stocks. The seeds should be sown so soon as the fruit is ripe. Two years usually elapse before they vegetate, and the young plants must be tied and kept in an upright position, to preserve tolerably straight stems. Besides the Medlar itself, the Pear, Quince, and Whitethorn may also be used as stocks whereon to bud or graft the cultivated varieties. The Pear stock is well adapted for grafting standard high, and succeeds well on ordinary soils; the Quince roots near the surface, and is suited, in consequence, for moist situations; while the White Hawthorn is readily obtained in quantity, is preferred as a stock on the Continent, and is, perhaps, best for light soils and comparatively dry situations. Cleft-grafting in April, with scions of the previous summer's growth, having the extremities removed, and shield-budding, with well-formed dormant buds, in July, are the two methods of propagation usually pursued. The heading-down, or disbudding, of the stock must be attended to so soon as a union is effected between it and the bud or graft, and the latter will require to be kept well staked. See also Budding and Grafting.
General Cultivation. Medlars are not very particular regarding soil; but they generally succeed best in some-what sheltered positions, where the soil is loamy, and inclined to be moist rather than dry. The trees are usually trained as standards, and require but little pruning, beyond thinning out weak growths, to admit light and air to the stronger ones, and to prevent the branches crossing each other. The large Dutch Medlar, which is very extensively cultivated, assumes a naturally crooked and rustic growth; while the small-fruited Nottingham variety is distinct in being of better quality, and of an upright habit. The fruit from Medlars should not be gathered until about the end of October, or even later, if frosts are not prevalent. It should be collected on a dry day, and laid out thinly on a cool fruit-room shelf. A fungus frequently attacks the stems, and passes to other parts, of the fruit, thus rendering it useless. This must be looked for occasionally, and any specimens that are found affected should be at once removed. The process of bletting usually takes from two to three weeks at the least, and some fruits may keep good for several weeks afterwards. Varieties. The following are the best sorts of Medlar in cultivation: Dutch. Fruit very large, and much flattened, sometimes 2in. in diameter; eye wide open; flavour good, but inferior to the Nottingham. The most extensively cultivated variety, on account of its size. SYNS. Broad-leaved Dutch, Large Dutch, &c.
Nottingham. Fruit smaller than the preceding, about 1in. in diameter, of a rich sub-acid flavour, superior to any other variety. The leaves are small, and the tree of upright-growing habit. SYN. Small-fruited. Stoneless. Fruit small, from 1/2in. to 3/4in. in diameter. The fruits are destitute of stones, and are only valuable on account of their keeping longer than those of the varieties above named; the quality is not so good.