This variety is nearly related to the numerous prize sorts which in England are cultivated under glass, and forced during the winter. There is little permanency in the slight variations of character by which they are distinguished; and old varieties are constantly being dropped from the catalogues, and others, with different names, substituted. Amongst the most prominent of these sub-varieties are the following:—
Carter's Superior.—Recently introduced. Represented as one of the largest and finest of the forcing varieties.
Conqueror of the West.—Eighteen to twenty inches in length. It is a fine prize sort, and succeeds well in open culture.
Cuthill's Black Spine.—Six to nine inches in length, hardy, early, and productive. An excellent sort for starting in a hot-bed. Fruit very firm and attractive.
The Doctor.—Sixteen to eighteen inches in length, and contracted towards the stem in the form of a neck. In favorable seasons, it will attain a good size, if grown in the open ground. Crisp, tender, and well flavored.
Eggleston's Conqueror.—"Very prolific, good for forcing, of fine flavor, hardy, and a really useful sort. Specimens have been grown measuring twenty-eight inches in length, nine inches and a half in circumference, and weighing five pounds."
Flanigan's Prize.—An old, established variety; having been grown in England upwards of thirty years. Length fifteen inches.
Hunter's Prolific.—Length eighteen inches. Very crisp and excellent, but requires more heat than most other varieties. Spines white; fruit covered with a good bloom, and not liable to turn yellow at the base.
Improved Sion House.—This variety has received many prizes in England. Not only is it well adapted for the summer crop, but it succeeds remarkably well when grown under glass.
Irishman.—Length twenty-two to twenty-five inches. Handsome, and excellent for exhibition.