Sir, – When we moved into our current house 40 years ago, there was a mature pear tree in the garden, and it’s still here.For years we collected pears, expecting them to ripen as does Fionnuala Ward, then resorted to collecting and composting them as they were “no use” (“An Irishwoman’s Diary,” May 19th).Then I watched a gardening programme that explained all. They were pears of a variety that needed to be picked before ripe, peeled and bottled, in order to enjoy them.Delicious. – Yours, etc,ANNE WOULFE,Terenure,Dublin 6W.