13 cups cold water
1/2 lemon
4 (6-ounce) firm Bosc pears
1 (10 by 20-inch) piece cheesecloth
5 tablespoons honey
2 pieces dried tangerine peel, 1 by 2 inches, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, until softened
1/2 cup raisins
18 sprigs lemon balm (1 to 2 bunches), about 7 inches long
4 sprigs fresh mint