PEARS. 533 



is a very strong grower, and forms handsome pyramids on the quince. 

 It bears abundantly. 



A seedling of Van Mons, which first fruited in 1822 or 1823. It is called Bois 

 from the similarity of its wo >d to that of Napoleon. This was a favourite mode 

 with Van Mons of distinguishing his seedlings. For instance we find such entries 

 in his catalogue as " Forme de Calebasse," " Forme de Passe Colmar." 



Bo de la Cour. See Marshal de Cour. 

 Bolivar. See Ucedale's St. Germain. 

 Bonaparte. See Napoleon. 

 BON CHRETIENS. See Winter Bon Chretien. 

 Bon Chretien d' Amiens. See Catiilac. 



BON CHRETIEN D'AUCH. This pear has given rise to much 

 discussion, some pomologists holding that it is a distinct variety, and 

 others that it is synonymous with Winter Bon Chretien. The advocates 

 of the latter opinion are the most numerous. No person has had u 

 better opportunity of solving the question than my much esteemed 

 friend, Abbe D. Dupuy, Professor of Natural History at Auch ; and in 

 his excellent work LAbeille Pomologique, 1862, p. 57, he there enters 

 very fully into the question. He says : 



" The fruit which at Auch is called Bonchretien d'Auch, is nothing 

 else than the common Winter Bonchretien, without seeds in some 

 gardens, and some favoured localities in the south-west ; but as soon 

 as the tree is removed to a place less suited to it the seeds reappear 

 and it becomes the common Winter Bonchretien, and the same thing 

 frequently occurs even at Auch." 



In the Horticultural Society's Catalogue the same conclusion is 

 arrived at, and no doubt the authority of Abbe Dupuy is conclusive on 

 the point regardless of any other evidence. But I embrace this 

 opportunity of introducing another variety under the name of Bon- 

 Chretien d'Auch, which seems to have escaped the notice of all modern 

 pomologists, the Bon Chretien d'Auch of Calvel. He says: "This 

 pear, like all the Bon Chretiens, has the form of a calibasse, or of a 

 pilgrim's gourd, and is sometimes more swollen on one side than the 

 other. Green at first, it insensibly becomes yellow by degrees as it 

 approaches maturity. The part exposed to the sun is covered with 

 bright vermilion, which increases its beauty. By smelling it, its per- 

 fume announces the period when it is good to be eaten. Its flesh is 

 breaking, but of rich, sweet, and sugary juice. 



" This is perhaps the largest, most beautiful, and most perfect of 

 pears in a soil which suits it. It is only at Auch that one can form a 

 just idea of it, and even all the environs of Auch are not equally suited 

 to its culture. This fruit loses much of its size and quality when 

 grafted elsewhere. Well cultivated and in good soil it is very large. 

 I have seen it four inches diameter and more." 



