The Beurre Bosc and Paradise d^Automne Pears. 145 



THE BEURRfi BOSC AND PARADISE D'AUTOMNE PEARS. 



By Robert Makning, Salem, Mass. 



Probably there is not another instance in the history of pomology, of 

 two pears, so strongly resembling each other in general appearance, and 

 yet, when carefully examined, so undoubtedly distinct, as the two named at 

 the head of this article. Both have now been long enough known to es- 

 tablish a character as worthy of general cultivation ; yet we not unfrequently 

 hear the inquiry at a horticultural exhibition whether the two are not iden- 

 tical. The Beurre Bosc was first fruited in this country by my father, as 

 early as 1837 ; the scions having been received from the London Horticul- 

 tural Society. From that time, it has continued to produce with remarka- 

 ble uniformity its crops of fruit, which, being evenly distributed over the 

 tree, presenting an appearance as if thinned, are always of fine size and 

 quality. In beauty of form, it excels any other pear, its outline not only 

 being composed of " lines of beauty," but also exhibiting the true pear 

 type ; and the favorable impression which it always makes, is, no doubt, 

 greatly owing to this characteristic. Its color, cinnamon russet, changing to 

 golden russet at maturity, is one of the most attractive in which a pear can 

 be clothed. The fruit, to be in perfection, must be allowed to become fully 

 ripe ; if eaten too soon, its rich flavor and melting texture will not be real- 

 ized. Though the tree is not so vigorous as some other kinds, I have 

 never found it tender ; and, in a good soil, it will satisfy all reasonable ex- 

 pectations. On the whole, it cannot be too highly recommended either for 

 the amateur or market. For the latter purpose, though it may not produce 

 so many bushels as some varieties, yet, as it will always command the high- 

 est price, the crop will probably bring as much money as any. Its season is 

 October and November. 



The Beurre Bosc appears to have been originated by Van Mons, about 

 1807. The confusion between the Beurre Bosc and Calebasse Bosc, 

 which latter seems to have been the original name of the kind now 

 so widely cultivated as Paradise d'Automne, has been greater in Eu- 

 rope than in this country. Both kinds are figured in the " Album de 

 Pomologie," on the same plate ; and the editor remarks that their his- 



VOL. VI. 19 



