PLATE XXXVIII. 
3. WINTER NELIS. 
[Syn : Colmar Nelis ; 
Nells d'Hiver; 
Malinoise; Malinoise Cuvelier; Etourncatil ] 
Bcurve de Malines; Bonne de Malines; Bonne 
This valuable Pear was raised early in the present century by M. Jean Charles Nelis, of 
Malines, Belgium. It was introduced to this country in 1818 by the Horticultural Society of 
London. An excellent figure of it is given by Lindley. PI. 126. 
Description. —Fruit: below medium size ; roundish-obovate, narrowing abruptly towards the 
stalk. Skin : dull green at first, changing to yellowish green, covered with numerous russety dots 
and patches of brown russet, particularly on the side next the sun. Eye : open with erect rigid 
segments, set in a shallow depression. Stalk : from an inch to an inch and a half long, curved and 
set in a narrow cavity. Flesh : yellowish, fine grained, buttery and melting, with a rich, sugary 
and vinous flavour and a fine aroma. 
This Pear is one of the best in quality. It is a very general favourite, and the more so 
perhaps, because it is always ready to enrich the dessert table through the festivities of Christmas. 
With good management and care, its season may be made to extend from November to February. 
A few pears at a time should be placed in a warm temperature to hasten their maturity; whilst 
others should be kept at a low temperature to retard it; and thus the required extension of their 
ripening season may be produced. Some think the flavour of the Winter Nelis superior to the 
Chaumontel, and it is certainly much more hardy and prolific. 
The tree grows freely on the quince, and forms a small handsome pyramid. It is hardy and 
an excellent bearer. In Herefordshire it does best on a wall, where it may always be depended 
upon for a good crop of fruit. As a standard, its fruit is apt to be cut off by late frosts. Where late 
pears will ripen, this variety should always be grown. 
