PLATE XL. 
8 . OLIVIER DE SERRES. 
This valuable fruit was raised by M. Boisbunel, of Rouen. The tree first bore fruit in 1864 ; 
and was named in honour of Olivier de Serres, author of “ Le Theatre d'Agriculture at Mesnage 
des Champs a work published in Paris so long ago as 1600. 
Description. —Fruit: below medium size, two inches and three-quarters wide, and two inches 
and a half high ; round, flattened, or Bergamotte shaped, sometimes irregular in its outline. Skin : 
entirely covered with cinnamon-coloured russet. Eye : large and closed, set in a pretty deep basin. 
Stalk : three-quarters of an inch long, very stout, and thickest at the end. Flesh : half buttery, 
sweet, with a brisk, vinous flavour and a strong musky aroma. 
One of the very best late Pears, in season from February to March. 
The tree is very hardy and bears well. It grows vigorously, and makes strong standards 
and handsome pyramids either on the pear or quince. 
