PLATE LXVII. 
6. BELLE BONNE. 
[Syn : Winter Belle Bonne ; Rolland .] 
This is a very old English variety, notwithstanding its French name. It was known to 
Parkinson so early as 1629, and also to Worlidge and Ray ; but it is not noticed by any subsequent 
author, nor is it enumerated in any of the nursery catalogues of the last century. It was “however 
recently found by George Lindley, growing in a garden at Gatton, near Norwich, and was 
published by him in the Transactions of the London Horticultural Society, Vol. IV., p. 58. He 
seems to be uncertain whether it is the Summer, or Winter Belle Bonne of these early authors, but 
Worlidge’s description leaves no doubt as to its identity. He says “ the Slimmer Belle and Bonne 
is a good bearer, but the fruit is not long lasting. The Winter Belle and Bonne is much to be 
preferred to the Summer in every respect.” Dr. Hogg has no doubt therefore that the latter is 
the Belle Bonne of Lindley. Parkinson says “ they are both fair fruit to look on, being yellow, and 
of a meane (medium) bignesse.” 
Description .—Fruit: above medium size, three inches wide, and three and a quarter high ; 
ovate, conical. Skin : thick, pale greenish yellow, and marked with a few reddish streaks on the 
side next the sun. Eye : small and closed. Stalk : half an inch long, obliquely inserted under a 
fleshy lip. Flesh : firm, juicy, and well flavoured. 
A valuable culinary apple, in season from October to January. 
The tree grows strongly and vigorously. It is very hardy and bears well. 
