Plate XXL 
5. OLD NONPAREIL. 
[Syn : Nonpareil; English Nonpareil; Hunts Nonpareil; Lovedons Pippin; Reinette 
Nonpareil; Nonpareil d'Angleterre ; Due dArsel; Grime Reinette 
It is generally believed that the Nonpareil came originally from France, though, as Switzer 
says, “ It is no stranger in England . . , There are trees of them about the Ashtons in Oxfordshire 
of about a hundred years old, which (as they have it by tradition) were first brought out of France 
and planted by a Jesuit in Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth’s time.” 
It is strange that an apple of such excellence, and held in such estimation as the Nonpareil has 
always been, should have received so little notice from almost all the early continental Pomologists. 
It is not mentioned in the long list of the Jardinier Francois of 1653, nor even by De la Quintinye, 
or the Jardinier Solitaire. Schabol enumerates it, but it is not noticed by Bretonnerie. It is first 
described by Duhamel, and subsequently by Knoop. In the Chartreux Catalogue it is said “elle 
est forte estimee en Angleterre.” Among the writers of our own country, Switzer is the first to 
notice it. It is not mentioned by Rea, Worlidge, or Ray, neither is it enumerated in the list of 
Leonard Meager. In America it is little esteemed. It has been cultivated in England for more 
than two hundred years. It is figured by Lindley, PI. 86; and by Ronalds, PL xxxiv. 
Description. —Fruit: medium sized, roundish, broad at the base and narrow towards the 
apex, apt to be more full on one side than the other. Skin : yellowish green, covered with large 
patches of thin grey russet, and dotted with small brown russetty dots, with occasionally a tinge of 
dull red on the side next the sun. Eye : rather prominent, very slightly if at all depressed, half 
open, with broad segments, which are reflexed at the tips. Stalk : an inch long, set in a round and 
pretty deep cavity, which is lined with russet. Flesh : greenish white, delicate, crisp, rich, and 
juicy, abounding in a particularly rich, vinous, and aromatic flavour. 
One of the most highly esteemed and popular of all our dessert apples. It is in season from 
January to May. 
The tree grows well and freely, but scarcely reaches the middle size. It is an excellent 
bearer, but rather a tender tree. It will succeed well as a standard, but on the paradise stock it is 
well adapted for dwarf growth in a pot ; as a pyramid ; or an espalier. 
In the Northern counties and in Scotland it does not succeed as a standard, and when grown 
there under the protection of a wall the fruit is wanting in the fine delicate rich flavour of that 
grown for the South. 
