
          486

<s>illegible</s> (J. Cliffords)

Swans Egg

[sketch of pear]

This pear was sent to me by Mr John Clifford
as approaching nearer than any other in his collection
to the Poire d'Auch.  If however Forsyths description
is at all correct (and it is the only one we have of the
form of this fruit) Mr. C. must be in an Error for, Forsyth says
it resembles the Colmar, but rather fuller in the neck:
Now the Colmar according to the L'Abbé Rozier is much
produced in the Neck see p. 482. (Mr Cliffords pear is now
ripe Nov. 12. 1816) This Season is remarkable for premature
ripening of most pears - owing probably from the very uncommon
drought which has prevailed throughout our County.
The flesh is rich, tender juicy, sweet and delicately flavored.
It very much resembles the Swans Egg as described in Forsyth
<s>L'Abbé Rozier No 66. plate [illegible] but with somewhat
different</s>. The skin is smooth, green with a slight shade of brown.
The stalk long, the form <s>somewhat</s> oblong diminishing from the center
towards the blossom end.  The crown and stalk are without hollows at
either end.  Ripens in November.
        