Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Pyrus communis ‘Green Chisel’

‘Fruit small, nearly globular, about one inch and a quarter across each way. Eye large in proportion to the size of the fruit, prominently placed, with an open crumpled calyx. Stalk three quarters of an inch long, straight, inserted without any cavity. Skin quite green all round; but sometimes, when fully exposed, it has a faint brownish tinge on the sunny side. Flesh gritty. Juice a little sugary, with a slight perfume. Ripe the beginning to the middle of August.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.335/1831].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This little Pear is common throughout England. It does not appear to have been noticed among the French writers, and is probably of English origin. It is readily known by its growing in clusters, and by the branches being short, and growing erect. It is a small growing tree, and bears abundantly.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.336/1831].

 ‘The origin of this ancient early summer variety is unknown, but it was described by Mawe and Abercrombie in 1778, and was also mentioned by Philip Miller in 1734 as being still “in prime” in July in England. Under the name of Guenette it was described by Merlet in articles written in 1675, and 1690 and appears to have been well known in English and French gardens. Hogg deems Chisel to be a corruption of the French name Choiseul.’ [Pears of New York p.402]. Figured in Le Jardin Fruitier du Muséum [JFM vol. 1/1858] and Pomona Britannica [PB pl.LXXVI/1812], the illustration used here.

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [Pear no.18/1850]. There is no diary entry for this pear.

 

 

Notes

Published May 18, 2010 - 03:32 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 03:00 PM

Figured is a small, nearly round, dark green pear, with leaves. Pomona Britannica pl.76, 1812.

Pear ‘Green Chisel’ | PB pl.LXXVI/1812

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, commonly thought to be England but probably France

Synonyms
  • Guenette

 

Common Name

Dessert Pear, summer

Name in the Camden Park Record

Green Chisel

 

 

Confidence level high