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
Pear ‘Green Chisel’ | PB pl.LXXVI/1812
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, commonly thought to be England but probably France |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Dessert Pear, summer |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Green Chisel
|
| Confidence level | high |