1864. 20. Leroy Dict. Pom. 1:484, figs. 1867. 21. Guide Prat. 60, 252. 1876. 22. Cat. Cong. Pom.
France 202. 1906.
Nélis d’Hiver. 23. Mas Le Verger 1:29 bis, fig. 21. 1866-73.
Winter Nelis is the standard winter pear in the United States. Both
fruits and trees possess several serious faults, but these are outmatched by
virtues which make the variety preéminent in its season. The fruits are
small and are often so poorly colored as to be unattractive, but well grown
they are sufficiently large for dessert fruits and are very handsome in a
much-russeted coat and a ruddy cheek. Flesh and flavor are the chief
assets of the fruits. The flesh is tender, melting, juicy, luscious, with a
rich, sweet, aromatic flavor — one of the most delectable of all pears. The
fruits keep, ship, and sell well. The season is from Christmas to March,
but the pears can be kept until late spring in cold-storage. The trees
begin badly, for no variety is more difficult to grow well in the nursery.
