Abbott

Origin/History

Raised from seed by Mrs. T. Abbott on her farm in Providence, Rhode Island. The variety first fruited in 1845 or 1846. It is cited in horticultural literature as early as 1854 (Mag. Hort. 20:472) and appears in Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1854 ed., p. 654).

Tree

A vigorous grower. Young wood is described as reddish olive (Downing) or purplish (Thomas) — the two sources differ on this point. Thomas notes the tree is good and handsome.

Fruit

Size

Medium.

Form

Oblong obovate inclining to pyriform. Thomas compares the shape to that of the Washington pear. Surface even and smooth (Thomas; Hedrick also notes smooth).

Stem

Medium length (Downing); approximately one inch long (Thomas). Inserted by a lip or ring in a slight depression surrounded by russet (Downing).

Cavity

Slight depression at the stalk end, surrounded by russet (Downing). Thomas and Hedrick do not describe the cavity separately.

Calyx

Downing describes the calyx as open, with segments persistent. Thomas describes it as small and closed. These accounts are in direct conflict.

Basin

Broad and open (Downing). Not separately described by Thomas or Hedrick.

Skin

Sources differ on the ground color and degree of color development. Downing describes the skin as yellowish, considerably shaded with crimson, sprinkled with gray and crimson dots, with a few russet patches. Hedrick describes it as deep green changing to yellow, strewed all over with gray and crimson dots, with a blush of crimson on the side exposed to the sun. Thomas describes the surface as dark dull green, with a reddish-brown cheek changing to scarlet — making no mention of dots or russet. Downing and Hedrick agree on the presence of gray and crimson dots; Downing notes russet patches not mentioned by the other sources.

Flesh and Flavor

Flesh white (Downing) or yellowish-white (Hedrick). Buttery, melting, and juicy — all three sources agree on these qualities. Downing further describes it as granular; Hedrick as slightly coarse and gritty. Flavor rich, sweet, and perfumed or slightly perfumed (Downing and Hedrick); Thomas characterizes it simply as melting, juicy, and rich.

Core/Seeds

Not described in source.

Season

Ripens last of September (Downing); early mid-autumn (Thomas); September and October (Hedrick).

Uses

Although not of first quality, the fruit is uniformly good and beautiful, suited for dessert use (Downing). Hedrick assigns it second quality. Considered good and handsome as a market or garden fruit (Thomas).

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.