Bonne Sophia
Pear
Origin/History
First described by Downing (1869), who noted it as "new and promising." Downing lists the variety under the alternate designation Bonne Saplier.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium. Obovate-acute-pyriform — obovate in profile, tapering to an acute (pointed) apex. Downing describes the form simply as "acute pyriform"; Hedrick specifies "obovate-acute-pyriform"; Thomas gives "obovate pyriform, acute."
Stem: Long, inclined, fleshy at its insertion into the fruit. (Downing only.)
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Open. (Downing only.)
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Pale greenish yellow. The red coloration is described differently across sources: Downing gives "a shade of crimson," suggesting a diffuse blush, while Hedrick and Thomas describe it as "a red cheek," implying a more defined blush on one side. A few patches and nettings of russet over the surface. Numerous small brown dots.
Flesh/Flavor: White, fine, melting, and sweet, with a slight perfume. Downing additionally describes the flesh as juicy. Rated very good by all three sources.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
October.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 3 period pomological works
View original book sources (3)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Bonne Sophia.
Bonne Saplier.
Fruit medium, acute pyriform. Skin pale greenish yellow, with a shade of crimson, a few patches and nettings of russet, and many small brown dots. Stalk long, inclined, fleshy at insertion. Calyx open. Flesh white, fine, juicy, melting, sweet, slightly perfumed. Very good. New and promising. October.
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Bonne Sophia.
- Downing Fr. Trees Am. 706, fig. 1869.
Fruit medium, obovate-acute-pyriform, pale greenish-yellow, with a red cheek, a few patches and nettings of russet and numerous small, brown dots; flesh white, fine, melting, sweet and slightly perfumed; very good; Oct.
— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)Bonne Sophia. Medium, obovate pyriform, acute, greenish-yellow and red cheek; melting, sweet; very good. October.