Duck's Bill
Apple
Duck's Bill
Origin / History
Grown extensively in the County of Sussex, where it is met with in almost every orchard. Sometimes locally called Winter Pearmain, but quite distinct from the Old Winter Pearmain of other parts of the country.
Tree
The tree grows well and freely. It is also very hardy, and a good bearer.
Fruit
Size: Large, three inches and a quarter wide, and about the same in height.
Form: Of a true Pearmain shape, somewhat five sided towards the crown.
Stem: Very short, not exceeding a quarter of an inch long.
Cavity: Deep and funnel-shaped, lined with russet.
Calyx: Eye large and open, with short segments.
Basin: Pretty deep and prominently plaited.
Skin: Smooth and shining, at first of a greenish yellow, marked with faint streaks of dull red on the shaded side, and entirely covered with deep red on the side next the sun.
Dots: Small and russety, strewed all over the fruit.
Flesh and flavor: Yellowish, firm, crisp, juicy and sugary, with a brisk, piquant, and very pleasant flavor.
Core and seeds: Not described in source.
Season
In season from December to April or May.
Uses
Chiefly suited for culinary purposes, but can take its place on the dessert table with credit, when required to do so. A very handsome fruit that always fetches a high price in the markets.
Subtypes / Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
View original book sources (1)
— Woolhope Naturalists Field Club, The Herefordshire Pomona (1885)
- DUCK'S BILL.
(Syn: Sussex Winter Pearmain; Sussex Scarlet Pearmain.)
This apple is grown extensively in the County of Sussex where it is met with in almost every orchard. It is sometimes locally called Winter Pearmain, but is quite distinct from the Old Winter Pearmain of other parts of the country.
Description.—Fruit, large, three inches and a quarter wide, and about the same in height; of a true Pearmain shape, somewhat five sided towards the crown. Skin, smooth and shining, at first of a greenish yellow, marked with faint streaks of dull red on the shaded side, and entirely covered with deep red on the side next the sun, and strewed all over with small russety dots. Eye, large and open, with short segments, set in a pretty deep and prominently plaited basin. Stalk, very short, not exceeding a quarter of an inch long, inserted in a deep funnel-shaped cavity, which is lined with russet. Flesh, yellowish, firm, crisp, juicy and sugary, with a brisk, piquant, and very pleasant flavour.
This highly esteemed apple is chiefly suited for culinary purposes, but can take its place on the dessert table with credit, when required to do so. It is a very handsome fruit and always fetches a high price in the markets. It is in season from December to April or May.
The tree grows well and freely. It is also very hardy, and a good bearer.