General Dutilleul
PearOrigin and History: General Dutilleul is of Belgian origin, a seedling of Van Mons (Hedrick).
Fruit — Size and Form: The sources disagree significantly on size: Downing describes the fruit as "below medium or small," while Hedrick calls it "medium to large." Downing describes the form as oblong ovate pyriform; Hedrick describes it as pyramidal and uneven in outline.
Fruit — Skin: The ground color is yellow, though the sources differ on intensity — Downing gives "pale yellow," while Hedrick describes "deep golden yellow." Both sources agree the fruit is washed with crimson where exposed to the sun, though Hedrick emphasizes it as extensive and bright. Downing additionally notes nettings and patches of russet on the skin.
Fruit — Stem, Cavity, Calyx, and Basin: Stalk short, moderately stout (Downing). Calyx open (Downing). Basin shallow (Downing). Hedrick does not describe these features.
Fruit — Flesh and Flavor: The sources conflict on flesh texture. Downing describes the flesh as yellowish white, juicy, and melting. Hedrick describes it as firm and not very juicy. Both agree the flesh is sweet; Hedrick adds "of good flavor." Both rate the overall quality as "good."
Season: The sources disagree on season: Downing gives November, while Hedrick gives September.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)General Dutilleul.
Of Belgian origin.
Fruit below medium or small, oblong ovate pyriform, pale yellow, shade of crimson in the sun, nettings and patches of russet. Stalk short, moderately stout. Calyx open. Basin shallow. Flesh yellowish white, juicy, melting, sweet. Good. November.
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)General Dutilleul.
i. Leroy Diet. Pom. 2:215, fig. 1869. 2. Hogg Fruit Man. 585. 1884.
A seedling of Van Mons. Fruit medium to large, pyramidal, uneven in outline, deep golden yellow, extensively washed with bright crimson where it is exposed to the sun; flesh firm, not very juicy, sweet, of good flavor; good; Sept.