Nickerson

Pear

Nickerson

Origin / History

Originated at Readfield, Maine, from seed planted by ex-Governor Huntoon. Described in Downing's Fruit Trees of America (1869 edition cited by Hedrick). Thomas (1903) lists it with the notation "S.L.Goodale. Me. New."

Tree

Vigorous, hardy, productive (Thomas).

Fruit

Size: Large; "rather large" (Thomas).

Form: Oblong pyriform.

Stem: Not described in source.

Cavity: Not described in source.

Calyx: Not described in source.

Basin: Not described in source.

Skin: Greenish yellow, with a dull red cheek on the side next the sun.

Dots: Not described in source.

Flesh and flavor: Flesh white, juicy, melting; flavor vinous, sweet. Quality "Good" (Downing); "very good" (Thomas).

Core and seeds: Not described in source.

Season

October.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes / Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Thomas describes it as "resembling Louise Bonne of Jersey."

Book Sources

Described in 3 period pomological works

View original book sources (3)

Nickerson.

This variety originated in Readfield, Me., from seed planted by ex-Governor Huntoon.

Fruit large, oblong pyriform, greenish yellow, with a dull red cheek in sun. Flesh white, juicy, melting, vinous, sweet. Good. October.

— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)

Nickerson. Rather large, resembling Louise Bonne of Jersey; very good. Tree vigorous, hardy, productive. S.L.Goodale. Me. New.

— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)

Nickerson.

i. Downing Fr. Trees Am. 820. 1869.

Originated from seed planted at Readfield, Me. Fruit large, oblong-pyriform, greenish-yellow, with a dull red cheek on the side next the sun; flesh white, juicy, melting, vinous, sweet; good; Oct.

— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)