Nickerson

Pear

Nickerson

Origin/History

Originated at Readfield, Maine, from seed planted by ex-Governor Huntoon (Downing; Hedrick). Thomas attributes the variety to S.L. Goodale of Maine and notes it as new at the time of his writing (1903).

Tree

Vigorous, hardy, and productive (Thomas).

Fruit

Size and Form: Large, oblong-pyriform (Downing; Hedrick), resembling Louise Bonne of Jersey in appearance (Thomas).

Stem, Cavity, Calyx, Basin: Not described in sources.

Skin: Greenish-yellow, with a dull red cheek on the side next the sun (Downing; Hedrick).

Flesh/Flavor: White, juicy, melting, vinous, sweet (Downing; Hedrick). Downing and Hedrick rate the quality as good; Thomas rates it very good.

Core/Seeds: Not described in sources.

Season

October (Downing; Hedrick).

Uses

Not described in sources.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in sources.

Other

Not described in sources.

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.

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)

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)