Niell
PearNiell
Origin/History
A large and handsome Belgian variety, raised by Van Mons from seeds sown in 1815, and named in honor of Dr. Niell of Edinburgh, a distinguished horticulturist and man of science.
Tree
Bears plentifully. Other characteristics not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Large, obovate, inclining to pyriform, rather shortened in figure on one side and enlarged on the other.
Stem: About an inch long, obliquely planted.
Cavity: Little or no cavity.
Calyx: Not described in source.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Pale yellow, delicately marked with thin russet, finely dotted, and sometimes marked with faint red.
Flesh and Flavor: Flesh white, buttery, sweet, with a plentiful and agreeable juice. Quality rated good to very good.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
Last of September (Downing); late September (Thomas). Sources agree.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Downing lists the following associated names in the historical literature: Beurré Niell, Colmar Bosc, Poire Niell, Colmar Niel, and Fondante du Bois (the last noted as applied incorrectly).
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)NIELL.
Beurré Niell. Colmar Bosc. Poire Niell. Fondante du Bois, incorrectly. Colmar Niel.
A large and handsome Belgian variety, raised by Van Mons, from seeds sown in 1815, and named in honor of Dr. Niell, of Edinburgh, a distinguished horticulturist and man of science. The tree bears plentifully.
Fruit large, obovate, inclining to pyriform, rather shortened in figure on one side and enlarged on the other, tapering to the stalk, which is about an inch long, obliquely planted, with little or no cavity, pale yellow, delicately marked with thin russet, finely dotted, and sometimes marked with faint red. Flesh white, buttery, sweet, with a plentiful and agreeable juice. Good to very good. Last of September.
— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)Niell. Large, obovate, slightly pyriform, pale yellow; juicy, sweet, agreeable. Late September. Belgian.