Williams Double Bearing

Williams Double Bearing

Origin and History

Raised from seed of the Saint Germain pear in the garden of Mrs. Williams, Salem, Massachusetts. First recorded in Prince's Pomological Manual, 1832.

Tree Characteristics

The variety is distinguished by a notable biennial cropping pattern within a single growing season: the tree produces two successive crops of fruit on the same season. The first crop ripens in early October and reaches the size described below. The second crop is considerably smaller and ripens two to four weeks later (approximately mid- to late October).

Fruit

Form and Size: Large; closely resembles its parent variety (Saint Germain) in character but greater in diameter than that variety.

Flesh and Flavor: Fine quality, melting, but not highly flavored. The flesh does not possess pronounced sweetness or aromatic intensity, though the texture and juiciness are agreeable.

Season and Uses

First crop ripens early October; second crop ripens two to four weeks later. The dual-cropping habit and reduced size of the second crop suggest suitability for extended harvest and possibly for forcing or secondary-season market supply, though this is not explicitly stated in the source.

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Note: The original source provides limited detail on skin color, dotting, cavity form, calyx characteristics, core structure, and tree bark/leaf morphology beyond the defining characteristic of double-bearing. Additional period descriptions or specimen observation would be needed to complete the entry with these identification-critical details.