Bessemianka. 1. Mont. Hort. Soc. Rpt. 53, fig. 1881-2. 2. Ia. Hort. Soc. Rpt. 83. 1882. 3. Am. Pom. Soc. Cat. 40. 1909.
A Russian variety recommended for cultivation by the American Pomological Society. It grows in Europe from the Gulf to the Volga as far north as Moscow and Kazan and is the most widely-known and most largely-grown pear in central Russia. J. L. Budd says, “This is beyond all doubt a true hybrid with a wild pear of Russia as the parent tree. The name means seedless, and it is rare, indeed, that more than the rudiment of a seed can be found.” Tree upright; leaves large, dark, thick, very slightly crenate, almost entire, stands aridity well. Fruit large, round-obovate, greenish-yellow, with some russety-brown; flesh gritty at the core, juicy, with few or no seeds, mild, pleasant; early Oct.
Best Favorite. 1. Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt. 178, 186. 1896. 2. J. V. Cotta Cat. 12, fig. 1898.
From Winnebago County, Ill. Fruit medium, bronze-yellow, melting, juicy; good; ripening in Sept.
Bettina. 1. Dochnahl Führ. Obstkunde 2:124, 1856.
A seedling of Van Mons, first published in 1851. Fruit medium, conic or ventriculous-turbinate, acute, symmetrical in contour, green changing to lemon-yellow, dotted and flecked with russet, often covered with russet; flesh yellowish-white, very fine, excellent; first for dessert; Oct.
Betzelsbirne. 1. Dochnahl Führ. Obstkunde 2:194. 1856.
A perry pear grown in Austria and Germany. Fruit rather large, globular, diminishing acutely to the stalk, grass-green, sprinkled with dark gray spots; flesh greenish-white, dense, juicy; very good for household use and perry; suitable for long-distance transport; Jan. to Apr.
Betzy. 1. Baltet Cult. Fr. 404. 1908.
A small, French fruit, good for market and household use, for cooking, preserving, or the making of wine.