"_Waxbirn_, that is, Wax pear, are big-bellied at the lower end, at
the upper end taper off into a cone; in length sometimes exceed three
inches by a little, but in width rarely exceed two inches. They have
a yellow or wax-like color, whence their name has been given them,
but on that side where they have received the sun they invite those
who look upon them to eat them by their pleasing, speckled redness.
They have a sweet flavor, slightly astringent; their pulp is soft and
easily melts in the mouth. They ripen when the sun has entered Virgo;
they are short-lived and do not last long. They are found at Marburg
in Hesse.
"_Rostbirn_, that is, Rust pear, are big-bellied in the middle and
narrow down at both ends; in length three inches and a half, in
width two inches and a half. They have a yellow color, speckled with
bluish-gray spots; they have a very mild, sweet flavor, and easily
melt in the mouth; because of their extreme softness they last a very
short time. They ripen at the beginning of autumn. They are cultivated
at Eisleben and neighboring towns.
"_Aschbirn_, that is, Ash pear, have their name because they are
soft like ashes and easily dissolve in the mouth. They resemble the
Rust pear in shape, color, quality of pulp, and flavor; but are a
little smaller, and more conical at one end toward the stalk, though
sometimes they become big-bellied in the middle like the Rust. They
ripen with the Rust. They are cultivated at Eisleben.
"_Drinkebirn_, that is, Drink pear, are so called because like a drink
they drive away anybody's thirst. They are swollen in the middle and
end in a blunt point; in length a little over two inches, in width
scarcely two inches. Their color is wholly yellow, but they redden
on that side which is exposed to the sun; they have a sweet flavor,
tender pulp, abounding with copious and drinkable juice. They ripen
with the Rust and quickly decay just as they do. They are cultivated
in the country near Eisleben.
"_Eyerbirn_, that is, Egg pear, have received their name from
their shape, which becomes conical at both ends like a short egg;
otherwise they do not differ much from the Drink pear in proportion
and shape. They are, however, a little smaller, have a yellow color
speckled with dots. In flavor they rival the Rust and like them are
moderately astringent; they have a very sweet fragrance, ripen with
the Drink pear, and quickly decay. They too are found at Eisleben and
neighboring towns.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account