Summary

Wax model of Williams Bon Chretien pear, the variety also known as Williams, Duchess, and Bartlett. The Williams Bon Chretien is a dessert variety suitable for canning, harvested in early autumn.

Model based on specimen from Charles Allen Jnr of South Brighton in 1875. The model was made in the museum by Thomas McMillan for the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876.

The Melbourne Leader reported on 17 October 1874 (p.9): 'Mr. Charles Allen, Jun., Mount View Garden, consisting of 10 acres, established ten years, and situated 11 miles from Melbourne, was found to be in many respects a very capital garden, although the produce generally was not so various nor so heavy as the previous ones. The fruit trees are numerous ana excellent, being planted with judgment and skill on the angles, 15 ft. each way. Peas are largely grown, and looked a profitable crop. Parsnips, cauliflowers, turnips, onions, potatoes, rhubarb, lettuce, and peet were all promising well. The fruit trees include a capital variety of the leading kinds, very clean; also oranges and strawberries. The buildings are small but useful, and several excellent shelter fences are provided.' Charles had been working his 10-acre plot for a decade, located 'in the midst the heath-like country that stretches along the coast from Brighton'. His plot had a northerly aspect, with a gentle slope, less exposed to the sea breezes than other gardens in the neighbourhood. His soil was 'the usual black sand' of the district, later described as 'of a spongy nature requiring thorough draining to enable crops to be grown on it successfully during wet seasons.' (Melbourne Leader, 24 October 1874, p.9)

More Information