American Pomology Part 88

This little foreigner was brought from Russia, and seems as well adapted to our climate and tastes as are its companions from the same region.

Tree vigorous, hardy, productive, upright, leaves broad, pale or light green.

Fruit small to medium, round, flattened, somewhat conic, angular; Surface smooth, yellow, striped, splashed carmine, white bloom.

Basin shallow, folded; Eye large, closed.

Cavity wide, wavy, or deep, acute; Stem short, yellow.

Core large, closed, clasping; Seeds numerous, plump, brown; Flesh yellowish-white, breaking, fine grained, juicy; Flavor acid; Quality good; Use, market, kitchen; Season, June, July--before _Early Harvest_.

CLa.s.s III.--ROUND APPLES.

+ORDER II--IRREGULAR.+

SECTION 2.--SOUR.

SUB-SECTION 3.--RUSSET.

=Golden Harvey.=

BRANDY APPLE.

This highly flavored English apple is often referred to, but is rarely seen in American collections; but as it may be interesting to some, I quote Downing's brief description:

"Fruit small, irregularly round; Skin rather rough, dull russet over a yellow ground, with a russety red cheek; Flesh yellow, of fine texture, with a rich sub-acid flavor. The fruit is apt to shrivel."

Tree of slender growth.

CLa.s.s IV.--OBLONG APPLES.

+ORDER I.--REGULAR.+

SECTION 1.--SWEET.

SUB-SECTION 1.--SELF-COLORED.

=Downing's Paragon.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 264.--DOWNING'S PARAGON.]

Originated at Canton, Illinois. Tree upright, bears annually, productive.

Fruit large, round, but appearing oblong, regular; Surface smooth, yellow to golden, slightly bronzed or blushed when fully ripe; this and the dots can scarcely be seen while the fruit is immature.

Basin deep, abrupt, plaited; Eye medium, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, irregular; Stem long.

Core very small, oval, closed, meeting the eye; Seeds numerous, plump; Flesh very tender; Flavor sweet, rich, aromatic; Quality good; Use, table; September to December.

=Honey.=

Native of Pennsylvania. Tree very erect and an excellent bearer. Fruit rather small, oblong or oblong-conical, greenish; Flesh tender, juicy.

If this apple ripened in October (apple b.u.t.ter season) it would be more valuable.--[W.G. Waring's MS.]

=Pennsylvania Sweeting.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 265.--PENNSYLVANIA SWEETING.]

Found in Southern Illinois. Origin and history unknown.

Fruit large, oblong, regular; Surface dull greenish-yellow; Dots numerous, dark, distinct.

Basin deep, abrupt, regular; Eye large, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, irregular; Stem medium.

Core irregular, large, open, clasping; Seeds numerous, small; Flesh tender, melting, fine-grained; Flavor very sweet; Quality good; Use, baking and stock; Season, early winter.

=Wells' Sweeting.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 266.--WELLS' SWEETING.]

Origin and history unknown.

Fruit medium, round or oblong, regular; Surface smooth, white, some blush; Dots scattered, prominent.

Basin wide, regular, leather-cracked; Eye large, closed.

Cavity medium, regular, green; Stem medium.

Core pyriform, closed; Seeds numerous, angular, plump; Flesh white, firm, juicy; Flavor sweet; Use, baking and stock; Season, October and December.