American Pomology. Apples

Core medium, round, closed, clasping; Seeds numerous, angular, long, dark; Flesh greenish-white, very tender, fine-grained; Flavor mild sub-acid, very agreeable; Quality best; Use, the dessert; Season, July and August.

Progress

Not having had the good fortune to study this apple, I quote the description given by Downing:

"A native of Middletown, Connecticut. Tree a moderate grower and forms a handsome head, bears early and very productive.

"Size above medium, rather globular, inclining to conic, sometimes oblate, somewhat angular; Stem short, inserted into a round cavity, surrounded by russet; Calyx large, partially closed, set in a shallow, open basin; Skin smooth, yellow, with a sunny cheek, sometimes a few scattered, gray dots; Flesh solid, tender, crisp, juicy, with a very refreshing, vinous flavor. Ripe October until April."

QuinceCOLE'S QUINCE

Fig. 254.—QUINCE.

This does not appear to be exactly the same as that described by Coxe, and later by Downing. This fruit is not very extensively cultivated. The specimens described are from that precise pomologist T.T. Lyon, of Michigan.

Fruit full medium, globular, angular, ribbed; Surface smooth, greenish-yellow, pale.

Basin narrow, folded, plaited; Eye small, closed.

Cavity acute, wavy; Stem medium, yellow.

Core oval, closed, meeting the eye; Seeds numerous, angular, plump, brown; Flesh yellowish-white, tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sub-acid, aromatic; Quality good for cooking; Season, November to January.

September

This apple is highly esteemed by Mr. W.G. Waring, of Center County, Pennsylvania, where it originated.

Tree hardy and vigorous, a good and regular bearer.

"Fruit large, globular, somewhat depressed, slightly conic, angular; Skin yellow, slightly shaded and thinly sprinkled with brown dots; Stalk short, inserted in a deep, abrupt cavity, surrounded by thin russet; Calyx partially closed, set in an open basin; Flesh yellowish, tender, juicy, with a very agreeable sub-acid flavor; October."—[Downing.]

Sheepnose.—of Mears

This substantial little apple was presented by Wm. E. Mears, a zealous horticulturist of Clermont County, Ohio, where it is considerably cultivated. Origin unknown.

Fruit medium, round, slightly conic, irregular; Surface smooth, greenish yellow, white striæ about the base, like White Winter Pearmain, which it resembles in some other respects; Dots minute.

Basin shallow, wavy; Eye long, closed.

Cavity acute, narrow, bronzed; Stem medium, knobbed.

Core roundish oval, irregular, open, clasping; Seeds numerous, plump, dark; Flesh yellowish-white, breaking, tender, juicy; Flavor sub-acid; Quality good; Use, table and kitchen; Season, December to February.

Summer Pippin

Fig. 255.—SUMMER PIPPIN.

A favorite apple about New York—not known extensively. Tree vigorous, forming a beautiful head, a regular and good bearer.

Fruit medium to large, variable in form, sometimes oblong-oval, or inclining to conic, angular and irregular; Skin pale waxen yellow, shaded with a delicate crimson blush, and sprinkled with green and grayish dots; Stalk varies in length and thickness, inserted in a deep, abrupt cavity; Calyx closed, set in a deep, abrupt, corrugated basin; Flesh white, tender, moderately juicy, with a pleasant, refreshing sub-acid flavor; Valuable for culinary uses; Ripens in August and continues a month or more.—[Downing.]

Transport

Fig. 256.—TRANSPORT.

Another of Reuben Ragan's Indiana seedlings. Tree poor in the nursery—good in the orchard. Very productive.

Fruit large, globular, flattened, angular; Surface smooth, pale yellow, blushed carmine; Dots scattered, green, with white bases, becoming purple where exposed; Bloom white.

Basin medium, plaited; Eye small, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, brown; Stem medium to long.

Core irregular, closed, clasping; Axis short; Seeds dark, pointed, imperfect; Flesh, yellowish-white, tender, melting, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor mild sub-acid, rich; Quality good to very good; Use, table, kitchen, market; Season, December to February. Not very profitable.

White Pippin

Fig. 257.—WHITE PIPPIN.

The origin of this valuable fruit is entirely unknown, and its history can only be traced to the nursery of Silas Wharton, who may have brought it with him from the East. For a time some of our leading pomologists thought it was the Canada Reinette, but this idea has long since been relinquished, and all agree that it is sui generis, though it may have had a different name. In some of its external characters it more nearly resembles the Yellow Newtown Pippin than any other fruit; but, while it lacks the high, spicy flavor of that apple, it is found to be much more profitable in the orchard.

The tree is remarkably thrifty, vigorous and productive, upright, with very dark shoots, covered with down, bearing large leaves that are quite downy beneath, and deep green above.

Fruit large, variable in form, angular, sometimes lop-sided, generally fair, free from scab; Surface smooth, green or greenish-white to very pale yellow when ripe; the skin toward the base is often marked on the unripe apple with indistinct wavy stripes of white, the interspaces are sometimes colored by exposure, and assume a pink or purplish hue, making the fruit appear to be striped; Dots very minute, and surrounded by green bases that are most distinct before the fruit is perfectly ripe; these and the white stripes are very characteristic.

Basin deep, abrupt, regular, wavy or folded; Eye small, closed.

Cavity wide, deep, wavy, brown and green: Stem short, sometimes thick.

Core small, pyriform, closed, clasping; Seeds numerous, angular, pale brown, pointed; Flesh white or yellowish-white, breaking, granular, juicy; Flavor acid to sub-acid, not spicy; Quality good; Use, kitchen rather than table, cooks very well; Season, December and January; not a very good keeper; may be preserved until March.

Yellow Newtown

Fig. 258.—YELLOW NEWTOWN.

The origin of this variety of the Newtown Pippin, which has obtained such a world-wide notoriety as the "American Apple," is very uncertain. The distinction between this and the Green Newtown, as described under Class III, I, 2, 1, was well known to Coxe.

Tree resembling that of the Green variety, slow grower in the nursery, having rough bark when old, not an early bearer, but large, spreading, and productive, and in suitable soils profitable. From some cause, however, the orchards of both these apples are much less satisfactory in their results than formerly in many parts of the country. Still it is often seen in great perfection, and I am compiling this description from outlines and notes of a large number that were very fine.

Fruit large, round, more or less modified by being cylindrical, truncated, lop-sided, ribbed, and irregular, sometimes even conic; Surface smooth, yellowish-green, sometimes bronzy, becoming yellow when ripe, like the White Pippin, it is marked with gray striæ near the base while green; Dots minute, scattered, whitish bases.

Basin large, folded, ribbed or plaited; Eye medium, rather open.

Cavity deep, acute; brown; Stem medium or short, rarely long.

Core medium, oval, regular, closed, meeting or clasping the eye; Seeds pointed, brown, sometimes imperfect; Flesh yellow, firm, breaking, juicy, not crisp like the Green variety; Flavor acid, aromatic, rich, very agreeable; Quality best; Use, table, kitchen, market and cider; Season, March.

CLASS III.—ROUND APPLESORDER II.—IRREGULARSECTION 2.—SOURSUB-SECTION 2.—STRIPEDBenoni

Fig. 259.—BENONI.

This handsome and delicious early apple is a native of Dedham, Massachusetts. Its good qualities have caused its culture to be widely extended, and it appears to give very general satisfaction; though not so early as some other kinds, for the dessert especially, it is indispensable to the amateur.

Tree small, upright, close, productive, early bearer; Shoots slender, brown, leaves thin, long.

Fruit small to medium, round, truncated, somewhat angular, irregular; Surface smooth, yellow, covered mixed red, striped scarlet and carmine; Dots minute.

Basin wide, abrupt; Eye large, open or closed.

Cavity acute, wavy, brown; Stem medium, green, often stout.

Core small, closed, meeting the eye; Seeds angular, dark; Flesh yellow, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor rich, sub-acid, spicy; Quality best; Use, dessert, kitchen and market; Season, July and August. Delicious and profitable.

Brennaman

This fine apple, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was reported on by the ad interim Committee of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and was brought to my notice by Dr. J.K. Eshleman, of Downingtown, in whose beautiful orchard I had an opportunity of studying the variety.

Tree large, spreading, vigorous, productive, said to be hardy.

Fruit medium to large, round, somewhat angular; Surface smooth, yellow, nearly covered with stripes of bright rich red.

Basin deep, wavy; Eye closed.

Cavity large, brown; Stem short to medium.

Flesh whitish, breaking, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sub-acid, agreeable; Quality good, especially for culinary use and market; Season, August and September.

Chronicle

Fig. 260.—CHRONICLE.

This is a famous long keeper of Indiana origin. The honors of its discovery are divided between the Sigersons and R. Ragan.

Tree vigorous, healthy, productive, said to be hardy.

Fruit full medium to large, globular, truncated, cylindrical, irregular, flattened at the sides or angular; Axis inclined in some; Surface yellowish-green to yellow, mixed and striped dull red; Dots large, scattered, yellow, indented.

Basin, wide, deep, regular or wavy; Eye small to medium, closed.

Cavity wide, wavy or acute, sometimes lipped, brown; Stem medium to long, sometimes thick.

Core small, closed, meeting; Seeds numerous, pointed, plump; Flesh greenish to yellow, firm; Flavor sub-acid, not spicy; Quality scarcely good, except for culinary use and for market; Season, March to May. Keeps sound even when bruised.

Foundling

"From Massachusetts. Tree moderately vigorous, spreading, productive."—[Downing.]

Fruit medium to large, round, flattened at the ends, angular or uneven; Surface yellowish-green, mixed red, splashed deep red; Dots minute, indented.

Basin wide, abrupt, folded; Eye small, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, wavy, green; Stem short or medium.

Core large, wide, open, clasping; Seeds numerous, small, pointed; Flesh white, tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sub-acid, aromatic; Quality good; Use, table; Season, September.

Specimens obtained from Mr. Warren.

Jersey BlackBLACK APPLE of Coxe?

Fig. 261.—JERSEY BLACK.

This admirable but unpretending fruit has extended its way quietly through the country, along the parallels 40° to 42°, without ever having had any extra puffing, such as has given notoriety to some of its competitors for places in the orchard. Nobody speaks about this apple, nor writes about it, and yet it is everywhere to be found. This cannot be the Black Apple of Coxe and Downing, being quite different in some of its strong characters. Origin unknown, supposed to have been introduced into the West by Silas Wharton, of Warren County, Ohio, as it is found with the White Pippin and other favorite sorts of his introduction, and is in his published list.

Tree sufficiently vigorous, but does not grow large, spreading, often drooping when old, branches open, always fruitful, either well distributed in a light crop, or crowded in a full one.

Fruit full medium, round, angular and irregular, sometimes ribbed; Surface smooth, completely covered with deep red, striped darker, giving a purple, almost black hue to the fruit, often covered with a thin bloom; one variety is always lighter, stripes more distinct, and the flesh more stained; Dots numerous, minute, indented, purple.

Basin mostly shallow, folded and plaited; Eye small to medium, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, brown, often wavy or folded; Stem short, medium or long, usually stout, sometimes knobbed.

Core medium, regular, generally closed, clasping the eye; Seeds numerous, short, plump, pointed, dark; Flesh yellow, crisp, fine-grained, juicy, often stained pink or reddish; Flavor rich, mild sub-acid, aromatic, not spicy, satisfying; Quality good; Use, table, kitchen, cider and for stock; Season, December, January; keeps sound. A good market apple.

KingKING OF TOMPKINS COUNTY

Fig. 262.—KING.

This splendid apple, which has attracted so much attention of recent years, had its origin, as is supposed, in Tompkins County, New York, where it has been much cultivated.

Tree vigorous, healthy, large and spreading, an abundant annual bearer.

Fruit large, handsome, globular, irregular, somewhat conic, angular; Surface smooth, yellow, covered deep red, marbled and striped; Dots numerous, gray, large.

Basin shallow, folded; Eye large, short, closed.

Cavity wide, shallow, wavy; Stem short or long, thick or slender, red.

Core very large, turbinate, regular, closed; Seeds imperfect, angular; Flesh yellowish-white, tender, breaking; Flavor sub-acid, aromatic; Quality best; Use, table, kitchen and market; Season, December and longer.

Missouri Keeper

Specimens from Norman J. Colman, Esq., Editor of the Rural World, St. Louis, Missouri. Origin unknown.

Fruit medium to small, round, irregular; Surface smooth, shaded, mixed, striped red; Dots numerous, large, white, distinct.

Basin abrupt, regular; Eye small, closed.

Cavity narrow, regular; Stem medium to short, knobby, thick.

Core regular, closed; Seeds numerous, long, plump, angular; Flesh yellow, breaking, tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sub-acid; Quality good to very good; Use, table, market and kitchen; Season, January to July.

Specimens cut and described on the 25th of June were in perfect condition.

Nonpareil

Fig. 263.—NONPAREIL.

The history and origin of this nice autumn fruit have not been ascertained, and it may prove to be an old variety with a changed name—considerably grown in Northern Illinois. Specimens from Dr. Geo. Haskell, of Rockford, are here described.

Fruit medium to large, round, somewhat conic, angular, ribbed; Surface smooth, waxy-yellow, splashed crimson; Dots minute.

Basin shallow, folded and plaited; Eye small, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, wavy, sometimes lipped; Stem long to medium, thick, green.

Core wide, regular, open, meeting the eye; Seeds numerous, angular, brown; Flesh white, tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor acid, aromatic; Quality quite good; Use, table; Season, September and October.

Stewart's Nonpareil.—Local Name

This early apple is quite a favorite in Clarke County, Ohio, and may prove to be the Tetofski, or some other known variety, when it comes to be more thoroughly examined. Fruits received from my brother, J.T. Warder.

Fruit medium, roundish, conical, irregular, angular; Surface smooth, yellowish-green, splashed carmine; Dots minute, scattered, indented.

Basin small, abrupt, folded; Eye very small, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, narrow; Stem long, slender.

Core large, oval, open, clasping the eye; Seeds numerous, brown; Flesh white, tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sub-acid; Quality good to best; Use, table and kitchen; Season, July and August, in latitude 40°.

Tetofski

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.

CLASS III.—ROUND APPLESORDER II—IRREGULARSECTION 2.—SOURSUB-SECTION 3.—RUSSETGolden HarveyBRANDY 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.

CLASS IV.—OBLONG APPLESORDER I.—REGULARSECTION 1.—SWEETSUB-SECTION 1.—SELF-COLOREDDowning's Paragon

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 butter season) it would be more valuable.—[W.G. Waring's MS.]

Pennsylvania Sweeting

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

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.

CLASS IV.—OBLONG APPLESORDER I.—REGULARSECTION 1.—SWEETSUB-SECTION 2.—STRIPEDBlack Gilliflower

Fig. 267.—BLACK GILLIFLOWER.

An old variety, which cannot be very highly praised, for it is but an indifferent fruit, and yet, on account of its productiveness and keeping properties, it is considered profitable for orchard planting.

Fruit rather large, oblong-ovate, regular; Surface nearly covered with stripes of very deep red that make it look nearly black.

Basin very shallow, often plaited; Eye small, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, brown; Stem long, slender.

Core very large, oval, regular, meeting the eye; Seeds numerous, plump or imperfect; Flesh whitish, dry; Flavor only sweet; Use, essentially market, may be valuable for stock; Season, November to March.

Mother

Fig. 268.—MOTHER.

Origin Bolton, Massachusetts. Tree rather slender, but productive.

Fruit medium to full medium, oblong, regular; Surface smooth, shaded red on yellow, with close, fine stripes of red; Dots minute.

Basin medium, regular or plaited; Eye long, small, closed.

Cavity acute, regular or wavy; Stem long, slender.

Core medium, turbinate, regular, closed, clasping; Seeds numerous; Flesh yellow, crisp, very fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sweet, very rich, vinous, aromatic; Quality best; Use, dessert; Season, October to January.

Ramsdell's Red

Fig. 269.—RAMSDELL'S RED.

Origin Connecticut. Tree vigorous, upright, many branches, productive, early bearer; Shoots slender, reddish; Foliage rather light green.

Fruit medium to large, oblong, regular, truncated; Surface smooth, yellow, hidden by bright red, mixed and striped; Dots numerous, yellow, distinct.

Basin rather deep, abrupt, wavy; Eye small to medium, closed.

Cavity deep, acute, wavy; Stem medium to long, often red.

Core large, oval, closed, clasping the eye; Seeds large; Flesh yellow, breaking, juicy; Flavor very sweet, rich; Quality very good; Use, baking and stock; Season, September to December.

CLASS IV.—OBLONG APPLESORDER I.—REGULARSECTION 1.—SWEETSUB-SECTION 3.—RUSSETMansfield Russet

"Brought into notice by Dr. Joseph Mansfield, of Groton, Massachusetts. Tree vigorous and very productive. Fruit small, oblong, inclining to conic; Skin cinnamon russet; Stem long, inserted in a deep, furrowed cavity; Calyx partially closed, set in an open basin; Flesh not very juicy, rich, aromatic, saccharine, vinous; Keeps until April and May."—[Downing.]

CLASS IV.—OBLONG APPLESORDER I.—REGULARSECTION 2.—SOURSUB-SECTION 1.—SELF-COLOREDBailey's Golden

"Origin Kennebec County, Maine. Tree productive; Fruit large, oblong, flattened at base and crown; Skin yellowish, slightly russeted, with a warm cheek; Stem short, surrounded by russet, in a broad, deep cavity; Calyx large and open, basin shallow; Flesh white, with a pleasant sub-acid flavor; January to March."—[Downing.]

Carolina Red June

Fig. 270.—CAROLINA RED JUNE.

Origin southern, though long extensively grown in the North, and everywhere in the West a favorite early fruit.

Tree hardy, vigorous, healthy, upright, early bearer, productive; Shoots slender, dark; Foliage dark.

Fruit small to medium, form variable, but generally oblong-ovate, regular; Surface smooth, deep red on white, nearly universal; Dots minute.

Basin shallow, folded, plaited; Eye small, closed; Segments reflexed.

Cavity narrow, acute; Stem medium or short.

Core oval, open, meeting the eye; Seeds numerous, small, plump; Flesh white, very tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sub-acid, not rich; Quality good; Use, table and market; Season, June and July—one of the earliest.

There is a striped variety, the Striped June, from Virginia, similar in every respect except the external markings. It is, of course, quite different from the Virginia June.—(Q. vide p. 500.)

Crawford Keeper

This fruit was received from H.N. Gillett, Lawrence County, Ohio.

Fruit large, cylindrical, oblong, lop-sided; Surface smooth, purplish red; Dots numerous, fawn colored.