American Pomology Part 60

Fruit medium, conical, uneven; Surface yellow, thin russet; Dots numerous, small, prominent.

Basin shallow, folded; Eye small, closed.

Cavity wide, wavy; Stem short.

Core oval, open, clasping the eye; Seeds plump; Flesh yellow, tender, fine grained, juicy; Flavor sweet; Quality good to very good; Use, baking; Season, August.

S.B. Parsons of Flushing, Long Island, considers it the best baking apple.

CLa.s.s II.--CONICAL APPLES.

+ORDER II.--IRREGULAR.+

SECTION 2.--SOUR.

SUB-SECTION 1.--SELF-COLORED OR BLUSHED.

=Belmont.=

GATE--MAMMA BEAN, ETC.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 166.--BELMONT.]

This beautiful apple is believed to be of Virginia origin, but was brought into public notice and notoriety in Belmont County, Ohio, whence its name. It is supposed to be the same as the _Waxen_ of c.o.xe, which that author refers to Virginia.

Tree vigorous, spreading, productive, not hardy; Twigs light olive.

Fruit large, fair, oblate-conic, often angular; Surface very smooth, waxen-yellow, often faintly blushed orange, and spotted red; Dots minute, scattered.

Basin regular or wavy, not deep; Eye small, closed.

Cavity wide, wavy, brown; Stem long.

Core wide, regular, somewhat open, clasping; Axis short; Seeds numerous, large, flat; Flesh yellow, tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor mild sub-acid, refreshing, very agreeable; Quality nearly best; Use, table, kitchen, market; Season, October to December.

=Celestia.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 167.--CELESTIA.]

This fine amateur fruit, which appears destined to take the place of the Dyer, being more handsome, is a seedling from the _Stillwater Sweet_, and was produced by L.S. Mote, of Miami County, Ohio.

Fruit large, conical, truncated, angular; Surface somewhat uneven, smooth, waxen-yellow; Dots scattered, distinct, gray, with green bases.

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

Cavity wide, shallow, angular; Stem long or medium, sometimes k.n.o.bby.

Core small, oval, open, clasping; Seeds numerous, long, angular; Flesh yellow, very fine grained, very tender, juicy; Flavor sub-acid, very sprightly, and spicy, aromatic; Quality very best; Use, table and kitchen; Season, September.

This is essentially an amateur's fruit, as its texture and color disqualify it for market, while its delicious flavor renders it very attractive.

=Detroit Black.=

DETROIT RED?--GRAND SACHEM.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 168.--DETROIT BLACK.]

Supposed to be of Canadian origin, in the neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. I have put these two names together, because the fruits presented as _Black_ and as _Red Detroit_ are so very much alike in all respects that it is not worth while to consider them distinct.

Fruit large to very large, conic, angular; Surface very smooth, shining, deep red shaded, almost black in some specimens, no striping; Dots, numerous, minute, indented, gray.

Basin deep, abrupt, folded; Eye small, open.

Cavity wide, wavy; stem very short.

Core wide, closed or open, clasping the eye; Seeds numerous, angular, brown; Flesh whitish, tender, breaking, juicy; Flavor acid, poor; Quality second to third rate; Use, kitchen and drying; Season, September and October.

The Red variety may be distinct, as it keeps later.

=Fall Geneting.=

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 169.--FALL GENETING.]

Elliott says this is an old Connecticut variety. Tree vigorous and productive.

Fruit large, flattened-conic, angular; Surface smooth, greenish-yellow, blushed; Dots rare, minute.

Basin shallow, plaited; Eye small, closed; Calyx reflexed.

Cavity deep, wide, regular, brown; Stem short.

Core small, regular, closed, clasping; Seeds numerous, plump or imperfect, brown; Flesh yellow, fine grained, juicy, crisp; Flavor sub-acid, not very rich; Quality good; Use, table, kitchen; Season, October.

=Ferdinand.=

I procured my trees from Virginia, where it originated. Tree vigorous, upright.

Fruit large, flattened-conic, irregular; Surface smooth, pale green or yellow.

Basin shallow; Eye medium, open.