Chapter V: Section II: Sphæroidea.--Spherical Apples (3)

Fruit, small, conical, even, and regularly shaped. Skin, green at first, but changing as it ripens to yellow, with a few large crimson spots, on the side exposed to the sun, and marked with small patches of thin delicate russet. Eye, small and open, even with the surface, and surrounded with a few shallow plaits. Stalk, three quarters of an inch long, inserted in a small, and shallow depression, which, together with the base, is entirely covered with russet. Flesh, greenish-yellow, firm, crisp, and very juicy, brisk, sugary, and vinous.

A delicious little dessert apple of the first quality, in use from November to May.

The tree is hardy, a free upright grower, and a good bearer. It attains about the middle size. If grafted on the paradise stock it is well suited for espaliers, or growing as an open dwarf.

This excellent variety was introduced to notice by Gervase Coe, of Bury St. Edmonds, who raised the Golden Drop Plum. It has been said that it is a very old variety, which has existed for many years in some Essex orchards, but was propagated by Coe as a seedling of his own.

76. COLE.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 172. Lind. Guide, 13. Down. Fr. Amer. 71.

SYNONYME.--Scarlet Perfume, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._

FIGURE.--Pom. Mag. t. 104. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xxxvii. f. 3.

Fruit, large, three inches and a quarter broad, and two and a half high; roundish, considerably flattened, almost oblate, and angular on the sides. Skin, yellowish, almost entirely covered with deep crimson, and slightly marked with russet. Eye, large and closed, set in a wide and open basin. Stalk, long, covered with down, and inserted in a close narrow cavity, with a fleshy prominence on one side of it. Flesh, white, firm, juicy, and sweet, with a rich, brisk, and pleasant flavor.

A first-rate early kitchen apple, and second-rate for the dessert. It is in use during August and September, and will even keep as long as Christmas, if well preserved.

The tree is hardy, vigorous, and a good bearer, and on account of the size of the fruit should be grown rather as a dwarf than a standard.

77. COLONEL HARBORD’S PIPPIN.--Lind.

IDENTIFICATION.--G. Lind. in Hort. Trans. vol. iv., p. 65. Lind. Guide, 66. Hort Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 174.

Fruit, large, about three inches and a half wide, and the same in height; conical, and angular on the sides. Skin, pale yellowish-green, partially russeted on one side. Eye, large, set in a rather shallow basin, surrounded with plaits and wrinkles. Stalk, half an inch long. Flesh, white, tinged with green, soft, and very juicy, with a brisk tart flavor.

An excellent culinary apple of the first quality; in use from November to March. It originated at Blickling Hall, in Norfolk.

78. COLONEL VAUGHAN’S.--H.

Fruit, below medium size, one and three quarter inches high, and two inches broad; oblato-conical, or conical. Skin, smooth and shining, the side next the sun entirely covered with bright crimson, streaked with very dark crimson, and thinly strewed with greyish white dots; but of a fine waxen yellow, streaked and dotted with broken streaks of crimson on the shaded side. Eye, small and closed, set in a wide, rather shallow, and plaited basin. Stalk, about a quarter of an inch long, inserted in a round, deep, and even cavity, which is lined with thin pale brown russet. Flesh, white, slightly tinged with red under the skin on the side next the sun, firm, crisp, and brittle, very juicy, with a sweet, brisk, and fine strawberry flavor.

A very excellent dessert apple; ripe in the end of September and during October, at which season it is very common in Covent Garden Market.

In some parts of Kent this excellent little apple is produced in large quantities for the supply of the London markets, but it is one which is not met with in general cultivation.

79. CONTIN REINETTE.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. vii., p. 339. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 645.

Fruit, medium sized; roundish, somewhat resembling the old Nonpareil. Skin, deep dull yellow on the shaded side, and fine red where exposed to the sun. Flesh, yellowish, firm, highly flavored, and pleasantly acid.

A dessert apple of first-rate quality, peculiarly adapted for cultivation in the northern districts of Scotland. It is in use during October and November.

The tree is very hardy, an excellent and sure bearer, but a slender grower.

It was raised by Sir George Stuart Mackenzie, Bart., of Coul, in Rosshire, a gentleman who for a long series of years devoted his time and talents to the advancement of horticulture.

80. CORNISH AROMATIC.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 181. Lind. Guide, 42. Down. Fr. Amer. 81.

SYNONYME.--Aromatic Pippin. _Rog. Fr. Cult._ 87.

FIGURES.--Pom. Mag. t. 58. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xix, f. 3.

Fruit, above medium size, three inches wide, and two inches and three quarters high; roundish, angular, slightly flattened, and narrowing towards the eye. Skin, yellow on the shaded side, and covered with large patches of pale brown russet, which extend all over the base, and sprinkled with green and russety dots; but of a beautiful bright red, which is streaked with deeper red, and strewed with patches and dots of russet on the side exposed to the sun. Eye small and closed, with long flat segments, which are reflexed at the tips and set in an irregular basin. Stalk short, inserted in a deep and narrow cavity which is lined with russet. Flesh, yellowish, firm, crisp, juicy, rich, and highly aromatic.

A valuable dessert apple of first-rate quality, in use from October to Christmas.

The tree is a free grower and an excellent bearer.

81. CORNISH GILLIFLOWER.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 267. Lind. Guide, 67. Down. Fr. Amer. 102.

SYNONYMES.--July-flower, _Hort. Trans._ vol. ii., p. 74. Cornish July-flower, _Ibid._ vol. iii., p. 323. Calville d’Angleterre, _Baum. Cat._ Pomme Regelans, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._

FIGURES.--Pom. Mag. t. 140. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xix, f. 4.

Fruit, large, three inches and a quarter wide, and the same in height; ovate, angular on the sides, and ribbed round the eye, somewhat like a Quoining. Skin, dull green on the shaded side, and brownish red streaked with brighter red on the side next the sun; some parts of the surface marked with thin russet. Eye, large and closed, set in a narrow and angular basin. Stalk, three quarters of an inch long, inserted in a rather shallow cavity. Flesh, yellowish, firm, rich, and aromatic.

This is one of our best dessert apples, remarkable for its rich and aromatic flavor; it is in use from December to May.

The tree is hardy, and a free grower, attaining the middle size, but not an abundant bearer; it produces its fruit at the extremities of the last year’s wood, and great care should, therefore, be taken to preserve the bearing shoots. It succeeds well, grafted on the paradise stock, and grown as an espalier or an open dwarf.

This valuable apple was brought into notice by Sir Christopher Hawkins, who sent it to the London Horticultural Society, in 1813. It was discovered about the beginning of the present century, growing in a cottager’s garden, near Truro, in Cornwall.

The name July-flower is very often applied to this and some other varieties of apples, and also to flowers, but it is only a corruption of the more correct name Gilliflower, which is derived from the French _Girofle_, signifying a clove, and hence the flower which has the scent of that spice, is called _Giroflier_, which has been transformed to _Gilliflower_. In Chaucer’s “Romaunt of the Rose,” he writes it _Gylofre_.

“There was eke wexyng many a spice,
As Clowe Gylofre and liquorice.”

Turner writes it _Gelower_ and _Gelyfloure_. The proper name, therefore, is Gilliflower, and not July-flower, as if it had some reference to the month of July.

82. COSTARD.--Ray.

IDENTIFICATION.--Raii Hist. ii. 1447. Laws. New. Orch. 32. Worl. Vin. 167.

SYNONYMES.--Coulthard, _in Lancashire_. Prussian Pippin, _Ibid._

Fruit, above medium size, two inches and three quarters, or three inches wide, and three inches and a quarter high; oblong, but narrowing a little towards the eye, distinctly five-sided, having five prominent ribs on the sides, which extend into the basin of the eye, and form ridges round the crown. Skin, smooth, dull yellowish green, strewed all over with embedded grey specks. Eye, partially closed with long acuminate segments, and set in a rather deep and angular basin. Stalk, about a quarter of an inch long, inserted in a round, rather shallow, and narrow cavity. Flesh, greenish-white, tender, juicy, and with a brisk, and pleasant sub-acid flavor.

An excellent culinary apple of first-rate quality. It is in season from October to Christmas.

The tree is hardy, a strong and vigorous grower, with strong downy shoots, and an abundant bearer.

The Costard is one of our oldest English apples. It is mentioned under the name of “Poma Costard,” in the fruiterers’ bills of Edward the First, in 1292, at which time it was sold for a shilling a hundred. The true Costard is now rarely to be met with, but at an early period it must have been very extensively grown, for the retailers of it were called Costardmongers, an appellation now transformed into Costermongers. It is mentioned by William Lawson, in 1597, who, in his quaint style, says, “Of your apple-trees you shall finde difference in growth. A good Pipping will grow large, and a Costard-tree: stead them on the north side of your other apples, thus being placed, the least will give sunne to the rest, and the greatest will shroud their fellowes.”

Modern authors make the Costard synonymous with the Catshead, chiefly, I think, on the authority of Mr. George Lindley, who has it so in the “Guide to the Orchard;” but this is evidently an error. All the early authors who mention both varieties regard them as distinct. Parkinson describes two varieties of Costard--the “Gray,” and the “Greene.” Of the former, he says, “it is a good great apple, somewhat whitish on the outside, and abideth the winter. The Green Costard is like the other, but greener on the outside continually.” Ray describes both the Catshead and Costard as distinct, and Leonard Meager enumerates three varieties of Costard in his list--the white, grey, and red; but which of these is identical with that described above, it is difficult now to determine.

Some etymologists, and Dr. Johnson among the number, consider this name to be derived from _Cost_, a head; but what connection there is between either the shape or other appearance of this apple, and a head, more than any other variety, must puzzle any one to discover. Is it not more probable that it is derived from Costatus (_Anglice_, costate, or ribbed), on account of the prominent ribs or angles on its sides? I think this a much more likely derivation.

83. COUL BLUSH.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. vii., p. 340. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 184 Mem. Cal. Hort. Soc. iv. 556.

Fruit, medium sized; roundish, and angular on the sides. A good deal resembling the Hawthornden. Skin, pale yellow, marked with dull red next the sun, and streaked and dotted with deeper red. Stalk, slender. Flesh, yellowish, crisp, juicy, brisk, and well-flavored.

An excellent culinary apple, in use from October to February. It is said to be of finer flavor than the Hawthornden, and to be even a good dessert apple.

The tree is hardy, a strong, vigorous, and upright grower, and an abundant bearer. It is well suited for all northern and exposed situations.

This is one of the varieties raised by Sir G. S. Mackenzie, Bart., of Coul, Rosshire.

84. COURT OF WICK.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 187. Lind. Guide, 42. Down. Fr. Amer. 105. Rog. Fr. Cult. 87.

SYNONYMES.--Court of Wick Pippin, _Fors. Treat._ 98. Court de Wick, _Hook. Pom. Lond._ Rival Golden Pippin, _acc. Ron. Pyr. Mal._ Fry’s Pippin, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ Golden Drop, _Ibid._ Wick’s Pippin, _Ibid._ Wood’s Huntingdon, _Ibid._ Wood’s Transparent, _Ibid._ Kingswick Pippin, _Ibid._ Phillip’s Reinette, _Ibid._

FIGURE.--Hook. Pom. Lond. t. 32. Pom. Mag. t. 32. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xii f. 23.

Fruit, below medium size; oblato-ovate, regular and handsome. Skin, when fully ripe, of a fine clear yellow, with bright orange, which sometimes breaks out in a faint red next the sun, and covered all over with russety freckles. Eye, large and open, with long, acuminate, and reflexed segments, set in a wide, shallow, and even basin. Stalk, short and slender, inserted in a smooth and even cavity, which is lined with thin russet. Flesh, yellow, tender, crisp, very juicy, rich, and highly flavored.

One of the best and most valuable dessert apples, both as regards the hardiness of the tree, and the rich and delicious flavor of the fruit, which is not inferior to that of the Golden Pippin. It is in use from October to March.

The tree attains the middle size, is healthy, hardy, and an abundant bearer. There is scarcely any description of soil or exposure where it does not succeed, nor is it subject to the attacks of blight and canker. It grows well on the paradise stock, producing fruit much larger than on the crab, but not of so long duration.

This variety is said to have originated at Court of Wick, in Somersetshire, and to have been raised from a pip of the Golden Pippin. It is first mentioned by Forsyth, but I have not been able to discover any facts relative to its history.

85. COURT-PENDU PLAT.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 185. Down. Fr. Amer. 105. Gard. Chron. 1846, 100.

SYNONYMES.--Courtpendû, _Lind. Guide_. 43. Court-pendû plat Rougeâtre, _Ron. Pyr. Mal._ pl. xii. _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 1, 212. Court-pendû rond gros, _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 1, n. 216. Court-pendû rond très gros, _Ibid._ n. 218. Court-pendu rond rougeâtre. _Ibid._ n. 317. Court-pendu rosat, _Diel Kernobst._ xii. 171. Court-pendû musqué, _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 1, n. 209. Court-pendû rouge musqué, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ Court-pendû rouge, _Rog. Fr. Cult._ 41. Courpendû vermeil, _Inst. Arb. Fr._ 154. Corianda Rose, _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 1, n. 200. Rosenfarbiger, Kurtzstiel, _Diel Kernobst._ xii. 171. Courtpendû Rouge, _Knoop Pom._ 60, t. x. Courtpendû Rosaar, _Ibid._ 129. Reinette Courtpendû Rouge, _Ibid._ 129. Der Rothe Kurzstiel, _acc. Thomp._ Rode Korpendu, _Ibid._ Pomme de Berlin, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ Princesse Noble Zoete, _Ibid._ Garnons, _Ibid._ Woolaton Pippin, _Ibid._ Wise Apple, _acc. Thomp._

FIGURE.--Knoop Pom. t. x. Pom. Mag. t. 66. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xii.

Fruit, medium sized; oblate, regularly and handsomely shaped. Skin, bright green at first on the shaded side, but changing as it ripens to clear yellow, marked with traces of russet, and russety dots; but entirely covered with deep crimson, which is also marked with traces of russet on the side next the sun, extending even to some portion of the shaded side. Eye, open, with short segments, which are reflexed at the tips, and set in a wide, even, and deep basin. Stalk, very short, inserted in a wide and deep cavity, lined with russet, which extends over a portion of the base. Flesh, yellowish-white, firm, crisp, brisk, rich, and sugary, with an abundance of vinous and perfumed juice.

A valuable dessert apple of the first quality; in use from December to May.

The tree is of small habit of growth, but very hardy and an abundant bearer. It is well adapted for espalier training when worked on the paradise stock; and if grafted on the Pomme Paradis of the French, it may be grown in pots, in which it forms a beautiful and interesting object when laden with its beautiful fruit.

The bloom expands later than that of any other variety, and on that account is less liable to be injured by spring frosts, hence, according to Thompson, it has been called the _Wise Apple_.

This is not the Capendu of Duhamel, as quoted by Lindley and Downing; neither is it the Court-pendu of Forsyth and De Quintinye, that variety being the Fenouillet Rouge of Duhamel, _see No. 123_. The Courpendu of Miller is also a different apple from any of those just mentioned, and is distinguished by having a long and slender stalk, “so that the fruit is always hanging downwards.” The name of this variety is derived from _Corps pendu_ translated by some _Hanging Body_, whereas that of the variety above described, is from _Court pendu_, signifying _suspended short_, the stalk being so short, that the fruit, sits, as it were, upon the branch. The name Capendu or Capendua, is mentioned by the earliest authors, but applied to different varieties of apples. It is met with in Ruellius, Tragus, Curtius, and Dalechamp, the latter considering it the _Cestiana_ of Pliny. Curtius applies the name to a yellow apple, and so also does Ruellius; but Tragus considers it one of the varieties of Passe-pomme, he says, “Capendua magna sunt alba et dulcia, in quorum utero semina per maturitatem sonant, Ruellio _Passipoma_ apellantur.” They are also mentioned by J. Bauhin, “Celeberrimum hoc pomi genus est totius Europæ, sic dicta, quòd ex curto admodum pendeant pediculo.”

86. COWARNE RED.--Knight.

IDENTIFICATION AND FIGURE.--Knight, Pom. Heref. t. 28.

Fruit, of a pretty good size, a little more long than broad, but narrow at the crown, in which appear a few obtuse and undefined plaits. Eye, small, with very short converging segments of the calyx. Stalk, hardly half an inch long, very stiff and straight. Skin, a small part of it pale gold on the shaded side, and round the base, but of a bright red over a great part, and where fully exposed to the sun, of an intense, deep, purplish crimson; there are numerous short streaks, which mark the shady part of the fruit.

Specific gravity of its juice 1069.

A cider apple, which takes its name from the parish of Cowarne, near Broomyard, in Herefordshire, where it was raised about the beginning of the last century.--_Lindley._

87. CRAY PIPPIN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. v., p. 401. Lind. Guide, 27.

Fruit, below medium size; conical, and angular on the sides. Skin, pale yellow with a tinge of red next the sun. Eye, small and closed, set in an even basin. Stalk, short, and deeply inserted. Flesh, yellow, crisp, sweet, and highly flavored.

An excellent dessert apple, ripe in October.

This variety was raised at St. Mary’s Cray, in Kent, by Richard Waring, Esq., and was exhibited at the London Horticultural Society, on the 15th of October, 1822.

88. CREED’S MARIGOLD.--H.

Fruit, medium sized, two inches and three quarters wide, and two inches and a quarter high; roundish. Skin, fine deep rich yellow on the shaded side; but deep orange next the sun, and covered with beautiful red, which is striped with darker red, the whole marked with patches of thin and delicate brown russet, and thickly strewed with dark russety dots. Eye, open, with broad flat segments, and set in a narrow, shallow, and regularly plaited basin. Stalk, short, set in a deep cavity, which is lined with russet. Flesh, yellow, tender, crisp, juicy, sugary, and richly flavored.

An excellent dessert apple, in use during October and November, after which it becomes dry and meally but does not shrivel.

This variety was raised from a seed of the Scarlet Nonpareil, by Mr. Creed, gardener, at Norton Court, near Faversham, in Kent.

89. CREEPER.--H.

Fruit, rather below medium size, two inches and a quarter high, and about the same in width; somewhat conical or roundish-ovate. Skin, smooth and shining, at first of a fine dark green on the shaded side, and entirely covered with red, which is thickly marked with broken streaks of darker red on the side next the sun; but as it ripens, the shaded side changes to yellowish-green, and the exposed to crimson. Eye, open, set in a pretty deep basin. Stalk, very short, embedded in a shallow cavity. Flesh, white, tender, juicy, sweet, and pleasantly flavored, with a slight aroma.

A very good second-rate summer dessert apple; ripe in September.

This variety is very common in the Berkshire orchards.

90. DARLING PIPPIN.--Lind.

IDENTIFICATION.--Lind. Plan. Or. 1796. Lind. Guide, 68.

SYNONYMES.--Darling, _Rea Pom._ 210. _Raii Hist._ ii. 1448.

Fruit, of medium size; oblato-conical. Skin, bright lemon yellow, thickly set with small embedded pearly specks. Eye, small, and placed in a shallow basin, surrounded with prominent plaits. Stalk, short and slender, not deeply inserted. Flesh, yellowish, firm, crisp, juicy, and sugary, with a pleasant sub-acid flavor.

A dessert apple of good quality; in use from November to January.

This is one of our old English varieties. It is mentioned by Rea, in 1665, who calls it “a large gold yellow apple, of an excellent, quick, something sharp taste, and bears well.” It is also noticed by Ray as “Pomum delicatulum Cestriæ.”

91. DEVONSHIRE BUCKLAND.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 97.

SYNONYMES.--Dredge’s White Lily, _Fors. Treat._ 99. White Lily, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 3. Lily Buckland, _Ibid._

Fruit, above medium size, three inches wide, and two inches and a half high; roundish and flattened, with irregular and prominent angles on the sides. Skin, dull waxen yellow, strewed all over with minute russety dots, which are larger on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, open, set in a plaited basin. Stalk, rather deeply inserted in a round cavity, from which issue ramifications of russet. Flesh, yellow, crisp, very juicy, brisk, sugary, and perfumed.

A very excellent apple; of first-rate quality as a culinary fruit, and suitable also for the dessert. It is in use from October to February.

The tree is quite hardy, and an excellent bearer.

92. DEVONSHIRE QUARRENDEN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Fors. Treat. 122. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 603. Down. Fr. Amer. 71.

SYNONYMES.--Quarrington, _Raii. Hist._ ii. 1448. Devonshire Quarrington, _Mort-Art._ ii. 290. Red Quarentine, _Miller and Sweet, Cat._ 1790. Red Quarenden, _Hook. Pom. Lond._ t. 13, _Lind. Guide_, 6. Sack Apple, _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 1, n. 1012. Quarentine, _in Devonshire_.

FIGURES.--Hook. Pom. Lond. t. 13. Pom. Mag. t. 94. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. i. f. 7.

Fruit, rather below medium size; oblate, and sometimes a little angular in its outline. Skin, smooth and shining, entirely covered with deep purplish red, except where it is shaded by a leaf or twig, and then it is of a delicate pale green, presenting a clear and well-defined outline of the object which shades it. Eye, quite closed, with very long tomentose segments, and placed in an undulating and shallow basin, which is sometimes knobbed, and generally lined with thick tomentum. Stalk, about three quarters of an inch long, fleshy at the insertion, deeply set in a round and funnel-shaped cavity. Flesh, white tinged with green, crisp, brisk, and very juicy, with a rich vinous, and refreshing flavor.

A very valuable and first-rate dessert apple. It ripens on the tree the first week in August, and lasts till the end of September. It is one of the earliest summer dessert apples, and at that season, is particularly relished, for its fine, cooling, and refreshing, vinous juice.

The tree attains a considerable size, it is particularly hardy, and a most prolific bearer. It succeeds well in almost every soil and situation, and is admirably adapted for orchard planting. In almost every latitude of Great Britain, from Devonshire to the Moray Frith, I have observed it in perfect health and luxuriance, producing an abundance of well ripened fruit, which, though not so large, nor so early in the northern parts, still possessing the same richness of flavor as in the south.

This is supposed to be a very old variety, but there is no record of it previous to 1693, when it is mentioned by Ray; and except by Mortimer, it is not noticed by any subsequent writer till within a very recent period. It seems to have been unknown to Switzer, Langley, and Miller; nor do I find that it was grown in any of the London nurseries before the beginning of the present century. The only early catalogue in which I find it is that of Miller and Sweet, of Bristol, in 1790.

93. DR. HELSHAM’S PIPPIN.--Lind.

IDENTIFICATION.--Lind. Guide, 8.

Fruit, medium sized; conical, more long than broad, eight or nine inches in circumference, a little angular on the sides. Eye, small, in a rather wide and oblique basin. Stalk, half an inch long, deeply inserted. Skin, yellowish-green, with several redish spots; on the sunny side of a fine clear red. Flesh, white. Juice sweet, with a slight aromatic flavor.

Ripe in August and beginning of September.

The branches of this tree droop in the manner of a Jargonelle Pear. It is an abundant bearer and deserves cultivation.

The original tree which is a large one, was raised by the late Dr. Helsham, and is now growing in the garden of Mr. Etheredge, of Stoke Ferry, in Norfolk.--_Lindley._

I have never met with this variety, but as Mr. Lindley recommends it as worthy of cultivation, and as it may be better known in Norfolk than elsewhere, I am induced to insert here with Mr. Lindley’s own description.

94. DOWELL’S PIPPIN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. v. p. 268. Lind. Guide, 27. Hort Soc. Cat. ed. 3, p. 13.

Fruit, medium sized; roundish, narrowing towards the apex. Skin, green, almost entirely covered with thin delicate russet, tinged with brownish red next the sun. Eye, small and closed, set in a narrow and rather deep basin. Stalk, short, and deeply inserted. Flesh, yellow, tender, crisp, juicy, sugary, and finely flavored.

A dessert apple in use from October to January.

This variety was raised by Stephen Dowell, Esq., of Braygrove, Berkshire, from a pip of the Ribston Pippin, to which it bears a close resemblance both in shape and flavor.

95. DOWNTON PIPPIN.--Knight.

IDENTIFICATION.--Pom. Heref. Hort. Trans. vol. i., p. 145. Lind. Guide, 28. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 217. Down. Fr. Amer. 82.

SYNONYMES.--Elton Pippin, _Fors. Treat._ 135. Elton Golden Pippin, _Salisb. Or._ 130. Knight’s Pippin, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 3. Knight’s Golden Pippin, _Ibid._ St. Mary’s Pippin, _Ibid._ Downton’s Pepping, _Diel Kernobst._ v. B. 37.

FIGURES.--Pom. Heref. t. 9. Pom. Mag. t. 113.

Fruit, small, two inches broad, and an inch and three quarters high; somewhat cylindrical, and flattened at the ends, bearing a resemblance to the Golden Pippin. Skin, smooth, of a fine lemon yellow color, and with a slight tinge of red next the sun, marked with a few traces of delicate russet, and strewed with numerous pale brown dots. Eye, large and quite open, with long, flat, acuminate segments, set in a wide, flat, and shallow basin. Stalk, slender, half-an-inch long, and inserted in a shallow cavity which is lined with delicate russet. Flesh, yellowish white, delicate, firm, crisp, and juicy, with a rich, brisk, vinous and somewhat aromatic flavor.

A dessert apple of first-rate quality, resembling the Golden Pippin both in size, shape, and color, as well as flavor. It is in use from November to January.

The tree is a strong, healthy, and vigorous grower, a most abundant bearer, and attains about the middle size. It may be grown as an open dwarf, and is well suited for espaliers. The fruit is also valuable for the cider it produces, the specific gravity of the juice being 1080.

This excellent variety was raised by Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq., of Downton Castle, from the seed of the Isle of Wight Orange Pippin, impregnated with the pollen of the Golden Pippin, and the original tree is still in existence at Wormsley Grange, Herefordshire.

96. DRAP D’OR.--Duh.

IDENTIFICATION.--Duh. Arb. Fruit, i. 290. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 219. Down. Fr. Amer. 71.

SYNONYMES.--Vrai Drap d’Or, _Duh. Arb. Fruit_, i. 290. Drap d’Or Vrai, _Poin. Ami. Jard._ i. 192. Bay Apple, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ Bonne de Mai, _Ibid._ Goldzaugapfel, _Diel. Kernobst._ iii. p. 115.

FIGURES.--Duh. Arb. Fruit, t. i. xii. 4. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xxvi. f. 2.

Fruit, large, three inches and a quarter broad, and two inches and three quarters high; roundish, sometimes inclining to cylindrical, or rather oblato-cylindrical. Skin, smooth and shining, of a fine pale yellow color intermixed with a greenish tinge, which is disposed in faint stripes extending from the base to the apex, on the shaded side; but of a clearer, and deeper yellow on the side next the sun, the whole marked with patches of delicate, dark brown russet, and strewed with numerous russety dots; sometimes there is a faint tinge of red on the side next the sun. Eye, small and closed, with acuminate segments, which are covered with white tomentum, and set in a wide, deep, irregular and plaited basin. Stalk, very short, and somewhat fleshy, inserted in a wide, rather shallow, and smooth cavity. Flesh, yellowish-white, tender, crisp, and juicy, with a brisk, vinous, and sugary flavor.

A pretty good apple of second-rate quality, more suitable for culinary purposes than the dessert. It is in use from October to Christmas.

The tree is a healthy and free grower, attaining about the middle size, and is a free and early bearer, being generally well set with fruit buds. It requires a rich soil and warm situation.

There is another apple totally different from this to which the name of Drap d’Or is applied.--See _Fenouillet Jaune_.

97. DREDGE’S FAIR MAID OF WISHFORD.--Fors.

IDENTIFICATION.--Fors. Treat. 99. Rog. Fr. Cult. 55.

Fruit, medium sized, two inches and three quarters wide, and two inches and a quarter high; oblato-cylindrical, with obtuse angles on the sides. Skin, yellow, covered with large patches and reticulations of thin brown russet, which is strewed with rougher russety freckles, and tinged with orange and a few streaks of red next the sun. Eye, rather large, with long acuminate segments, which almost close it; and set in a wide, angular, and pretty deep basin. Stalk, short, inserted in a narrow, angular and smooth cavity, which is tinged with green. Flesh, yellowish, firm, brisk, juicy, sugary, and richly flavored.

An excellent apple for culinary purposes, and even worthy of the dessert. It is in use from December to March.

This, with the following variety, was either raised or first brought into notice, by a Mr. William Dredge, of Wishford, near Salisbury. In a letter dated November, 1802, which is in my possession, he writes to the late Mr. Forsyth with specimens of these varieties, and of this he says, “not in eating till Easter, great bearer, most excellent flavor.”

The tree is a free grower, attaining about the middle size, and is an excellent bearer.

98. DREDGE’S FAME.--Fors.

IDENTIFICATION.--Fors. Treat. 100. Rog. Fr. Cult. 51.

Fruit, above medium size; roundish, inclining to ovate, and furrowed round the eye. Skin, dull dingy yellow, with a tinge of green, covered with patches of thin russet, and large russety dots, particularly over the base; and mottled with pale red on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, closed, set in a deep and angular basin. Stalk, about three quarters of an inch long, inserted in a deep cavity which is lined with russet. Flesh, greenish-yellow, firm, crisp, juicy, brisk, and sugary, with a rich aromatic flavor.

This is a valuable and very excellent apple, suitable either for dessert use, or culinary purposes. It is in use from December to March. In his letter to Mr. Forsyth, referred to above, Mr. Dredge says, “This is the best apple yet known; in eating from Easter till Midsummer--most excellent.”

The tree is hardy, a vigorous grower, an early and abundant bearer, but according to Rogers, liable to be attacked by the woolly aphis; still I have never found it more susceptible of that disease than most other varieties.

There are several other varieties mentioned by Forsyth as _seedlings_ of Dredge’s, which I have not met with, as Dredge’s Queen Charlotte, Dredge’s Russet, and Dredge’s Seedling. I have also in my collection, Dredge’s Emperor and Lord Nelson, both of which are grown in the West of England, but I have not yet had an opportunity of seeing the fruit. It is, however, a question whether these are really seedlings of Dredge’s or not; there are several varieties to which he affixed his name, which have been ascertained to be identical with others that existed before him, such as Dredge’s White Lily, which is synonymous with Devonshire Buckland, and Dredge’s Beauty of Wilts, which is the same as Harvey’s Pippin. Such instances tend to weaken our faith in the high encomium passed upon him, by Rogers, of Southampton, in the “Fruit Cultivator,” and induce us to class him with those who not only change the name of some varieties, and append their own to others under the pretence of their being new, and seedlings of their own, but dispose of them at greater prices than they could have procured, had they been sold under their correct names. We have but to glance over the Horticultural Society’s Catalogue, or the Index to this work, to find numerous instances confirmatory of this statement.

99. DUCHESS OF OLDENBURGH.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 221. Down. Fr. Amer. 82. Ron. Pyr. Mal. 12.

FIGURE.--Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. vi. f. 6.

Fruit, large, about three inches and a quarter wide, and two inches and a half high; round, and sometimes prominently ribbed on the sides and round the eye. Skin, smooth, greenish-yellow on the shaded side, and streaked with broken patches of fine bright red, on the side next the sun, sometimes assuming a beautiful dark crimson cheek; it is covered all over with numerous russety dots, particularly round the eye, where they are large, dark, and rough. Eye, large and closed, with long broad segments, placed in a deep and angular basin. Stalk, long and slender, deeply inserted in a narrow and angular cavity. Flesh, yellowish-white, firm, crisp, and very juicy, with a pleasant, brisk, and refreshing flavor.

An excellent early dessert apple of the first quality; ripe in the middle of August, and continues in use till the end of September.

The tree is hardy, a free grower, and an excellent bearer.

This variety is of Russian origin.

100. DUKE OF BEAUFORT’S PIPPIN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, p. 14. Lind. Guide, 28.

Fruit, medium sized; conical, and angular on the sides. Skin, green, strewed with freckles of russet; and streaked with red on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, set in a deep and angular basin. Stalk, short, inserted in a deep cavity. Flesh, greenish-white, crisp, and tender, very juicy, and sub-acid.

A culinary apple of second-rate quality; in use from October to Christmas.

101. DUMELOW’S SEEDLING.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. iv. 529. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 224. Lind. Guide, 44.

SYNONYMES.--Dumelow’s Crab, _acc. Hort. Trans._ Duke of Wellington, _Ron. Pyr. Mal._ 37. Normanton Wonder, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ Winter Hawthornden, _acc. Riv. Cat._ Wellington’s, _Diel Kernobst._ v. B. 55. Wellington’s Reinette, _Ibid._

FIGURE.--Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xix. pl. 1.

Fruit, large; roundish and flattened. Skin, pale yellow, strewed with minute russety dots, and greenish embedded specks under the surface and with a tinge of pale red on the side next the sun, which is sometimes almost entirely covered with a bright red cheek. Eye, large and open, with broad, reflexed, acuminate segments, set in an irregular, uneven, and pretty deep basin. Stalk, half-an-inch long, deeply inserted in a narrow, and funnel-shaped cavity, which is lined with russet. Flesh, yellowish-white, firm, crisp, brisk, and very juicy, with a slight aromatic flavor.

One of the most valuable culinary apples; it is in use from November to March.

The tree is one of the strongest, and most vigorous growers, very hardy, and an excellent bearer. The young shoots which are long and stout, are thickly covered with large greyish white dots, which readily distinguish this variety from almost every other.

This excellent apple was raised by a person of the name of Dumeller, (pronounced _Dumelow_), a farmer at Shakerstone, a village in Leicestershire, six miles from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and is extensively cultivated in that, and the adjoining counties under the names of Dumelow’s Crab. It was first introduced to the neighbourhood of London, by Mr. Richard Williams, of the Turnham Green Nursery, who received it from Gopsal Hall, the seat of Earl Howe, and presented specimens of the fruit to the Horticultural Society in 1820. It was with him that the name of Wellington Apple originated, and by which only it is now known in the London markets.

102. DUNCAN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, p. 14?

Fruit, medium sized, two inches and three quarters broad, and two inches and a half high; conical, with ribs on the sides which terminate in irregular and unequal knobs round the eye. Skin, pale yellow in the shade; but deep orange finely veined with rich deep crimson next the sun. Eye, partially closed with short, broad segments, and set in a deep, irregular, and prominently angular basin. Stalk, very short, set in a round cavity. Flesh, yellowish-white, crisp, juicy, and pleasantly acid.

A handsome, showy, and very good culinary apple; in use from November to January.

103. DUTCH CODLIN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 155. Lind. Guide, 29. Down. Fr Amer. 83.

SYNONYMES.--Chalmers’s Large, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ White Codlin _of the Scotch Nurseries_. Glory of the West, _acc. Lind._

FIGURE.--Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xxxvii.

Fruit, very large, four inches wide, and three inches and a half high; roundish, inclining to oblong, irregularly and prominently ribbed. Skin, pale green at first, but changing to pale yellow, with a faint tinge of red next the sun. Eye, small, and deeply inserted in a narrow and angular basin. Stalk, short and thick, inserted in a deep cavity. Flesh, white, firm, somewhat sugary, and pleasantly sub-acid.

An excellent culinary apple of first-rate quality; in use during August and September.

The tree is healthy and vigorous, and a good bearer.

According to Lindley this variety is sometimes called _Glory of the West_, but that is quite a different apple, _see_ No. 141.

104. DUTCH MIGNONNE.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. iv., p. 70. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 225. Lind. Guide, 44. Down. Fr. Amer. 107.

SYNONYMES.--Christ’s Golden Reinette, _Lipp. Taschenb._ p. 405. Reinette Dorée, _Mayer. Pom. Franc._ t. xxx. but not of Knoop or Duhamel. Grosze oder doppelte Casseler Reinette, _Diel Kernobst._ iv. 140. Paternoster Apfel, _Audibert. Cat._ Pomme de Laak, _acc. Pom. Mag._ Stettin Pippin, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ Dutch Minion, _Ron. Pyr. Mal._ Holländische Goldreinette, _acc. Ditt. Handb._

FIGURE.--Pom. Mag. t. 84. Ron. Pyr. Mal. t. xxvi. f. 1.

Fruit, medium sized; roundish, even and handsomely shaped, narrowing a little towards the apex, where it is sometimes slightly ribbed. Skin, dull greenish-yellow, marked all over with broken streaks of pale red and crimson, with traces of russet, and numerous russety dots, which are thickest round the eye. Eye, small and closed, with short and pointed segments, placed in a deep and narrow basin. Stalk, an inch long, inserted in a round and deep cavity, which, with a portion of the base, is lined with rough russet. Flesh, yellow, firm, crisp, very juicy, rich, sugary, and aromatic.

A very valuable and delicious dessert apple; in use from December to April.

The tree is hardy, a vigorous grower, and a very abundant bearer. It attains about the middle size when fully grown. The shoots are thickly set with fruit spurs. It is well adapted for dwarf or espalier training, and for these purposes succeeds well on the paradise stock.

105. EARLY HARVEST.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 228. Down. Fr. Amer. 72. Gard. Chron. 1845, p. 800.

SYNONYMES.--Early French Reinette, _Coxe. View_. 101. July Pippin, _Floy Lind._ Prince’s Harvest, _acc. Coxe_. Prince’s Early Harvest, _Prince Cat._ Large Early, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ July Early Pippin, _Ibid._ Yellow Harvest, _Ibid._ Large White Juneating, _acc. Down._ Tart Bough, _Ibid._ Prince’s Yellow Harvest, _acc. Gard. Chron._ July Early Pippin, _Ibid._ Pomme d’Eté, of Canada, _Ibid._

Fruit, of medium size, two inches and three quarters wide, and two inches and a quarter high; round. Skin, smooth, pale yellowish-green at first, but changing to clear pale yellow as it ripens, and set with embedded white specks, particularly round the eye. Eye, small and closed, set in a round and shallow basin. Stalk, half an inch long, inserted in a rather shallow cavity. Flesh, white, tender, crisp, and juicy, with a quick and pleasantly sub-acid flavor, and as is justly remarked by Mr. Thompson, “closely approximates that of the Newtown Pippin, of perfect American growth.”

An estimable and refreshing early dessert apple, of the first quality; ripe in the end of July and the beginning of August.

The tree is a healthy, and free, though not a vigorous grower, and an abundant bearer. It is well adapted for dwarf or espalier training when grown on the paradise stock, and ought to find a place in every collection however small.

Though of American origin this variety succeeds to perfection in this country; a qualification which few of the American apples possess.

106. EARLY JULIEN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. v. p. 267. Lind. Guide, 4. Rog. Fr. Cult. 32.

Fruit, of medium size, two inches and three quarters wide, and two inches and a quarter high; roundish, slightly flattened, and prominently ribbed from the eye downwards to the base. Skin, smooth, pale yellow, with an orange tinge next the sun, strewed all over with minute dots and a few whitish specks. Eye, closed with broad segments, and set in a deep, irregular, and angular basin. Stalk, short, not extending beyond the base, and inserted in a deep and angular cavity. Flesh, yellowish-white, crisp, very juicy, and with a brisk, pleasant, and refreshing flavor.

An excellent early culinary apple, of first-rate quality, ripe in the second week of August. It might with propriety be called the Summer Hawthornden, as it equals that esteemed old variety in all its properties.

The tree is healthy and hardy, but not a large grower. It is, however, a good bearer, though not so much so as the Hawthornden, and is well adapted for growing as a dwarf.

This variety is said to be of Scotch origin, but I cannot ascertain where, or when it was first discovered. It is not mentioned by Gibson, neither is it enumerated in the catalogue of Leslie and Anderson, of Edinburgh, or any of the Scotch nurserymen of the last century. It was first introduced to the south by the late Mr. Hugh Ronalds, of Brentford, who exhibited it at the London Horticultural Society.

107. EARLY NONPAREIL.--Lind.

IDENTIFICATION.--Lind. Plan. Or. 1796. Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 467. Lind. Guide, 88. Rog Fr. Cult. 67.

SYNONYMES.--Stagg’s Nonpareil, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ New Nonpareil, _Ibid._ Summer Nonpareil, _Ron. Cat._ Hicks’s Fancy, _Ron. Pyr. Mal._ 4. Lacy’s Nonpareil, _acc. Rogers_.

FIGURE.--Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. ii. f. 6.

Fruit, medium sized; somewhat oblato-ovate. Skin, dull yellow, covered with thin brownish grey russet, and marked with large russety dots. Eye, open, placed in a small, round, and rather shallow basin. Stalk, half-an-inch long, inserted in a narrow, deep, and russety cavity. Flesh, yellowish-white, tender, crisp, juicy, and sugary, with a brisk and rich aromatic flavor, resembling the old Nonpareil.

A delicious apple for the dessert, and of the first quality; it is in use during October and November, after which it becomes dry and meally.

The tree is a free and upright grower, perfectly hardy, an early and abundant bearer; even in the nursery quarters it produces freely when only two years from the graft. It is well adapted for dwarf and espalier training, when grown on the paradise stock.

This esteemed variety was raised about the year 1780, by a nurseryman of the name of Stagg, at Caister, near Yarmouth, in Norfolk. The name of Hicks’s Fancy was given to it by Kirke, formerly a nurseryman at Brompton, near London, from the circumstance of a person of the name of Hicks, giving it the preference to the other varieties which were fruited in the nursery. An instance of the absurd system by which the names of fruits have been multiplied.

108. EARLY SPICE.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 786.

Fruit, of medium size, two inches and three quarters wide, and two inches and a quarter high; roundish, and somewhat angular. Skin, smooth, of an uniform pale yellow or straw color, and thinly strewed with greenish dots. Eye, small and open, with long, reflexed segments, and set in a small basin. Stalk, three quarters of an inch long, deeply inserted in a rather angular cavity, which is thickly lined with russet. Flesh, white, tender, marrowy and very juicy; with a pleasant, refreshing and sub-acid flavor.

An excellent early culinary apple, which is well suited for baking, and is also good as an eating apple. It is ripe in the first week of August, but soon becomes woolly after being gathered.

109. EARLY WAX.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 2, p. 14.

SYNONYME.--Wax Apple, _Ron. Pyr. Mal._ 3.

FIGURE.--Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. ii. f. 1.

Fruit, below medium size, two inches wide, and two inches and a half high; oblong, and somewhat ribbed, particularly at the base. Skin, thick and membranous, of an uniform waxen yellow color. Eye, partially open, with long reflexed segments, and set in a moderately deep basin. Stalk, long and slender, inserted in a deep and angular cavity, from which issue prominent ribs. Flesh, yellowish-white, tender and soft, with a sweet and abundant juice.

A dessert apple of ordinary merit, valuable only for its earliness, as it ripens in the first week of August, but does not keep any time.

110. ELFORD PIPPIN.--M.

IDENTIFICATION AND FIGURE.--Maund. Fruit, pl. 45.

Fruit, of medium size, two inches and three quarters wide, and the same in height; roundish, inclining to ovate, and ribbed round the eye. Skin, yellowish-green, with markings of russet on the shaded side, but covered with red, which is striped with darker red on the side next the sun. Eye, large, and somewhat closed, with broad flat segments like those of Trumpington, placed in a rather deep and somewhat undulating basin. Stalk, short, inserted in a rather shallow cavity, which is lined with delicate yellowish-brown russet. Flesh, yellowish, crisp, and tender, with a fine, brisk, sugary, and vinous flavor.

An excellent dessert apple of first-rate quality, in use from October to Christmas. The tree is a healthy and vigorous grower, and a good bearer.

The Elford Pippin is supposed to have been raised at Elford, near Lichfield, where it is a very popular variety, and to which locality it is at present chiefly confined.

111. EMPEROR ALEXANDER.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Trans. vol. ii., p. 407. Lind. Guide, 14.

SYNONYMES.--Alexander, _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 1, 6, and ed. 3, n. 7. Phœnix Apple, _Brook. Pom. Brit._ Aporta, _acc. Hort. Soc. Cat._ Russian Emperor, _Ibid._ Kaiser Alexander von Russland, _Diel Kernobst._ 2 B. 65. Aporta Nalivia, _acc. Diel Kernobst._

FIGURES.--Hort. Trans. vol. ii. t. 28. Ron. Pyr. Mal. pl. xxxv. f. 2.

Fruit, of the largest size; ovate. Skin, smooth, greenish-yellow, with a few streaks of red on the shaded side; and orange covered with streaks and patches of bright crimson on the side exposed to the sun, the whole strewed with numerous russety dots. Eye, large, and half open, with broad, erect, and acuminate segments, set in deep, even, and slightly ribbed basin. Stalk, an inch or more in length, inserted in a deep, round, and even cavity, which is lined with russet. Flesh, yellowish-white, tender, crisp, juicy, and sugary, with a pleasant and slightly aromatic flavor.

A beautiful and valuable apple, both as regards its size and quality. It is more adapted for culinary than dessert use, but is also desirable for the latter were it only on account of its noble appearance at the table. It is in use from September to December.

The tree is a strong and vigorous grower, producing long stout shoots, is perfectly hardy and a good bearer.

This apple was introduced to this country by Mr. Lee, nurseryman of Hammersmith, in 1817, and was exhibited by him at the London Horticultural Society; the specimen produced being five inches and a half in diameter, four inches deep, sixteen inches in circumference, and weighed nineteen ounces. It is generally supposed that this was its first appearance in England; but there can be little doubt that it is the _Phœnix Apple_ figured by Brookshaw, whose account of it in 1808, is as follows:--“It was much grown fifty years back in the neighbourhood of Twickenham, but was rather lost. The late Mr. Ash, nurseryman at Strawberry Hill, near Twickenham, preserved it from his father, who had an old tree of it. This specimen came from that tree. This apple was seen in Russia by an English nobleman, who thought it so excellent an apple, that he was induced to send some trees of it to England, and what will appear extraordinary to English gardeners, they were taken up in the summer with their leaves on, when they could not be less than twelve years old by their appearance, and when they arrived, after being six months before they came to hand, they were planted and produced fruit, and are now fine trees. The apple has a bloom on it like a red plum when on the tree, and is a very excellent beautiful apple, ripens in October, and will keep through December. It is to be had at the late Mr. Ash’s nursery, at Strawberry Hill, near Twickenham, under the name of Phœnix Apple, from its being lost and revived.”

112. ENGLISH CODLIN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 1, n. 176. Lind. Guide, 29. Rog. Fr. Cult. 63.

SYNONYMES.--Quodling _Aust. Treat._ 66. Codling. _Raii Hist._ ii. 1447. Old English Codlin, _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 3, n. 163. Common Codlin, _Aber. Bot. Arr._ ii. 312.

FIGURE.--Lang. Pom. t. lxxiv. f. 3.

Fruit, above medium size; conical, irregular in its shape. Skin, pale yellow with a faint blush on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, closed, set in a moderately deep basin. Stalk, short, stout, and rather deeply inserted. Flesh, white, tender, and agreeably acid.

A culinary apple of first-rate quality; ripe in August and continues in use till October.

The trees are excellent bearers, but in most orchards they are generally found unhealthy, cankered, and full of the woolly aphis, a state produced, according to Mr. Lindley, by their being raised from suckers, and truncheons stuck into the ground. In the “Guide to the Orchard,” he says, “Healthy, robust, and substantial trees are only to be obtained by grafting on stocks of the real Sour Hedge Crab; they then grow freely, erect, and form very handsome heads, yielding fruit as superior to those of our old orchards, as the old, and at present deteriorated Codlin is to the Crab itself.” This circumstance was noticed by Worlidge nearly two hundred years ago--“You may graft them on stocks as you do other fruit, which will accelerate and augment their bearing; but you may save that labor and trouble, if you plant the Cions, Slips, or Cuttings of them in the spring-time, a little before their budding; by which means they will prosper very well, and soon become Trees; but these are more subject to the canker than those that are grafted.”

This is one of our oldest English apples, and still deserving of more general cultivation than is at present given to it. Formerly it constituted one of the principal dishes in English cookery, in the shape of “Codlings and Cream.” Ray says, “Crudum vix editur ob duritiem et aciditatem, sed coctum vel cum cremore lactis, vel cum aqua rosacea et saccharo comestum inter laudatissima fercula habetur.” The name is derived from _coddle_, to parboil.

113. ESOPUS SPITZENBURGH.--Coxe.

IDENTIFICATION.--Coxe. View. 127. Down. Fr. Amer. 138.

SYNONYMES.--Æsopus Spitzenberg, _Hort. Soc. Cat._ ed. 3, 790. Æsopus Spitzenburg, _Ken. Amer. Or._ 40. True Spitzenburgh, _acc. Down._

FIGURE.--Down. Fr. Amer. 138.

Fruit, large, three inches and a quarter wide, and three inches high; ovate, and regularly formed. Skin, almost entirely covered with clear bright red, and marked with fawn-colored russety dots, except on a portion of the shaded side, where it is yellow tinged and streaked with red. Eye, small and closed, set in a moderately deep and undulating basin. Stalk, slender, about an inch long, inserted in a wide, round, and deep cavity. Flesh, yellow, crisp, juicy, richly, and briskly flavored.

A most excellent dessert apple; in use from November to February.

This is a native of the United States, and is there considered one of the best dessert apples. Along with the Newtown Pippin it ranks as one of the most productive and profitable orchard fruits, but like many, and indeed almost all the best American varieties, it does not attain to that degree of perfection in this country that it does in its native soil. The tree is tender and subject to canker, and the fruit lacks that high flavor, and peculiar richness which characterizes the imported specimens. It was raised at Esopus, on the Hudson, where it is still grown to a large extent.

114. ESSEX PIPPIN.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, n. 239.

Fruit, small; round and flattened, somewhat oblate. Skin, smooth, green at first, but becoming of a yellowish-green as it ripens, and with a faint tinge of thin red where exposed to the sun. Eye, open, with long, reflexed, acuminate segments, placed in a shallow basin. Stalk, three quarters of an inch long, slender, inserted in a round and even cavity. Flesh, yellowish, firm, and crisp, with a brisk, sugary, and rich flavor.

A dessert apple of first-rate quality, nearly allied to the Golden Pippin; it is in use from October to February.

115. FAIR MAID OF TAUNTON.--Hort.

IDENTIFICATION.--Hort. Soc. Cat. ed. 3, p. 15