The Best Apples for Southern Markets. 249 



keeper, but not up to the standard in quality. Something better was there- 

 fore demanded, which induced the orchardists of the above-mentioned sec- 

 tion to grow the Pryor's Red, which, notwithstanding its homely, russet coat, 

 soon Decame popular on account ot its superior quality. But in course of 

 time the fruit of the Pennock fell a victim to disease that destroyed its value ; 

 the Pryor's Red was attacked by a leaf rust, or blight, that made its produc- 

 tion unprofitable ; the flat-boat trade was also abandoned, and this market 

 was compelled to look to other sources for its supply. 



B}'^ this time Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville had become im- 

 portant fruit markets, and the dealers of the South naturally turned to these 

 cities for their supi^lies. 



Baldwin, Rome Beauty, Ben Davis, Willow Twig, Spitzenberg, Northern 

 Spy, Winesap and Janet, were sent forward in large quantities. Baldwin, 

 for a time, promised well, as it was large, red, and good ; but under the influ- 

 ence of the sunny Southern skies rapidly decayed, unless grown as far north as 

 Michigan, and is now less sought for than formerlj'. Rome Beauty was sat- 

 isfactory in all but keeping qualities. It will not endure the climate. Wil- 

 low Twig lacked color, a bright red being indispensible to popularity. Spitz- 

 enberg and Northern Spy were subject. to the same objections as Baldwin and 

 Rome Beauty. Winesap, in color, quality and general appearance, was all 

 that could be desired, but was too small. Janet lacked both color and size, 

 and was not, therefore, much sought for. Ben Davis was found to be large, 

 bright red, and of fine form and appearance, and, when grown north of the 

 Sd'^ of latitude, to keep better than any other variety. True, the quality was 

 not altogether satisfactory, but one objection weighs but little against so 

 may good points. 



Assuming that the Ben Davis is one of the best — if not the best — apple for 

 Southern markets, it may not be uninteresting to the horticulturists of the 

 Mississippi Valley to know something of its origin and history. I therefore 

 quote from a report made by myself to the Warsaw (111.) Horticultural So- 

 ciety, several years ago. 



" In 1830, Charles Hill emigrated from Kentucky to Illinois, and settled 

 near the the Mississippi river, in Hancock county, a few miles north of the 

 40th parallel of latitude,. bringing with him a number of small seedling ap- 

 ple trees, which he planted at the foot of the bluff. Some of these trees lived, 

 and in course of time produced fruit, all but one, however, proving to be of 

 little value. This one was a rapid-growing, symmetrical tree, and produced 

 a large, red, handsome apple, of remarkable keeping qualities. This apple 

 attracted the attention of a local nurseryman, who procured scions, and pro- 

 pagated a few hundred trees, selling them under the name of Red Pippin. 

 About 1850, Henry Kent, an extensive nurseryman of Quincy, Illinois, began 

 to propagate it, and from that time its dissemination was rapid, being sent 

 out under the name of New York Pippin, Red Pippin, Baltimore Red, etc. 

 In 1865 the Illinois State Horticultural Society named it Ben Davis, and by 

 that name it is now known throughout the length and breadth of the land. 



