464 [Assembly 



and deformities. It will have a smooth and healthy complexion. 

 Like the fruit which ensnared our first mother, it will " solicit 

 the eye" with '-downy smile," and ''smell ambrosial." A small 

 apple may be rich in quality, but for ordinary uses, its littleness 

 is not in its favor. There is more waste in the using of small 

 apples, and less profit in the raising of them. The most desira- 

 ble size for an apple, all things considered, is that of the Lowell 

 and Porter. Monstrous apples, like the Gloria Mundi and De- 

 troit Red, are apt to be fragile and perishable. They are more 

 liable to decay at the core, or to be bruised in gathering and 

 packing. It is well known tliat apples grow much larger on the 

 rich bottoms of the west than in Oneida ; yet the western apples 

 are less positive in their flavor, less firm in their tissue, and less 

 popular in the eastern markets. 



The third point of a first rate apple is that it be a productive 

 sort; that it be one of a variety which yields large crops The 

 profits of an orchard will depend very much on this point. An 

 acre planted with Baldwins, Greenings and Belle-et Bonnes might 

 yield twice as many bushels as an acre planted with Spitzenburgh. 

 The Baldwin wants no more of soil, or sun, or clime, or care than 

 the Spitzenburgh. It is naturally more prolific; is equally fair, 

 palatable, and saleable, and is therefore to be preferred 



The fourth test of a first-class apple, if of one of the winter 

 varieties, has reference to its keepmg qualities. 



Apples which remain longest in perfection, other things being 

 equal, are most to be desired both for seller and buyer. The 

 Northern Spy is a better keeping apple than the R. Island Green- 

 ing. The Roxbury Russet will keep longer than the Baldwin, 

 yet as the former is not mature for the table until spring, the 

 latter must be allowed the preference. 



Apples which keep until midsummer are more esteemed as 

 curiosities than utilities. After strawberries and green peas make 

 their appearance, a shri^elled-up Russ'et is no great temptation. 

 One wonders over it as he would over a mummy, without longing 

 to taste it. • . / 



