254 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



This variety is exceedingly beautiful in coloring, and distinct in form and 

 general appearance. It is of about the size, season, and quality of Transcend- 

 ent, and would do well to plant beside it for contrast. We regret to say, how- 

 ever, that we have reason to consider it as a comparatively weak and indifferent 

 grower. We are given to understand that it is in process of propagation, and 

 that it is not yet offered for sale. 



MARENGO 



is apparently the '^ avant-conrief of a new departure in the way of Siberian 

 crab apples, it being one of the first of the long-keeping sorts with qualities 

 adapting it to dessert uses. For the reason, apparently, that the true and 

 original Marengo Crab attracted considerable attention, the name has been 

 attached to several others, originating in the neighborhood, and claiming to 

 possess similar or parallel qualifications. The original variety is thus described 

 in Downing: 



"The fruit is large for its class, in form roundish, flattened at blossom end, 

 bright, warm red on yellow ground, smooth, with a few scattered gray or light 

 russet dots. Flesh yellowish white, crisp, juicy, a little harsh until fully ripe, 

 when it is a mild and pleasant sub-acid. Stalk long and slender, set in a 

 narrow cavity, calyx closed. Basin broad, open, corrugated. Early winter to 

 late in spring." 



We extract the following from a letter received from J. F. Lester, of Mar- 

 engo, 111., the introducer of the above, under date of January 25, 1875 : 



"The tree in question and two others (winter crabs) were first noticed in 

 the fall of 18G6, growing in the grounds of Mr. C. Sponable of this place 

 (Marengo, III) The first tree, or what has been named "Marengo Winter," 

 stood in orchard, the other two in an old nursery row. These rows were 

 seedlings, and the practice of Mr. S. was to topgraft three to three and one 

 half feet from the ground. There is no appearance on these trees that they 

 have been grafted above the ground. 



In February, 1867, I placed a few specimens of the " Marengo Winter Crab " 

 on the tables at the winter meeting of the Northern Illinois Horticultural 

 Society, not as a valuable apple, but as a curiosity, and perhaps as a desirable 

 acquisition to the list of fruits. 



" There are three other crab trees in this vicinity that have figured in with 

 or as the Marengos, — one which I believe had been named " Kishwaukie," on 

 the grounds of Mr. Walter Eenwick. He informed me to-day that he purchased 

 a lot of apple trees of C. H. Hibbard (formerly a nurseryman of this place), this 

 being one of the lot. He (Renwick) thinks Mr. H. obtained his trees from 

 Indiana. 



"Another tree, five miles from here, called the ' Coral,' on the grounds of 

 Mr. Wilcox. I learn from a nurseryman here (A. H. Vail) that Mr. W. told 

 him that this tree came from Eochester, N". Y., with a lot of apple trees. It 

 was apparently a worthless sprout, and was thrown away, but was afterwards 

 picked up and planted to fill the row. 



" The other tree will be passed, as the original proprietor has moved away. 

 I may remark here, if there is any value in any of these crabs, the Marengo 

 Winter and the Coral will cover the whole ground. The others will only tend 

 to confuse and encumber the lists." 



