DISCUSSIOISr OF VARIETIES. 23 



other habitual characteristics when growing under a certain com- 

 bination of conditions of soil, climate, elevation, and cultural methods. 

 When the variety is grown under other combinations of conditions it 

 may behave in a very different manner. In other words, a variety is 

 subject to the influence of the conditions under which it is grown. 

 In those conditions there may be involved both natural factors, such 

 as soil and climate, and factors which are more or less artificial, such 

 as are imposed by man in his methods of culture. 



It will now be understood how the subject-matter of the preceding 

 pages has application to the notes which follow regarding the varieties 

 that are being grown in tliis region. The fact is here emphasized that 

 the statements made in the following discussion of varieties have 

 specific application only to the fruit grown under the conditions that 

 prevail in this region. It is hoped, however, that the information 

 presented regarding existing conditions, and the behavior of the 

 varieties referred to under those conditions, may be of some assistance 

 in selecting varieties for other localities. 



In the scope of tliis bulletin it has been the intention to include only 

 varieties which reach maturity in some section of this region not later 

 than the middle of September. 



DISCUSSION OF IMPORTANT VARIETIES. 



The follo^\dng varietal list includes the most important early 

 varieties which are grown in tliis region, and a considerable number 

 of others which are known only in a limited way. No attempt, 

 except in a few cases, has been made to give a detailed description of 

 the varieties mentioned. Usually a few of the more prominent varietal 

 characteristics are named in order that the reader who is unacquainted 

 with a variety may be able to obtain readily a general idea of its 

 appearance and quality. 



Alexander. 



This is a very old variety, probably of Russian origin. Its history is briefly indi- 

 cated in the following: 



"The evidence is reliable that Red Astrachan, with Duchess of Oldenburg [Olden- 

 burg] and Alexander, were introduced into England by the Royal Horticultural 

 Society from Sweden, as Russian apples about the year 1816. Wm. Kenrick in his 

 catalogue in 1832 speaks of them as promising. In 1834 The Massachusetts Horti- 

 cultural Society imported them, adding Tetofsky [Tetofski]. In 1839 the elder 

 Manning of Salem exhibited them as home grown. Since then they have been 

 widely distributed." » 



The Alexander apple has become quite widely distributed in many parts of the 

 country, though not grown in large quantities. In this region a few trees of it have 

 been found at widely separated points. The tree is a fairly strong grower on the 

 light soil where it has been observed. It comes into bearing quite young, but fruits 

 mostly on alternate years. The fruit is roundish conic; usually large to very large; 

 greenish yellow, heavily striped with red when well colored; acid; quality good; of 

 value primarily for cooking. Its season begins the last of June in eastern North 



a Letter of Mr. William C. Strong, Waban, Mass., April 2, 1906. 

 194 



