DISCUSSION OF VARIETIES. 



47 



Its distribution is general throughout the sections of this region in which the com- 

 mercial growing of early apples has become important, particularly in Delaware and 

 New Jersey. In the North Carolina section it is occasionally found, but is not of 

 special importance at present. 



The tree is rather a poor grower in the nursery as well as in the orchard, making a 

 spreading, often rather irregular, top. (See fig. 7.) Probably top workingon some 

 vigorous upright grower such as the Northern Spy would be an advantage. Early and 

 abundant crops are generally produced. The crops are more or less alternate under 

 indifferent cultural conditions, but with good attention considerable fruit may be 

 expected nearly every year. The fruit is above medium in size; roundish oblong, 

 conic; when well colored, heavily striped with dark red or crimson, becoming nearly a 

 solid color; subacid; quality good. The season in the New Jersey and Chesapeake 



I; ^.'^u 



Fig. 7.— a Williams apple tree in Delaware, about 10 years old. 



peninsula sections usually begins about July 20, varying from this date a few days 

 in different years, according to climatic and other conditions. The market period 

 generally lasts about two weeks. 



Some varieties, as noted elsewhere, are handled as .soon a^s they are large enough to 

 cook, but this one though it develops to a fairly good size is not marketed, as a general 

 practice, until it is well colored. In fact, its fine color is one of its most attractive 

 features. Ripening is quite Irregular, so that picking is rather difficult, especially 

 from large trees. As the fruit drops soon after attaining full color, some growers allow 

 it to remain on the trees until it matures and droi:)s instead of picking it by hand. 

 (See Harvesting, p. 20.) 



On account of its season of ripening, the fruit sometimes reaches the markets when 

 they are well stocked with peaches, cantaloupes, and other fresh fruits. The prices 

 of apples are more or less influenced thereby. Yet because of the many desirable 

 194 



