136 



BRITISH POMOLOGY, ETC. 



226. MELROSE.— H. 



Synontme. — White Melrose, Hort. Soc. Cat. ed . 3, p. 25. 



Fruit, large ; roundish-ovate, inclining to conical, and broad at the 

 base ; it has an irregularity in its outline, caused by prominent ribs, 

 which extend from about the middle, to the basin of the eye, where 



they form large and unequal ridges ; and also by several flattened "parts 

 on the sides, giving it the appearance as if indented by a blow. Skin, 

 smooth and shining, pale yellow tinged with green, on the shaded side ; 

 but yellow tinged with orange, and marked with crimson spots and dots, 

 on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, large and closed, with broad flat 

 segments, and deeply set in a plaited, and prominently ribbed basin. 

 Stalk, very short, not more than a quarter of an inch long, inserted in a 

 deep, irregular cavity, in which are a few streaks and patches of rough 

 russet. Flesh, yellowish-white, firm, but tender and marrow-like, with 

 a sweet, and pleasantly sub-acid flavor. 



A very valuable and fine looking apple, of first-rate quality, suitable 

 either for culinary purposes or the dessert ; it is in use from October to 

 January. 



The tree is a strong, healthy, and \ igorous grower, and forms a large 

 round head. It is also an abundant and free bearer. 



This is an old Scotch apple, the cultivation of which is confined ex- 

 clusively to the Border counties, where it was probably first introduced 

 by the monks of Melrose Abbey. Though it is one of the most popular 

 apples of the Tweedside orchards, it docs not seem to have been ever knov n 

 beyond its own district. It is without doubt the largest, and one of the 



