318 



SYSTEM. \rir POMOLOGY 



Fig. 



143. Large 

 Early. 



495. Large Early (Fig. 143).— This is an 

 especially valiiahlc variety because of the 

 earliness, large size, attractive appearance, 

 and high quality of its fruits. The variety 

 is a favorite in nearly all apricot-growing 

 regions. A fault is that the tree is some- 

 times an uncertain bearer. Large Early is 

 an old French variety. 



Tree vigorous, spreading, hardy, productive but sometimes uncertain in 

 bearing. Leaf large, broader than long; margin coarsely serrate; petiole 

 % inch long, Avith 1 to several globose glands. Flowers white, often with 

 6 petals. Fruit very early; nearly 2 inches in diameter, oblong-oval, com- 

 pressed, often oblique; suture well marked; apex terminating in a sharp 

 point; color light orange, darker orange next to the sun with some red; 

 fine obscure pubescence; flesh orange, firm, juicy, sweet, rich; very good 

 to best; stone free, oval, flat with sharp point; kernel bitter. 



496. St. Ambroise (Fig. 144).— The tree of 

 St. Ambroise is accredited as being most pro- 

 ductive and very good in other characters as 

 well, but the fruits are a little coarse, lacking 

 in richness of flavor, and not well adapted 

 for either canning or drying, although they 

 ship well in the fresh state. St. Ambroise 

 is an old European variety. 



Fig. 144. St. Am- 

 broise. 



Tree vigorous, hardy, healthy, very productive. 

 Fruit early; large, more than 2 inches in diameter, 

 oblong-elliptical, sides compressed, suture side swollen, 



ribbed at base ; suture distinct ; color deep rich yellow, blushed next the sun ; 

 a few reddish dots; flesh rich yellow, firm, a little stringy, melting, juicy, 

 perfumed ; very good in quality ; stone free, very large, rough, elliptical, 

 flat, winged. 



