MIDDLE APPLE. 



THE MIDDLE APPLE. 



Synonym: Mittel Apple. 



Some time ago we received specimens of this Apple from A. W. Hovey, Esq., of 

 Pontiac, Mich., and since that time we have procured some particulars concerning it, 

 through the kindness of several gentlemen who reside near the place of its origin, in 

 the Mohawk valley. Mr. Chas. Spinner, of Herkimer, informs us that it is esteemed 

 one of the most delicious Apples grown in that county, — that it keeps till January, 

 and sells at %2 to 82.50 per barrel, while Greenings^ Swaars, Sjyitzenhurf/hs, &c., sell 

 at $1.38 to 'Sl.50. Mr. J. D. Ingersoll, of Ilion, states that its origin is unknown, — 

 that the old tree was full grown when the earliest settlers migrated to the Gemian 

 flats. He also describes it as a slow grower and shy bearer, often imperfect in form 

 and flavor, but sometimes of the highest excellence ; would not advise any one to 

 plant it with a view to profit. Mr. L incloses the following letter, which, as it enters 

 into many important details, we give entire : 



"Yours of the 13th inst. was received on the 16th, and would have been answered at 

 once, had I not thouglit it advisable to make further inquiry in relation to the question 

 that you propounded uie. The fact of the Mittel Apple tree which stood on the division 

 line between the farms of Capt. Christophee Bellinger and Mr. John Doxtater, in the 

 town of Herkimer, and directly opposite this place, being a seedling^ I never heard doubted 

 until I received your letter. I have since inquired of persons wdio knew the tree as a very 

 old one more than fifty yean ago.^ and they say there can be no doubt of it. It is true that 

 the question whether it grew from the seed on the spot where it flourished so long, or 

 whether it was a seedling transplanted there, has been mooted. Some have supposed that 

 it was planted by the Indians ; others, that it was brought from Schoharie county by some 

 of the earliest German settlers of the Mohawk valley. I can recollect the tree well for at 

 least forty-five years. It was quite old at that time, with one of its main branches broken 

 off, and partially hollow. It grew on a rich terrace, tllte first above the Mohawk flat, the 

 soil black sandy loam. The side of Mr. Bellinger was for many years under high cultiva- 

 tion as a Watermelon and Muskmelon patch, which kept the old tree in good condition 

 longer than it could have been under ordinary circumstances. I can myself recollect trees, 

 and even orchards, that were conceded to have been planted by the natives before the 

 'Know Nothings' made an eruption into this beautiful valley, and they looked no older 

 than the tree under consideration. Some years since, I visited the spot for the purpose of 

 getting shoots from the roots, under the impression that few if any of the grafts were equal 

 to the original ; but I found that every vestige of the tree was gone. I now regret it, as it 

 vrould have forever settled the question whether it was a seedling. The fact whether it 

 grew from a seed on the spot, or whether it was transplanted as a seedling from some other 

 place, is of as little consequence in tlie case of an Apple tree as of a man ; and I have little 

 fear that the Native or Know Nothing party will vote it out of Herkimer county, even if 

 proof could be found that it was brought from abroad by a Koman Catholic. 



" A word as to the name of this, the best of Apples. It is admitted that Middle is a 

 translation into English of the German word Mittel; but as well might you call the Dutch 

 Straat^ Street^ or the renowned Sicaar^ Heavy, as to call the Mittel, Middle. 



"Now one word as to the fruit. As to quality, I believe it is universally conceded, by 

 who know it, to be the very lest in its season, which usually is about the holidays 

 however, not a profituMe market fruit, as it is, unless under favorable circumstances, 



