THE PLUMCOT 201) 



times as much fruit. The fruit is larger and 

 much earlier. It has yellow flesh instead of crim- 

 son, making it one of the most valuable market 

 varieties. 



The Apex resembles the apricot very decided- 

 ly in form, size, and quality of fruit, while it is 

 more like the plum in foliage, upright growth, 

 productiveness, and smooth-skinned fruit. It 

 thus illustrates the tendency to segregation of 

 unit characters along those lines to which refer- 

 ence has been made. 



The Apex is the only plumcot yet introduced 

 which has promise of becoming a standard 

 market variety, though there are others equal 

 or superior to it to follow. Its ability 

 to withstand the requirements of long ship- 

 ping have been thoroughly tested, its firm 

 flesh and tendency to ripen slowly are sure 

 indications of its value for transcontinental 

 shipment. 



The exact parentage of the Apex is not 

 known. The crosses have been so extensive and 

 complicated that a complete record was thought 

 of less value than the production of a fruit that 

 would feed the millions. It is certain, however, 

 that the Apex, like the Rutland, carries blood of 

 the Japanese type of plum combined with that 

 of the apricot. 



