THE RED ASTRACHAN APPLE. 



SYNONYMS. 

 CHARACTERS. 



foRM.— Roundish ; tapering towaids the calyx. 



Calyx.— Rather large, set in an uneven, shallow basin. 



Stem.— About half an inch long, stout, and deeply inserted. 



Color.— Rich deep crimson, tinged with greenish yellow on the shady side, with 



occasionally a dash of russet near the stalk, the whole surface covered with 



bloom. 

 Skin. — Smooth. 



Flesh.— White, sometimes slightly stained with pink, crispy, tender and juicy. 

 Flavor. — Rich sub-acid. 



Maturity and Use. — August. Good for dessert and cooking. 

 Size. — Diameter from calyx to stem 2 to 2% inches. 



Do. across 3 to 3}^ do. 



WooD.—Reddish chestnut, pubescent at terminations. 

 Leaf. — Rather large, wavy, deeply serrated. 

 Buds. — Flower buds rather large. 

 Flowers. — Medium size. 



HISTORY AND CULTIVATION. 



This beautiful Apple originated in Sv^eden, was introduced into Eiigland 

 in 1815 or 1816, and fruited by Mr. Atkinson, in his garden, at Grove 

 End, near London. The fruit was exhibited before the London Horticul- 

 tural Society in the year 1820. 



For several years past, .specimens of extraordinary beauty have been 

 presented to the Massachusetts Horticuhural Society by amateurs from the 

 vicinily of Boston, and more particularly by Otis Johnson, Esq., of Lynn. 

 Its singular richness of color is heightened by an exquisite bloom hke that 

 of a plum, and it may truly be placed among the handsomest ornaments of 

 the dessert. The fruit should be taken from the tree at its earliest maturity, 

 as it is liable to become mealy. 



The cultivation of this variety is at present rather limited, but it will 

 undoubtedly be extended, as its merits become more generally known, 

 being decidedly one of the most productive and beautiful of the Summer 

 apples. The tree is upright, has a handsome head, is an early bearer and 

 of vigorous growth. From a Avarm and well cultivated soil the best speci- 

 mens may be expected. 



