66 



fruit ripens unevenly, so that it needs more than one picking ; 

 and, as it is tender both in skin and flesh, it ought to be han- 

 dled with care and packed in boxes. It is a prime favorite in 

 the Boston market, and I should not hesitate to plant it as a 

 commercial variety. 



Williains Early. 



Good points : — 



1. Fine color. 



2. Fine quality. 



3. Annual bearer. 



4. Favorite in Boston markets. 



Bad points : — 



1. Ripens unevenly. 



2. Tender flesh. 



3. Poor grower. 



(7) Oldenburg. — This is one of the Russian varieties 

 which has " made good " in America. It is especially val- 

 uable where extreme hardiness is required, but I believe it is 

 worthy of a place in our list of commercial varieties for 

 Massachusetts. As suggested, the tree is very hardy, but is 

 of only moderate size. It grows vigorously while young. Its 

 most valuable character, however, is its early bearing. Fruit 

 is frequently borne on trees at three and four years, and 

 fairly good crops are often borne at four and five years. It is 

 also a reliable cropper, often yielding annual crops ; and the 

 fruit hangs well to the tree. The foliage is fine and healthy, 

 and altogether it is a fine tree for a filler, where this system 

 of planting is used. The fruit is of good size and very at- 

 tractive, being a fine light yellow, with stripes and splashes of 

 handsome red. It runs very uniform on the tree, with few 

 culls, and is -altogether a very good commercial sort. The 

 flesh is flrm but juicy, with a sprightly, sub-acid flavor, and, 

 though not high in quality, is still passable. 



Good points : — 



1. Hardy tree. 



2. Very early bearer. 



3. Reliable crojij^er. 



4. Fruit hangs well to tree. 



5. Handsome color of fruit. 



Oldenburg. 



Bad points : — 



1. Fruit perishable. 



2. Ripens unevenly. 



3. Only moderate quality. 



(S) Roxhury Russet. — This is still another of the fine 

 old varieties which have originated in Massachusetts.- and 



