73 



(16) Yellow Transparent. — This is the third Russian in 

 the list, and is included principally because of its very early 

 season, ripening in July, when every one is apple-hungry. 

 The tree is very hardy and healthy, and comes into bearing 

 very young indeed. Grafts often bear the second year, and 

 sometimes even the year they are set, the trees usually bear- 

 ing a reasonable crop the third and fourth years. It is a 

 good, reliable cropper, but ripens so unevenly that it requires 

 two or three pickings to secure the fruit in the best condition. 

 The fruit is a very handsome, clear yellow, but both the flesh 

 and skin are tender, and it therefore bruises easily and shows 

 the marks of careless handling. It is a fine cooking apple, 

 and good specimens are not by any means bad eating. Where 

 early fruit commands a good price, and for near-by markets, 

 it will prove a profitable variety. It is an excellent filler. 



Yellow Transparent. 



Good points : — 



1. Very hardy tree. 



2. Handsomely colored fruit. 



3. Early bearer. 



Bad points : — 



1. Easily bruised. 



2. Does not stand up well in 



transit. 



{17) Blue Pearmain. — This is a fine old variety, but is 

 not very generally grown, and it is not recommended here 

 except for the family orchard, or in a limited way in commer- 

 cial plantings. To one who knows and likes the good old- 

 fashioned sorts the Blue Pearmain is always very acceptable. 

 The tree is a good, strong grower, and long-lived. The fruit 

 is mild in flavor, but aromatic and fine, with a rich appear- 

 ance in well-grown specimens which is attractive. The skin 

 is a little rough and rather thick. The color is deep orange- 

 yellow, splashed and striped and shaded with very dark red, 

 and the heavy white bloom over this gives a bluish appear- 

 ance. The flesh is firm, yellowish, moderately juicy and 

 aromatic. 



Blue Pearmain. 



Good points : — 



1. Healthy, vigorous tree. 



2. Handsome fruit. 



3. Good quality. 



Bad points : — 

 1. Not generallv known. 



