1 62 Desci'iptions of Select Varieties of Apjyles. 



Dr. Thatcher's statement, is the more correct, we are not able 

 to state ; it is. however, immaterial, as it is certain the vari- 

 ety was first known in the orchard of Mr. Holmes, whose 

 name Dr. Thatcher has properly given to the fruit. 



We have noticed the Holmes apple once or twice in our 

 previous volumes, and more particularly in our notes on some 

 of the gardens in the Old Colony, (Vol. XH. p. 470,) when 

 we had seen several trees in full bearing ; our Plymouth friends 

 have also often sent us specimens of the fruit, but not so fine 

 as the present season ; and this has given us the opportunity 

 to present a correct outline of the fruit. The tree produces 

 the most abundant crops, bears young, and every year ; but 

 more plentifully every second year. In consequence of its 

 productiveness, the fruit is often rather small ; but, when 

 well grown, it is full medium size, and very fair and hand- 

 some. The flesh is remarkably tender and melting ; but, not- 

 withstanding this, it is a good winter fruit, keeping sound till 

 March. 



Size, medium, about two and three quarters inches broad, 

 and two and a half deep : Form, roundish, slightly flattened 

 at the base, and narrowing little to the crown : Ski7i, fair, 

 smooth, pale yellow, tinged with bright blush on the sunny 

 side, and covered with rather large russet specks : Sie?Ji, short, 

 about half an inch long, rather slender, and moderately sunk 

 in a round, smooth, and rather shallow cavity : Ei/e, rather 

 large, partially open, and moderately depressed in a medium- 

 sized, ribbed, and open basin ; segments of the calyx partially 

 reflexed : Flesh, yellowish, fine, crisp, and remarkably ten- 

 der : Juice, abundant, with an agreeable admixture of sweet 

 and acid, sprightly and high-flavored : Core, medium size, 

 close : Seeds, medium size, rather dark. Ripe from Decem- 

 ber to February. 



XXX. Tolman's Sweeting. Thatcher's American Orchardist. 



Dr. Thatcher is the first author who mentions this old and 

 "justly admired apple." He was notable to trace out its 

 origin. In Dartmouth, in the county of Bristol, it was then 

 best known, and held in much estimation for family use. It 

 is now very extensively cultivated, and is one of the most 

 common sweet apples to be found in our markets. The fruit 



