STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. OS' 



Mr. S. R. Sweetser writes : 



I have ^rown the apple for about twenty-five years. The tree is a very 

 stocky and rapid grower, resembling the Baldwin in this respect. A large 

 part of the fruit appears to be genuine Baldwins, while others on the same 

 tree are inclined to be rather coarse and russetty. 



The following was received from G. H. Andrews, Esq., of 



Monmouth : 



Monmouth, Jan. 18, 1883. 

 Mr. Gilbert. 



Dear /Sir !— In Monday's Lewiston Daily, I noticed an item from you 

 respecting an apple called Red Russet. In my young orchard I have a 

 few trees of that variety. None have fruited as yet, but one. It bore 

 something more than a peck last season. The tree resembles the Baldwin 

 in very many particulars, so much so I had taken the tree for a Baldwin,, 

 the shape of tree and leaf and the color being the same. 



The fruit bears a striking resemblance in shape and color, still there is 

 a difference in both flesh and skin. The flesh is finer grained and closer,, 

 of a rich color. The rind or skin is a little thicker, tough, more like the 

 common Russet. Color, russetty brown and red. I am of the opinion 

 that the fruit would be preferred to the common Russet. As to fruitage 

 I am not able to speak. From the appearance now of those I have on 

 hand I should say they were good for keeping. 



Mr. Andrews has more recently informed me that he is now grow- 

 ing this fruit in considerable quantities and he states that it is doing 

 as well by him as the Baldwin. 



Newburgh, N. Y., Nov. 30, 1883. 



Friend Z. A. Gilbert: — Your letter at hand, and am very glad to- 

 hear from you again, and in reply state that the Red Russet has not been 

 cultivated here to any extent, and only for home use, and is much liked 

 for its late keeping qualities, and that is what I recommended it for. It 

 is much like the Baldwin in quality and color, except that it is consider- 

 ably russetted. It keeps as well as Roxbury Russet, and is of better 

 quality, and I would think sell better in the market; and if it succeeds 

 well in yoiir State, it will no doubt prove a valuable apple to ship to 

 Europe. I have long thought that apples grown in Maine would be better 

 for shipping than those grown here, yet I think the quality not quite as 

 good. Very respectfully, 



Charles Downing. 



Hon. Rufus Prince, President of the Maine State Agricultural* 

 Society, followed with a valuable paper. 



