28 



476 YEAEBOOK OE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTUEE. 



It is a remarkable fact that Elberta and Belle were grown as seed- 

 lings from the same crop of fruit of one Chinese Cling tree in Georgia. 

 The early history of Belle is thus recorded by Powell" from informa- 

 tion furnished by the originator: 



Seedling of Chinese Cling possibly crossed with Oldmixdn Free. Originated with 

 Mr. Lewis A. Rnmph. Marshallville. Ga. , from seed from a Chinese Cling tree in the 

 variety orchard of Dr. S. H. Humph, Marshallville. Ga. The original Chinese 

 Cling tree stood in the center of the variety block near some Oldmixon Free, Old- 

 mixon Cling, Crawford Early, and Crawford Late trees. Mr. L. A. Rumph 

 planted the stone in the fall of 1870 from the same tree, and at the same time S. H. 

 Rumph planted a stone that produced the Elberta. 



Though slower than Elberta to attain popularity in the North, Belle 

 is found to endure lower winter temperatures without injury and to 

 be more reliably productive than the former variety in some sections. 

 The only important objection to it, from the commercial standpoint, 

 appears to be its white color, which may render it less popular in mar- 

 kets that prefer j^ellow-fleshed sorts. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Form roundish oblong, in the South often tapering to a distinct 

 point, usually symmetrical; size medium to large; surface smooth, 

 soft, and velvety; color creamy white, with a beautiful crimson blush 

 on the side exposed to the sun, sometimes marbled with crimson; 

 down short, adherent ; cavity regular, small, shallow, abrupt; suture 

 shallow, except at cavity and apex; apex small and depressed in 

 suture in Northern-grown specimens, frequently large, prominent, and 

 pointed in the South; skin thin, tenacious; stone oval, of medium 

 size, and free ; flesh whitish, tinged with red at stone, tender, melting, 

 and juicy when ripe, though sufficiently firm for shipment when 

 picked in advance of full maturity; flavor subacid, rich, and pleasant ; 

 quality good to very good. Season, late July at Fort Valley, Ga,, late 

 August in northern Virginia and Missouri, beginning to ripen slightly 

 in advance of Elberta, but ending at about midseason of that variety. 



Tree vigorous, spreading, rather slender, hardy, and productive. 

 Leaf glands small, reniform; blossoms small. 



It is one of the most promising white-fleshed freestones for the com- 

 mercial peach districts, especially on light and dry soils. 



WILLETT PEACH. 



(SYNONYM: WiUett's Seedling.) 



[PLATE LXL] 



This promising yellow freestone is reported to have originated from 

 a stone brought from some point in South America by the late Cor- 

 nelius O'Bryan, of "Bryant's Minstrels," who planted it in his garden 



"Bulletin No. 54, " The Chinese cling group of peaches." 1902, p. 20, Delaware 

 College Agricultural Experiment Station. 



