140 CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT 



of a very sprightly taste, and firm in its texture : 

 when first gathered, rather tart, but becomes both 

 sweet and tender by keeping : it is a good table ap- 

 ple, and makes excellent cider: the size that of a 

 vandevere : it ripens in October, and will keep till 

 February and March : it is highly esteemed by the 

 planters in Virginia, whence I procured it, from the 

 neighbourhood of Richmond : the tree grows tall and 

 straight, with a luxuriant foliage, and regular form, 

 and is a most abundant and uniform bearer. This 

 apple is known in Pennsylvania, and much cultivated, 

 under the name of the Merrit's pearmain." (Coxe.) 



63. Royal russet, or leather coat. "This is an apple 

 of moderate size, and of a flat form: when ripe, the 

 side next the sun is a rich red, intermixed with russet, 

 with spots of white : the flesh is well flavoured, 

 sprightly and tender ; the stem short and thick, with 

 small swellings in the surrounding parts: it is a fine 

 cooking apple ; keeps well ; and bears abundantly. 

 It was imported from England, where it is highly es- 

 teemed as a valuable winter apple." (Coxe.) 



64. Roxbury russeting, c. This is one of the best 

 known, and most valuable fruits in Massachusetts. 

 The apple is rather flat, and the colour a yellowish 

 russet: it is not fit to eat till February, and is very 

 easily preserved till June, when its juice and flavour 

 are peculiarly pleasant. The trees are the most con- 

 stant to bear, and seldom bear so full as to break the 

 Hmbs,; and the fruit is excellent for cider; and for 

 the table, late in the spring. But the trees require a 

 moist situation, and are less likely to thrive wett in a 

 dry soil, than any other kind of apple,. They require 

 also more manuring and care than most others, or 

 the fruit will be very ordinary. 



65. Ruckmarfs pearmain, or golden pearmain, c. 

 " Called in New York and East Jersey, the Ruckman's 

 or Dutch pearmain ; and in other places, the red rus* 



