226 EXPERLAIEXT STATION. [Jan. 



o. Lack of Flavor. — The basis of flavor in apples has already 

 been discussed. The leading element of flavor for discussion 

 here is that of the flavoring oils. It appears that for high de- 

 velopment of these a relatively cool atmosphere is desirable. 

 Summer and early fall varieties do not, as a rule, possess high 

 flavors, and any late fall or winter variety grown so far south 

 that it ripens before the cool weather of autumn comes is likely 

 to be inferior in the development of flavoring oils. 



6. " Mealiness." — This is another sign of overripeness that 

 is an indication that the variety is grown in too great summer 

 heat. ]\lention has already been made of the softening of the 

 middle lamellae, which is the cause of this mealiness (see page 

 186). The result is that when eaten the cells separate from each 

 other without breaking open and releasing the juices contained 

 therein, and the apple is said to be " dry," whereas it probably 

 contains a normal amount of water. Some varieties, the Jona- 

 than, for example, do not show this characteristic in marked 

 degree, but most varieties do if they can be kept long enough 

 without parasitic decay, and the warmer they are the shorter 

 the time necessary to bring al)out this result. 



7. Less Intense Color. — A red variety grown to the south 

 of its normal range is apt to show a less intense color, though 

 it may be pretty well spread over the fruit. There is often 

 a decided tendency toward a pinkish red, which may appear 

 pale or faded in extreme cases. 



Bright sunlight during the ripening period of the fruit has 

 much to do with the attainment of high color, especially 

 if at this time the nights are cool and frosty. But in order 

 for these influences to have their full eftect the a]>ple must- 

 have been brought to the proper stage of development by a 

 sufficient amount of heat during the period of growth. Under- 

 developed apples do not take on a satisfactory color, no matter 

 how favorable the conditions may be during the ripening ]>eriod. 



8. Smnller Size. — This cfi"ect does not manifest itself unless 

 the variety is grown far to the south of its most favorable region. 

 The signs of overripeness show themselves much sooner as one 

 goes south over the distribution of a variety. Nevertheless, 

 in some cases, at least, it is evident that a variety may fail 



