58 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



the Spy does not succeed better in Massacbusetts. Tbere are 

 certain sections where it does admirably, particularly in 

 Franklin County, but as a rule it has the reputation of not 

 being a success with us. Whether it altogether deserves this 

 reputation is a question, but certainly we do not grow good 

 Spies in many sections. The tree is all that could be desired 

 in health and vigor, making a fine-shaped, large tree, and 

 living to a good old age, but it is very slow indeed in coming 

 into bearing, in this respect standing at the foot of the list of 

 reputable varieties. The fruit when well grown is about all 

 that could be desired, being a fine, bright, pinkish-red in color, 

 with a smooth, waxy skin, making an extremely attractive 

 apple. The flesh is firm and crisp, but tender and juicy, and 

 has a flavor that no one will forget, once he has eaten a well- 

 grown, well-colored Spy. Both fruit and foliage are decidedly 

 subject to the attacks of the scab fungus where this disease is 

 prevalent, and its tender skin and flesh make careful hand- 

 ling necessary. But, with all its faults, I should say that in 

 sections where it is known that the Spy succeeds it ought to be 

 put down as one of our leading varieties. In other sections 

 it had probably better be tried only on a small scale ; but even 

 here, unless it has been tried under favorable conditions, with 

 modern treatment as to sj)raying, etc., I believe it is worth 

 experimenting with. 



Northern Spy. 



Bad points : — 



Good points : — 



1. High quality. 



2. Fine appearance. 



3. Healthy, hardy tree 



1. Slow in coming into bearing. 



2. Often does not succeed well. 



(16) Ydlow Transparent. — This is the third Russian in 

 the list, and is included principally because of its very early 

 season, ripening in July, when every one is apple-hungry. 

 The tree is very hardy and healthy, and conies into bearing- 

 very young indeed. Grafts often bear th(> second year, and 

 sometimes even the year they are set, the trees usually bearing 

 a reasonable crop the third and fourth years. It is a good, 

 reliable cropper, but ripens so unevenly that it requires two 

 or three pickings to secure the fruit in the best condition. The 



