i38 



The Canadian Horticulturist. 



BELLE DE BOSKOOP. 



During the past two years, specimens of the fruit of this variety have been 

 received from many widely-separated sections in the Dominion. Judging from 

 the samples received and from its behaviour at Abbotsford, Que., where it was 

 planted in 1885, I am led to believe, in the event of it proving a reliable bearer, 

 that it will be a valuable addition to the list of winter varieties in the apple 

 growing sections of the Dominion. Trees of this variety were obtained by the 

 late Charles Gibb, from Fr^res Simon-Louis, of Lorraine, France, about nine 

 years ago. At Abbotsford the tree is rather a slow grower, round topped or 

 spreading in habit. Fruit medium to large, sound ; skin a russety-green overlaid 

 with dark red. Calyx open, basin moderately deep, stem stout, an inch or more 



Fig. 529. — Belle de Boskooi\ 



in length, set in a deep wide cavity. Flesh firm, of fine texture, tinged with 

 green near the skin, rich and juicy with a breaking quality very agreeable. Season 

 late winter. The drawing has been made from a specimen grown by Mr. R. W. 

 Starr, YVolfville, N.S. Scions were sent him by Mr. Gibb some years ago. The 

 fruit grown by Mr. Starr, excels in beauty and size any that I have seen 

 elsewhere. Freres Simon-Louis have included it in their first selection of valu- 

 able winter varieties, and say that in their opinion " it is one of the finest and 

 best of the late table apples." 



Experimental Farm, Ottawa. John Craig. 



