Varieties 229 



The Grimes and White Pearmain are comparable in their 

 behavior. The Grimes should almost be classed with 

 the heavy growers, but neither it nor the White Pearmain 

 bears well or produces fruit of the best color on the heavier 

 soils. Probably the main reason why the latter variety 

 is ever reported from eastern markets as being "off in 

 flavor" is because many of them are grown on poor, heavy 

 soils and are not properly matured. 



The Winesap is not a vigorous grower and is inclined 

 to overbear, as well as to produce fruit of undersize when 

 the trees reach maturity. It develops its best color, 

 however, on rich, well-drained soils. The tendency to 

 overproduction and weak growth so noticeable on light 

 soils may be counteracted to some extent by systematic 

 pruning and thinning. 



The Missouri (Pippin) is in the same class with the 

 Winesap, being, perhaps, the best example we have of a 

 slow-growing, overproductive, and consequently a short- 

 lived tree. It does best on the heavier soils. 



Rome (Beauty) attains more nearly to perfection on 

 a medium soil, that is, land neither too light nor too heavy. 

 The land should be well drained and fertile. The fruit 

 colors poorly on heavy soils, and the tree makes but little 

 better growth. The fruit is liable to be "off color," 

 anyway, unless the fall weather is suitable for ripening. 

 Therefore, if Rome is to remain a standard variety, it 

 should be planted only on suitable soil. The tree makes 

 an indifferent, upright growth, with an ill-shapen trunk, 

 particularly when young. It is more satisfactory when 

 top-worked on a vigorous, spreading variety, as the 

 Northern Spy. 



