POPULAR KINDS OP APRICOTS 



VARIETIES OF THE APRICOT 



253 



Though nearly all standard varieties of the apricot have been 

 introduced and planted in this State, comparatively few are found 

 on the list of the orchard planters. Many local seedlings have 

 been brought to notice and propagated to some extent but are less 

 used now than twelve years ago, and the disposition is to restrict 

 planting to a few old varieties. There is, however, still a need of 

 new varieties combining size, quality and regular bearing. As 

 with most other fruits, some varieties are found to succeed wher- 

 ever conditions favor the fruit at all ; other varieties succeed in 

 some regions and not in others. Our table of varieties for the 

 different counties shows this fact, and an attempt will be made 

 to make the showing more explicit by notes in connection with 

 the mention of each variety. 



In the following statement the arrangement is approximately 

 in the order of ripening, and the descriptions are from Downing, 

 with additions and changes to meet local observation : 



. VARIETIES OF FOREIGN ORIGIN 



Large Early. A French variety; fruit of medium size, rather oblong and 

 compressed ; suture deep, skin slightly downy ; pale orange in the shade, fine 

 bright orange with a few ruddy spots in the sun; flesh separating readily from 

 the stone, orange colored, rich and juicy; kernel bitter. This variety is espe- 

 cially popular in the southern coast counties, but in most situations has proved 

 an uncertain bearer. Ripens before Royal. 



Wiggins's Seedling. Favored in Winter's district as best of early apricots ; 

 good size, fine color, solid red cheek, good bearer; ten days earlier than Royal. 



Early Golden. Origin unknown ; small, roundish oval, with suture well 

 marked and extending half way around ; skin smooth, pale orange ; flesh 

 yellow, moderately juicy and sweet, with very good flavor; separates from the 

 stone. This variety is reported favorably from some counties, but generally 

 otherwise, and is not largely grown. Ripens before Royal. 



Royal. A French variety, and at the present time the leading California 

 apricot. Of large size (when well thinned out), free stone, fine color and 

 flavor, good bearer, and fruit ripens evenly, when well grown ; a favorite with 

 the canners and an -excellent variety for drying. Fruit roundish, large, oval, 

 slightly compressed ; skin dull yellow with orange cheek, very faintly tinged 

 with red, and a shallow suture; flesh pale orange, firm and juicy, with a rich 

 vinous flavor. 



There is a variety somewhat grown in Sacramento and Solano counties, 

 sometimes called "White Royal," which is not liked by canners, because of its 

 lack of color and flavor. 



Large Early Montga}>ict. Large, orange yellow, reddish on sunny side, firm. 



Oullin's Early. Early form of Peach apricot, large size, delicious flavor. 

 Ripens in Amador county four weeks earlier than Peach. 



Luizet. Large, oval, distinct suture, one side higher than the other; orange 

 with crimson cheek; flesh deep yellow, firm, rich. Especially approved in 

 the upper San Joaquin. 



Blenheim or Shipley. This is a valuable variety in this State and seems 

 to surpass Downing's description both in vigor of tree and size of fruit. John 

 Rock modifies Downing's description to suit California experience with this 

 variety, as follows : "A very good variety, above medium, oval ; orange, with 



