1872 The Western Pomologist and Gardener. 75 



Stritor's fiortfolio. 



Origin of Ihe Stark Apple. 



I wish to correct an error in the Pomologist concerning the origin of the Stark. It 

 is stated in the February number that the Stark originated in Western New York, while 

 the fact is it was Central Ohio. It was first brought to notice by H. P. Mcilaster, Leon- 

 ardsburg, Delaware county, Ohio, some twelve years ago, and who presented the fruit to 

 the Ohio State Horticultural Society for a name, and the name of Stark was given to it. 

 The honor of introducing it into Illinois belongs to your humble servant, instead of to 

 M. L. Dunlap, as stated. I was born and came up in Delaware county, Ohio, where 

 the Stark apple has grown for over fifty years. The original tree still stands on the farm 

 of Siberias Main, some five miles from Delaware, and is yet as strong and vigorous as 

 ever. The tree was planted by John Main, the father of Siberias. This is the true his- 

 tory of the Stark apple. — A. H. Gaston, Henry, III. 



Remarks. — We gather from both Warder and Elliott, that the Stark came from Erie 

 county, N. Y. Warder in his American Pomology says : — "From Erie county, New York, 

 this fruit has made its way westward by the Lakes, having been distributed by Col. 

 Hodge, of Buffiilo, and brought to the notice of his western friends by Hon. M. L. Dun- 

 lap, of Champaign, 111.,'' etc. If the Stark originated in Ohio, and was first brought to 

 notice as stated by our correspondent, it is very strange that neither Elliott nor Warder 

 should have been cognizant of the fact, and given a different account of it in their works 

 on fruit. 



Crltlcisn?. 



The notes on the contents of the January number of the Pomologist, page forty - one, 

 February number last, arrested my attention, in reference to the article " Fruits, how 

 formed, etc." He truly supposes " that all may be new to many readers," " but as it is aU 

 in the books," he objects to a " reprint, varied only in words." I would ask a civil ques- 

 tion. What does Mr. E. know that is not in the books? What Tiew matter can he grasp? 

 " Let hiui, then, simply tell the reader or student " what he knows that is worth knowing 

 about this neio matter which he can grasp. If he is blessed with an extensive and 

 expensive librarv of books, it would be selfish in the extreme to refer " the many readers" 

 to said books for information to which they have no acces.s. Nor can every one afford 

 such a library ; hence, it is quite as creditable for him, provided " he has capacity," to com- 

 pile matters of interest, perhaps scattered through numerous and expensive volumes, to 

 edify others to whom it may be "new." Because you or I, Mr. E., have well filled shelves 

 of costly and rare books, should we be like the " dog in the manger " and sneer because 

 one more liberal is willing to edify others, who may be desirous to know what the "books'" 

 say upon the matter treated of V If some one has said or stated a fact, or made a discovery, 

 which we find to be correct, we may use the information without attempting "to prepare 

 a complete work surpassing others." 



No, friend E., your remarks do you no credit, for I venture to affirm, if any of our pres- 

 ent " Solomons " were to publish just so much and no more than what was reaUy new, and 

 not in the bookn, a primer of ten pages would contain it ! Seeing you have both the knowl- 

 edge and the books, do not begrudge the " many readers" what to them may be new in 

 our journals. It is sheer selfishness. But rather go and do likewise, as your humble 

 writer of " Fruits, eow Formed." 



Charles Dotming and Kenlacky at tke South. 



Charles Downing. — This new sort has sustained the high reputation under which it was 



