1872 Tlie Western Pomologist and Gardener. 157 



these as field and commercial crops, while the cultivation of -wheat, oats, rye and hay, 

 together with the raising of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and swine, should all be left to 

 the farmer, in the proper sense of the word. 



Allen's Choice. — Early in May we were favored with specimens of this apple from 

 Messrs. Embrce and Bundy, of Spriugville, Iowa, with the following note: 



"Friend Miller. We send a package containing samples of Allen's Choice for thy 

 inspection and judgment as to qualit}', for keeping, table use, etc., as well as market. It 

 originated in Pennsylvania, brnuglit from there to Ohio, from Ohio to this place more 

 than twenty years ago by Z. Hampton, who propagated and distributed it through this 

 section. The tree has proved very hardy, productive, a strong grower and an early 

 bearer — indeed, one of the most profitable varieties hereabouts. Such is the testimony of 

 Mr. Hampton, son of Z., (who died some years ago), the present owner of the original 

 trees planted by his father." 



The specimens came to hand sound and plump, and were in excellent condition 

 when cut. May lO'h. It is evidently a good keeper, and is also of excellent quality for an 

 apple of its season. Fruit below medium, flattened, slightly angular ; skin deep red 

 sprinkled with green dots; stem^hort, stout, set in a deep cavity, basin broad and deep; 

 calyx closed ; core small ; seeds large, plump, deep brown; flesh white, tender, breaking, 

 very juicy and of an agreeable, sub-acid flavor. 



The Waleridce Apple. — In February number of the Pomologist, we acknowledged 

 the receipt of specimens of this apple from A. L. Hatch, of Ithaca, AVis. The Walbridge 

 may be reckoned one among the best of keepers, but to our taste" lacks in one other import- 

 ant essential of a good apple — flavor. It has an immature taste, as if gathered from the 

 tree before ripe, or of having been frosted, which may have been the case, for the speci- 

 mens came to hand through the mail at a very cold season in winter. The tree is reputed 

 to be very hardy, a strong grower and a good bearer — characteristics vf hieh, so far as they 

 go, make the Walbridge a valuable sort. We would like to have another, and perhaps 

 what might be, a fairer trial of the fruit. 



Bloomless, CoRELESS .\ND Seedless Apples. — When will wonders in horticulture 

 cease ! We acknowledge the* receipt of apple cions from Mr. Charles Waters, of Spring- 

 rill, Wis., under the above caption. We can't say that there is, or has been, or will be, 

 such a thing under the sun, as a bloomless, coreless and seedless apple. But with all due 

 deference to friend AVaters, we must say that a squint at such a nondescript would 

 strengthen the backbone of our faith in the thing amazingly. Will friend Waters send 

 along specimens of the fruit next fall ? ^ 



Apples From Dr. Weed. — Early in May we were placed under obligations to Dr- 

 James Weed, of Muscatine (who has the largest apple orchard in Iowa), for a sack of apples, 

 made up of Jonathans and two seedlings, all in first-rate condition for use. Some speci- 

 mens of the Jonathan, and of one of the seedlings, are now (June tenth) in our fruit box, . 

 sound, with specimens of Ben Davis, Willow Twig and Stark. How the Doctor keeps 

 Jonathans so long and in such fine condition, may sometime leak out through the pages 

 of the Pomologist. One of the seedlings is a good apple and a good keeper. About the 

 tize of Allen's Choice, as described elsewhere. Without close comparison, it might be 

 saken tor Raule's Jaunette — bearing a close resemblance in size, form and flesh. 



Wisconsin Weeping Willow. — Ed. P. and G. I would like to have the experience 

 of some one or more readers of the Pomologist and Gardener as to the value and hardi- 

 ness of this willow: Will some one who knows about it reply to this query? — H. C' 

 R., Council Bluffs, Iowa. 



A Str-^wberry — What IS It? — A year -ago last spring, we received through the 

 mail, a few strawberry plants — a half dozen or so. From whence they came, or from 

 whom we have not yet learned. They were planted and well cared for, and have this sea- 

 son produced some fine large clusters of fruit. 



