NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 



105 



NORTHERN SPY APPLE. 



SLse, large ; form, roundish-conical, varying occa- 

 sionally to flattish conical, slightly ribbed or undulat- 

 ing ; skin, very fair and smooth, of a greenish yellow 

 ground, mostly covered with rich dark red, with 

 stripes of brilliant crimson and purplish I'ed, fre- 

 quently russet around the stem, numerous small 

 dots over the surface, which is covered -\Aith a thin 

 bloom ; stem rather long, in a broad, deep, irregular 

 cavity ; calyx, small, closed in a narrow, tolerably 

 deep, slightly ribbed basin; flesh, yellowish -white, 

 fine texture, tender, very crisp, juicy, of a mild, deli- 

 cious, aromatic flavor. In use in spring, and often 

 keeping till midsummer. 



The Northern Spy, for a few years past, has excited 

 more attention than any other apple. It is beautiful, 

 splendid, and excellent. Remarkable for its fresh- 

 jiess after long keeping. \Yc have had this fruit for 

 several years, and for spring and early summer, it 

 promises to excel every other variety. Yet it has 

 not been fairly tested in New England as to its bear- 

 ing properties, fairness, &c. It is a great grower, 

 and remarkably hardy. We have cultivated it sev- 

 eral years in Maine, and in this section, Avitho.ut the 

 least injury from cold winters. It will endui-e more 

 severe cold than the Baldwin or Greening. 



The growth of this variety is upright, forming a 



compact top, which needs thinning to expose the fruit 

 to the sun. Owing to its upright habit, it is advi- 

 sable to graft on Avide-spreading trees. High culture 

 and pruning are necessary to keep up a vigorous 

 growth and produce a good crop of fair fruit. 



The original tree of the Northern Spy was raised 

 on the farm of Mr. O. Chapin, East Broomfield, 

 N. Y., from seed carried from Connecticut. So it is 

 in reality of New England origin. We do not name 

 this, claiming honor for New England, for she already 

 has a large share in the fruit line, but we mention it 

 as a circumstance showing that it may be adapted to 

 our climate. As this variety blooms about a fort- 

 night later than other apples, it is more likely to 

 esca.pe injury by spring frosts. 



We can fui'nish scions of this valuable apple. 



SUBSTITUTE FOR THE POTATO. 



M. Masson has lately grown a new root, called the 

 uUuco, which can, it is thought, replace the potato. 

 It originally came from Peru, and grows perfectly 

 well in the open air: the flavor is very near the 

 same as that of the potato. The part above ground 

 furnishes a very agreeable vegetable, something like 

 the bean in flavor. Three crops of the green part 

 can be obtained in the same season. — Paris Paper. 



