xii INTRODUCTION 



The flesh of an apple is different when fully ripe or when it has been stored 

 for any time ; each of those hereafter described has been tasted at its best 

 period. The term firm may be taken to apply to those fruits which, when 

 cooked, become more or less jelly-like or semi-transparent, as, for instance, the 

 well-known cooking apple, VVellington. The word mealy refers to those which 

 cook into a creamy pulp. Such apples do not " fall " in cooking, and are 

 excellent for dumplings, as e.g. Blenheim Orange and Waltham Abbey 

 Seedling. The term crystalline refers to those which have flesh of a snow- 

 like appearance ; these, as a rule, are good cookers. The term dry, with refer- 

 ence to the flesh, indicates fruits which are neither juicy nor firm, but frequently 

 make good baking apples, as Winter Queening. 



To estimate flavour, which is entirely a matter of taste and opinion, is 

 difficult, but the terms used will probably be useful as a guide. We may give 

 the following examples : — Rich (Egremont Russet), sugary or sweet (King 

 of the Pippins), spicy (D'Arcy Spice), aromatic (Ross Nonpareil), dry (Winter 

 Queening). 



It is premised that all good gardens have proper fruit rooms in which to 

 conserve their fruit ; one constructed after the manner of such an inexpensive 

 and effectual one as that detailed elsewhere is possible to all. It must be evi- 

 dent that it is a great advantage to be able to keep fruit for ten months 

 in perfect condition. A melting pear in March, a cooking apple for April 

 and May use, and a choice dessert fruit for the same periods are well worth 

 striving for, to say nothing of storage in large quantities, when excellent prices 

 may be obtained for the same fruits that during a glut on the markets in the 

 picking season would be sold for next to nothing. We state what is con- 

 sidered to be the best period for use of each fruit. In light, warm soils this 

 period may be earlier, while fruit from cold land may be somewhat later. In 

 this connection we may remark that perfectly ripe and matured fruit keeps 

 better than when it is gathered before its development is complete, and no very 

 late fruits can be perfect unless left on the trees well into November. 



Wherever the term " garden tree " is used, it refers to trees on the Para- 

 dise stock. Where it is stated "not suitable for cordons," it is because the 

 growth is too robust, causing wide gaps between the fruiting spurs ; " not 

 suitable for standards" indicates a "weeping" habit of growth, which is un- 

 suitable for trees grown in orchards where cattle or sheep are allowed. Yet in 

 the hands of a skilful gardener a robust tree may be made to form a cordon, 

 or the weeping tree may be valuable in a plantation on cultivated land. By 

 " orchard tree " is meant a standard on the Crab or Free stock, permanently 

 planted on grass land; the word "Paradise" refers to trees for planting in 

 gardens, or market trees on cultivated ground. 



The form of the fruits can be seen from the sections given ; where they 

 vary, this will be mentioned in the descriptions. 



Where fruits have been accorded recognition by the Royal Horticultural 

 Society they are classed F.C.C. (first-class certificate) or A.M. (award of 

 merit). Either of these is a stamp of good quality. The year in which the 

 award was granted is given. 



