Varieties of Apples 447 



T7~~x„*.. Reasons for decline in com- 



mercval orchards. 

 low in quality, poor storage 

 i \ variety. 



27. Buckingham Poor shipper, moderate quality 



and irregular bearer. 



28. Falla water Coarse flesh, superseded by other 



late keeping varieties of better 

 quality. 



29. Swaar Tree lacks longevity, moderate 



cropper, lacking in attractive 

 appearance. 



30. Eed Canada (Steele's Red) Delicate tree, light and uncer- 



tain cropper. 



Of the above varieties, Ben Davis, Northern Spy, 

 Esopus and Yellow Bellflower are of great importance in 

 the commercial market. Ben Davis, formerly planted to 

 the exclusion of most other apples in Missouri and many 

 parts of the Middle West and South, is showing a rapid 

 decline. Not only are comparatively few Ben Davis now 

 being planted, but thousands of the old orchards are dying 

 out through the ravages of the blister-canker and general 

 neglect. Virginia is taking the best care of its Ben Davis 

 orchards. 



While it is true that the Ben Davis is of low quality, its 

 cost of production is very low as compared to most apples. 

 Due to its heavy bearing qualities, it has proved very 

 profitable in many regions. Growers to-day would make 

 no great mistake in planting 1 Ben Davis in those regions 

 outside of the irrigated sections where it is well adapted. 

 It is very suitable for culinary purposes and its low dessert 

 quality should not overbalance its recognized keeping qual- 

 ities and productivity. 



