early as September, and frequently rots and drops before it 
is ripe. A few growers who have the Baldwin apple in the 
mountain orchards, particularly those in the northern por- 
tion of the Blue Ridge region, find it fairly satisfactory 
for local markets. There are other varieties, however, thet 
are more reliable croppers and better adapted to these con- 
ditions." 
The Baldwin is not a reliable variet-. for commercial 
planting in @ryland. 
Ben Davis. 
"There are few varieties of fruit as widely distributea 
in as many sections of the country as ‘he Ben Davis apple, 
and in the Piedmant and Blue Ridge regions it is one of the 
comparatively small number cf varieties which have attained 
a recognized commercial importance, The tree has no conspic- 
uous faults; it begins to bear moderately early, usually 
producing considerably by the time it reaches six or seven 
vears cf age. The crops are produced mainly in alternate 
years. The fruit when well grown is very attractive in app 
pearance and is veluable for its keeping and shipping qual- 
ities, but it is notoriously poor in dessert quality. 
(-44-) 
