'EffiSCRIPTIOfN. 35 



the fruit ripens. A variety of any fruit will vary in the season 

 depending upon the latitude and the altitude. The region in 

 which a sample was grown must be known, then, to accurately 

 determine its season. Some sorts will keep much longer than 

 others even under the same conditions. Different varieties may, 

 therefore, have a long ov a short season. Some varieties of the 

 different fruits, as the apple, currant, and gooseberry are used 

 before ripe ; in such cases the term ready for use is applicable. 

 Fruit is often shipped when green and this time must not be 

 coinfused wilh the true season. 



-It is often a difficxilt matter to tell when a fruit is ripe, as 

 there are no well marked lines between greenness and maturity ; 

 they grade insensibly into each other. Eor our "purpose ripeness 

 may be defined as the period when a fruit has attained greatest 

 size, highest color, and fullest development of flavor in its 

 succulent tissues. A fruit is at its best but for a short time 

 after which deterioration and decay begin. 



Economic Status. — ^Under this head ;should be stated the 

 uses which a variety best serves. Fruits are most often divided 

 into culinary or dessert sorts. Or they may be classified under 

 the headings market and dessert. Grapes are divided into table 

 and wine varieties, though many sorts answer both purposes 

 equally well. Other uses to which fruits are put should be 

 specified as necessity demands. Thus there are special varieties 

 for export, for canning, evaporating, cider and jelly making, 

 et«. All adaptabilities of tMs nature should be recorded. 



It is well to state in this connection the standing of a fruit 

 as to market value or for Jiome use in particular regions. Some 

 sorts find favor in one market or locality for seemingly no 

 accountable reason. Such preference represents xeal valiie in 

 a variety, however, and should be noted. 



