30 



SUMMER APPLES IN THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES. 



and this fact is often taken advantage of by the growers, who market it earlier, by a few 

 days, than could otherwise be the case. The first pickings are often made in central 

 Delaware during the last days of June; it is usually all marketed by the middle of 

 July. In the North Carolina section it is about two weeks earlier. The fruit holds to 

 the trees well, however, so that its market period, including the period of full maturity, 

 is longer than that of most early sorts, extending over nearly a month, if desirable to 

 hold the fruit that length of time. On the other hand, the fruit matures quite uni- 

 formly and it may generally all be gathered in two pickings if desired. Its texture 

 remains firm when fully ripe ; hence, it is possible to handle the fruit largely in accord- 





Fig. 3. — An Early Strawberry apple tree in Delaware, about 50 years old. 



ance with market conditions. It appears probable that it would be a satisfactory 

 variety for its season throughout the region. It has been planted extensively in recent 

 years in the Chesapeake peninsula section instead of Early Harvest. In one or two 

 instances, this variety has not given its accustomed satisfaction, being late in coming 

 into bearing and otherwise faulty. Such experiences, however, are exceptional. 

 Early Strawberry. 



This variety is supposed to have originated in New York. It was referred to in 

 pomological literature prior to 1840, and is widely disseminated though not exten- 

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