VARIETIES OF APPLES. 39 



Missouri. Synonym: Missouri Pippiyi. 



This variety is found only occasionally in the younger orchards. It has not been 

 tested sufficiently to render definite conclusions possible as to its merits for these 

 regions. The tree is quite susceptible to twig-blight in some places. In fact, this is a 

 rather serious weakness of the tree. Blight has been noted on trees growing on several 

 types of soil in these regions, but it is doubtful if this is associated directly with the soil 

 conditions. It comes into bearing at an early age. and for this reason it is frequently 

 recommended as a -filler" to plant with other sorts with the intention of cutting 

 it out when the permanent trees require the space. 



As to the adaptability of the Missouri apple, it is sufficient to state that on Cecil 

 clay and Porters clay at 1.000 to 1.200 feet, it is promising as a commercial sort. It 

 has fairly good keeping qualities. At 3.000 feet in North Carolina it is doing well, but 

 at the higher points it is of doubtful value. 

 Nansemond. Synonym: Xansemond Beauty. 



Tins variety is quite widely distributed, but it is so very poor in dessert quality 

 that it is not a popular apple, though it is frequently very beautiful in appearance and 

 sometimes sells at good prices. 



The finest specimens of this variety which have come within the range of these 

 studies were grown in southern Virginia at an elevation of from 1.200 to 1.500 feet, 

 on a soil approaching Porters sandy loam, but containing more clay than this type 

 does, and on an eastern to southeastern slope. The trees were 16 to IS years of age. 

 Under these conditions it is very highly colored and of good size. Cecil clay and Cecil 

 sandy loam at the usual elevations of these types produce fairly good specimens, but 

 the color is usually less brilliant and the tendency to •"cloud" much greater than at 

 the higher points referred to. The tendency to drop its fruit badly is noticeable under 

 a wide range of conditions. This difficulty has been noted especially in Virginia on 

 Cecil clay at 1.000 feet and on Porters black loam at about 2.200 feet. 

 Nickajack. 



In these regions this variety is commonly known by the name indicated, though 

 more than forty synonyms for it have appeared in American pomological literature. 

 It has been quite widely planted in these regions, especially in the Piedmont, though 

 in small quantities. It is generally successful, being more regular in bearing than 

 many varieties are. The fruit is similar in general appearance to McAfee, and in 

 these regions it is doubtless preferable to that variety. In the upper portion of the 

 Piedmont region, grown on Cecil sandy loam. Cecil clay, or Porters clay at the usual 

 elevations of those types, it is generally prolific. The fruit may be kept until well 

 into the winter without special care. 

 Northern Spy. synonym: Spy. 



The Northern Spy is another one of the northern varieties which is found frequently 

 in the older orchards of these regions and is widely distributed throughout them, espe- 

 cially in Virginia and North Carolina, though occurring in small numbers. It has 

 been found on nearly all the more common types of soil and at many elevations from 

 1.000 to 3.500 feet. While it is a standard winter variety in the North and of high 

 dessert quality, it is of little or no value here, except possibly at the highest eleva- 

 tions. The claim is made that it lacks the peculiar crispness and richness of flavor 

 in the South which characterize it in the North. The tree is a vigorous grower, and 

 under favorable conditions it reaches large size, but it is very tardy in coming into 

 bearing. It is frequently planted in some sections of the country as a stock on which 

 to top-work other varieties. 



Serious rotting and dropping are conspicuous faults at most southern points where 



this variety is grown, except at the highest altitudes. The longest keeping specimens 



and those which in every way approach most nearly to the best type grown in the 



North are produced at elevations of 3.500 to 3.800 feet in North Carolina on clay loam 



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