NURSERYMEN— ORCHARDISTS 



33 



Elberta 



Ripens middle of August. Yellow skin, ivith deep red cheek. 

 Flesh is golden ijelloic, red at the pit, firm and juicy. Size runs 

 from large to extra large. Freestone. 



There is no peach so widely known as Elberta. It has been the 

 standard for all other peaches almost since the date of its intro- 

 duction. As a commercial peach it is without a peer. You would 

 experience real difficulty if you attempted to find a large peach 

 orchard without a block of Elberta. 



FRUIT IS LARGE 



In most localities it will rank as extra large. But its desira- 

 bility is not based upon the size alone. The coloring of Elberta is 

 practically perfect. The rich yellow skin is almost entirely cov- 

 ered with dark blush upon the sunny side. This appearance and 

 the uniform size sem-e to sell it almost on sight. The flesh is juicy 

 and tender, yet firm enough to hold its shape well when canned. 



THE BEST COMMERCIAL PEACH 



It has long been considered by experts the one best peach for 

 growers, because, in addition to the merits mentioned above, it 

 ships well and is comparatively free from rot. This means that it 

 can be picked, boxed and shipped without spoilage, and that on 

 the fruit-stand it will look as though it was picked the same 

 morning. That is the real test of a commercial peach ; it should 

 not only grow and look well, but it should have stamina enough 

 to .still look its best when it reaches the retail agent. 



Elberta may be picked a short time before it is entirely ripe, as 

 it has the faculty of some apples in ripening after it has been 

 picked. Most peaches would rot before ripening, but Elberta will 

 ripen as though it still hung on the tree. Of course, Elberta must 

 not be treated like a winter apple, as no peach will stand it, but 

 at picking-time even a few. extra days are a great help. 



