48 APPLES AND PEACHES IN THE OZARK REGION. 



good size, but the foliage is frequently rather weak and subject to leaf diseases, which 

 often cause the leaves to fall prematurely. There are very few places in this region 

 where its record for bearing is satisfactory. It may blossom well and the fruit set 

 abundantly, but in many instances subsequent dropping occurs to such an extent 

 that before the fruit reaches maturity it is nearly all on the ground. This seems to be 

 due simply to a lack of adaptability to conditions, which results in a weak articulation 

 of the stem with the fruit spur. Further, the fruit rarely develops to a satisfactory 

 size, it does not color well, and its general finish is poor. The trees are also tardy in 

 some instances in coming into bearing. 



While the above indicates the behavior of this variety, as it has been observed 

 throughout a large part of the Ozarks, there are exceptions which suggest that in some 

 sections under high cultural conditions it may be of value. In the eastern portion of 

 the Ozarks, where the elevation drops below 1,000 feet, it has been found in one or 

 two instances where it was doing much better than in more elevated locations; also 

 at points south of the Arkansas River it is more promising than it is farther north. 

 There is some doubt, however, even in the sections where it appears to be fairly well 

 adapted, whether it would prove of sufficient value for extensive planting. In some 

 of the important apple-producing regions of the country it has become a prominent 

 variety. 

 Shackleford. 



The first tree of this variety is said to have been owned by Judge Shackleford, 

 of Canton, Mo., though it is supposed to have originated in a collection of seedlings 

 grown from seed planted by a Mr. Riley near Athens, Mo. The authenticity of the 

 latter statement, however, has not been verified in the present connection. 



It was awarded first prize in 1884 by the Illinois State Horticultural Society. It was 

 introduced about the same time, or possibly a year or so later. It was then antici- 

 pated, apparently, that it would soon occupy a very prominent place in the apple 

 interests of the country. Subsequent experience, however, demonstrated that it 

 did not possess qualities requisite to that end. The tree bears early, but the dessert 

 quality of the fruit is very poor. Moreover, in the Ozark region it must be handled 

 as a fall variety and during the autumn numerous other more valuable sorts are avail- 

 able. It is therefore considered of no particular value for this region. 

 Shannon. Synonym: Shannon Pippin. 



The origin of this variety is uncertain, but it has frequently been ascribed to Wash- 

 ington County, Ark. It has also been considered by some authorities as identical 

 with Ohio Pippin, a variety of Ohio origin. On the other hand, this identity has been 

 questioned by prominent pomologists. 



In some notes left by the late Charles Downing there appear several references 

 giving information which was supplied to him by some of his correspondents in 

 Arkansas. One or two of these references are of particular interest in the present con- 

 nection and in substance they are as follows: 



Richard Thurston, of Van Buren, Ark., in January, 1878, wrote Mr. Downing: 

 "I have been engaged in this section of Arkansas over 30 years in fruit growing 

 and know about the Shannon Pippin. One Granville Shannon, some 35 years ago, 

 bought of a tree peddler and planted at or near a small place in Washington County, 

 Ark., called Evansville, quite a number of apple trees, and when they came into 

 bearing several of the trees bore the apples which, in consequence of having lost the 

 labels and name if any had been attached, took the name of Shannon Pippin." 



Another one of Downing's correspondents, John B. Gill, Springfield, Ark., writing 

 in 1884, confirms the above information and gives additional details. He states: "It 

 [the Shannon apple] was brought to Boonsboro, this county, in 1833, by a Mr. Rector, 

 from Indiana, along with a lot of other trees which he brought here for sale, I think 

 from an Ohio nursery, and heeled in at Kidds Mill, 1 mile south of Boonsboro. The 

 Shannon Pippin being small and scrubby, just as they are growing in my nursery 

 275 



