THE PROBLEM OF VARIETIES. 47 



Rather high cultural conditions are evidently necessary for the fruit to develop 

 uniformly, since if neglected many of the apples are small and inferior. 



The fruit is medium to above in size; surface smooth, except for ribbing in some 

 specimens; color yellow, washed with mixed red splashes and broken stripes of crim- 

 son, and covered with rather heavy bloom; flesh yellow, medium fine, breaking, 

 moderately juicy, mild subacid; quality good to very good. As previously stated, 

 this variety is popular with some, especially for home use; others do not regard it as 

 of special importance. It apparently has sufficient merit to warrant more attention 

 than has been given it in recent years. 

 Ralls. Synonyms: Rawles Janet, Geniton. 



This variety is widely distributed throughout the Ozarks, and it is grown in con- 

 siderable quantities. It is rarely found, however, in the younger orchards. The 

 tree makes a moderately strong, spreading growth and is considered to be long lived 

 as a rule. It is one of the latest varieties to blossom and on this account it sometimes 

 escapes injury from late spring frosts and produces a crop of fruit when most other 

 varieties fail. It often tends to overbear. 



The fruit is commonly produced in bunches when the trees bear full, and it is often 

 too small in size to be satisfactory for commercial purposes. It is also exceptionally 

 subject to bitter-rot, apple scab, and other diseases. It is one of the latest varieties to 

 mature and one of the long-keeping sorts. These characteristics would tend to make 

 it a desirable variety, but on account of the defects noted it can not be recommended. 

 It is only under favorable conditions, with high culture and very thorough spraying, 

 that it can be expected to prove at all satisfactory. 

 Red Astrachan. 



While grown at a considerable number of points in the Ozarks, this summer variety 

 is not produced in large quantities. In fact at present it can hardly be considered a 

 commercial variety in this region. The tree makes a good, strong growth and under 

 favorable conditions may be expected to bear well, though it is somewhat inclined to 

 alternate bearing. It does not come into bearing as early as many varieties do. 



The fruit reaches good size, and when fully mature it is highly colored. It is too 

 acid in flavor for dessert purposes but is desirable for cooking. Its season of maturity 

 depends, of course, upon the section in which it is grown. In the southern part of the 

 Ozarks it reaches marketable condition the latter part of June or early July. The 

 growers in the Ozarks who have had experience with this variety are in general favor- 

 ably impressed with it as a summer sort. In some of the other apple regions of the 

 United States where summer apples are grown extensively it is an important variety, 

 though possessing several objectionable characteristics. 

 Red June. Synonym: North Carolina Red June. 



Of the summer apples grown in the Ozarks, this is probably one of the most popular 

 varieties; there are but few early sorts that are more widely grown. It is produced 

 commercially in this region to a limited extent. 



The tree, though not a particularly strong grower, is generally healthy and thrifty. 

 It begins bearing moderately young and may be expected to produce good crops with 

 regularity under favorable conditions. The fruit is sometimes borne in clusters to 

 some extent, which is an undesirable feature. Its rather small size is its most objec- 

 tionable characteristic as a commercial apple, but its deep-red color and good quality 

 usually cause it to sell for very satisfactory prices in Kansas City and other compara- 

 tively near-by markets. It begins ripening by the middle of June in the southern 

 part of this region and by early July in the more northern sections. It is considered a 

 very profitable variety by some of the Ozark growers. 



Rome Beauty. 



This variety is widely distributed throughout the Ozark region and occurs in many 

 orchards, but it has rarely been planted in large numbers. The tree reaches fairly 

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