THE PROBLEM OF VARIETIES. 45 



Oldenburg. Synonym: Duchess of Oldenburg. 



This is a Russian variety which was introduced into this country through England 

 in 1832 by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The fruit was first exhibited 

 as home grown in 1839 by the elder Manning. It is now widely distributed in many 

 sections of the country. The tree is a standard of hardiness where extremely low 

 temperatures are a consideration. It is not extensively grown in the Ozarks, though 

 quite widely distributed. The tree is a moderate grower, not especially subject to 

 disease, and generally desirable in other respects. The limited observations which 

 have been possible indicate that it is generally prolific and regular in bearing in this 

 region when conditions are favorable. The fruit is medium in size; roundish oblate 

 in form; yellow, washed and streaked with red. It is rather sharply acid and of value 

 for cooking rather than for dessert purposes. For its season, which in northwestern 

 Arkansas begins about the middle of July, it is promising for this region. With the 

 increased interest in the growing of early apples and the active market demand for 

 them which has obtained during the past few years, this and other early sorts well 

 adapted to Ozark conditions are worthy of consideration. 

 Oliver Red. Synonyms: Oliver, Senator. 



This variety originated l in Washington County, Ark., where it has been known 

 for many years. During the past 10 to 15 years it has been more or less disseminated 

 throughout the Ozarks and also in many sections of the country under the name Senator, 

 though as a rule it has not been planted heavily by individual growers. 



In the section above mentioned, where this variety has been longest known, numer- 

 ous complaints are made about the tree. In many orchards, for no apparent cause, 

 it presents a rather sickly appearance; the leaves are frequently small and yellowish; 

 branches die and other difficulties appear which suggest lack of constitutional vigor. 

 The foliage is also very susceptible to cedar rust. Some growers attribute this behav- 

 ior of the tree to insufficient hardiness in the climate of northwestern Arkansas. As 

 trees in the southern extremity of the Ozark uplift, where some of the climatic condi- 

 tions may be a little milder than they are in northwestern Arkansas, appear to be 

 rather more vigorous in some cases than they are farther north, at least when young, 

 it seems possible that the tree may do better under other climatic conditions than 

 those which prevail in the section where it originated. 



Generally, throughout the Ozarks, it is fairly productive; but the trees appear to be 

 quite irregular in this respect, some producing heavily while others bear sparingly. 

 In the localities above referred to, however, where the trees appear to be more thrifty 

 and vigorous, they are not as productive as they are in northwestern Arkansas. Most 

 of these stronger trees that have been observed are under 10 years of age, and it is 

 possible that they may become more productive later. 



The fruit is medium to large; under color yellow, washed over nearly entire surface 

 with bright mixed red, and faintly striped with dark crimson; flavor subacid, pleas- 

 ant, and good to very good in dessert quality. In this region it is a fall apple and is 

 usually picked early in September. 



On account of its high quality and beauty of appearance this is a desirable variety 

 where it can be grown successfully. Special methods of culture may be of some value 

 in overcoming the faults that have been mentioned. It is considered worthy of more 

 careful and thorough testing in this and other regions. 

 Payne. Synonyms: Payne's Keeper, Payne's Late Keeper. 



This variety was brought to notice by the late J. G. Payne, Everton, Dade Co., 

 Mo., on whose place the original tree stood. The principal points of historical inter- 

 est connected with this variety, as related to one of the writers by a member of the 

 firm of J. G. Payne Sisters, the business name under which the >; Payne place" is 

 now operated, are as follows: The original tree is supposed to have been one of a col- 



i For more complete historical data see Yearbook of the Department of Agriculture for 1906, p. 337. 

 L'75 



