THE PROBLEM OF VARIETIES. 



29 



this region is markedly superior to that grown in a region which is not within the geo- 

 graphical range of the variety. 



The tree is generally a vigorous grower, though the foliage is often badly injured 

 by fungous diseases. Bitter-rot and apple blotch are apt to be very serious on the fruit 

 unless thoroughly sprayed. A Ben Davis apple tree, fairly typical for its age in this 

 region, is shown in figure 1. 



Great quantities of Ben Davis apples, especially the lower grades, are evaporated 

 in the Ozarks. They make a particularly white stock, attractive in appearance, but 



Fig. 1.— A tree of the Ben Davis apple in northwestern Arkansas at the age of 10 years. It is fairly 

 typical of young trees of this variety in the Ozark region. 



in dessert quality the evaporated fruit is not better, relatively, than that of the fresh 

 fruit. 



Considered in its broad relation to the whole apple industry, the growing of immense 

 quantities of a variety which is recognized as being of such poor dessert quality as is the 

 one in question is a matter which touches every phase of the apple industry. If it were 

 grown and sold only as a cooking apple, the matter would assume a different aspect. 

 In general, it may be stated as a fundamental economic proposition that any com- 

 modity of poor quality placed on the market in large quantities for a long period will 

 2ir, 



