108 



APPLE. 



Of this fruit a mistaken notion is got abroad, that 

 it is worn out, and not worth cuhivation ; and the 

 very slight notice bestowed upon it, in some recently 

 published catalogues, might lead the public to be- 

 lieve, that the Wheeler's Russet is no longer worth 

 notice. To prevent either prejudice or ignorance 

 throwing such a valuable apple into disrepute, the 

 author begs leave to represent, that he can appeal 

 to a thousand instances where the tree may be seen 

 of all ages, thrifty, prolific, and profitable, and as 

 well worth cultivation as any of its class. 



130. Royal Russet, — Is in season from November 

 to May. It is one of the most valuable apples for 

 culinary purposes that ever was raised or cultivated. 

 Whether it was known to the French pomologists 

 Merlet and Duhamel is not very clear ; but both 

 Langley and Miller describe it perfectly. The latter 

 excellent writer speaks of it thus, — The Royal 

 Russet is a large, fair fruit, of an oblong figure, 

 broad towards the base ; the flesh inclining to yellow. 

 This is one of the best kitchen apples we have, and 

 is a very great bearer. The tree grows large and 

 handsome, and the fruit is in use from October till 

 April, and is also a pleasant fruit to eat." This 

 description appeared in the first edition of his Dic- 

 tionary, published in 1724, in two 8vo. volumes, 

 price fifteen shillings. Little did he know at that 

 time, he was laying the foundation of a work, which 

 in little more tlian a century would he sold for fifteen 

 pounds ! 



From the vigorous growth of the tree it stands 



