Varieties of Fruits, 527 



for gathering about the middle of November, or earlier, and 

 some of it may be kept till late in the spring ; but when 

 kept very long, it gradually becomes shrivelled, and parts with 

 its acid flavour, as it loses its crispness ; yet it retains its sweet- 

 ness, even when the flesh has assumed a tough and spongy 

 character. From what has been observed of the austere 

 sharpness of the flavour of this Apple in autumn, and of its 

 vapid sweetness in spring, it may be inferred, that there is 

 an intermediate period in which it may be ranked as an ac- 

 ceptable variety for the dessert. The tree is an abundant 

 bearer, and has sometimes produced fruit of eight ounces 

 weight, and ten inches in circumference. The produce of 

 the parent tree in the last season (1821) was in number 403, 

 and in weight 1051bs. ; a score of the Apples of this crop, 

 weighing 7lbs. 13 ounces, has been received by the Society, 

 the two largest measuring 10^ inches each in circumference, 

 and weighing 7-§- ounces each. The whole crop of the year 

 1821 fa bad season for fruits) has more of the russet colour 

 than usual, and at present (middle of December) the acid 

 flavour is very predominant : no semi-pellucid patch is ob- 

 served upon any of this crop, which is nevertheless considered, 

 both in quantity and size, as a very fair sample of the variety. 

 The largest Apple ever grown of this sort was produced 

 in the year 18 J 8, measuring 1J£ inches in circumference, 

 and weighing 9£ ounces. The produce of this variety has 

 been hitherto too limited for any trial of its value as a 

 Cider Apple. It is probable, that it would be much improved 

 in flavour by being transplanted into a warmer climate than 

 the northern part of Shropshire. 

 vol. iv. 3 Y 



