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THE YORK IMPERIAL. 



The York Imperial apple is the standard commercial variety grown in 

 the Adams County fruit belt. The trees, being thoroughly acclimated, are 

 uniformly thrifty and vigorous wherever proper cultural methods are followed. 



The excellent quality of the York Imperial apple and its attractive ap- 

 pearance, as indicated by the accompanying illustration, have been large fac- 

 tors in building up the excellent reputation of the apples from this section. 



Historical. 



The following excellent historical account of the York Imperial is given 

 by Taylor: "The variety bearing this name originated early in the last cen- 

 tury on a farm adjoining the then borough of York, Pa. The attention of 

 the owner, Mr. Johnson, was attracted by the presence of schoolboys who 

 visited it in early spring to get the apples that had passed the winter on the 

 ground, covered by leaves. On securing some of the fruit he found it in fine 

 condition, and when the next crop was ripe took specimens to Mr. Jonathan 

 Jessop, a local nurseryman, who began the propagation of the variety before 

 1830, under the name 'Johnson's Fine Winter.' Under this name it was 

 known until after the middle of the century, when, after an inspection of 

 specimens the late Charles Downing pronounced it the 'Imperial of Keepers' 

 and suggested that it be named 'York Imperial.' Mr. Jessop did not find 

 ready sale for trees of the variety at first, and dumped the surplus trees from 

 his nursery into a hollow beside the turnpike passing his place. They were 

 picked up by farmers returning from market and taken home for planting on 

 their farms in the lower end of York County. After its merits as a variety 

 for market orchards was established, it became widely distributed throughout 

 Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and soon became a leading market 

 variety in those States." 



Appreciative. 



Dr. Funk, in his "Fruits for Pennsylvania," has the following to say in 

 appreciation of the value of York Imperial as a commercial proposition : 



"There is no apple on the list that has gained more rapidity in popularity 

 than the York Imperial. It has been steadily forging to the front until it 

 is now one of the leading export apples, bringing prices almost equal to the 

 famous Newton and Albemarle Pippin. Thousands of trees of this variety 

 are being planted annually in Adams County. This section is becoming noted 

 for producing this apple in the highest state of perfection, and buyers from 

 distant parts come and purchase the fruit in the orchard. Fruit is above 

 medium in size, skin greenish yellow, nearly, and sometimes entirely covered 

 with bright red; flesh crisp, tender and juicy, aromatic; retains its flavor and 

 keeps well with or without cold storage ; season all winter." 



Numerous instances are on record where this variety has produced an 

 average annual net income of over $200.00 per acre, some special cases show- 

 ing a net return of over $500.00 per acre in one season. 



