PLATE XXXIX. 
3. THE SCHOOLMASTER. 
The origin of this Apple is not accurately known. It is believed to have been raised in 
Herefordshire from the seed of an American apple, by a descendant of Dr. Gretton, formerly Dean 
of Hereford Cathedral (1809-1820). It was first introduced to public notice by Mr. Thos. Laxton, 
who received a first class certificate for it from the Royal Horticultural Society, November 16, 1880. 
Description. —Fruit: conical, obtusely ribbed on the side, terminating at the eye in broad 
ridges, and knobbed at the base. Skin : bright green changing to greenish yellow as it ripens, 
coloured all over with large russety freckles, and with a pale thin red tinge where it is exposed to 
the sun ; russety round the stalk. Eye : closed with long pointed segments, the tips of which are 
reflexed, set in a pretty deep basin ; tube long, funnel-shaped ; stamens marginal. Stalk : very 
short, slender, or a mere knob, deeply inserted in a close cavity, with a large swollen protuberance 
on one side. Flesh : white, crisp, tender, and mildly acid, with some sweetness. Cells of the core 
open. 
A very excellent culinary apple, in season from October to December. 
The tree grows freely, is very hardy, and bears abundantly. 
