PLATE LXXIV. 
[Syn : Pomme de Pigeon; Cceur de Pigeon ; Pigeon Rouge ; Pomme de Jerusalem?^ 
The origin of this pretty apple is not known. It is supposed to have derived its chief names 
from a fancied resemblance of its bloom to the colour of a dove, or of its shape to that of the heart 
of a pigeon ; and that of “ Pomme de Jerusalem ,” from the core having four cells, disposed in the 
form of a cross, though this is not a permanent character, since the cells vary in number from three 
to five. 
Description. —Fruit : medium sized, conical and angular. Skin : membranous, shining, pale 
yellow, with a greenish tinge, which it loses as it attains maturity; but covered with fine clear red on 
the side next the sun, and strewed all over with minute russety dots, and imbedded white specks ; 
the whole surface is covered with a bluish bloom. Eye : open, with erect segments, prominently 
set in a narrow plaited basin. Stalk : very short, inserted in a deep and russety cavity. Flesh : 
white, tender, soft, juicy, and pleasantly flavoured, though not at all rich. 
An excellent apple for all culinary purposes, but of little value as a dessert fruit. It is in 
season from November to January. 
The tree, though vigorous, is small, with long, slender, downy shoots. It bears regularly 
and well. In storing the fruit, care must be taken to prevent fermentation, which destroys its 
pleasant acidity. 
