
          158                                                    No 58

Esopus Spitzemberg [Spitzenberg]

[sketch of apple]

The above is a representation of a genuine Asopus
Spittzbergen Apple brought by Doctor Mease from
Asopus in the Fall of 1810.  It is a very handsome large
apple of an oval form, the stalk is of midling length.  Planted
in a deep cavity and projecting but little beyond the level of the
fruit viewed sideways.  The skin is a fine bright red, something
between a Crimson & Scarlet with numerous small
clear yellow spots or points.  The flesh is yellow uncommonly highly
flavored, rich, sprightly, and juicy.  Supposed by the New York
farmer to be superior to all other apples in the situations suited
to it in the neighborhood of Esopus and to the Northward of the
Highlands -- Is is not in perfection till Chrismass
1810
Dec 21.

I eat one of these apples brought by Dr Mease from Esopus.
I think it equalled in flavor any apple I ever eat.
Mr [illegible] Sur. Gen of New York in an address del'd [delivered]
to the Ag: Secy of that State 20 Feb 1799. Says "The Spitsenberg
"apple which may challenge the world to match it
"was first discovered as an accidental production in the 
"neighborhood of Albany" -- Vol. 1. p 299. Agr 
Transactions [Transactions of the Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures Instituted in the State of New York]
        