Plant, in its general character, not distinguishable from the Large Red. The fruit also is quite similar in form and size; the principal mark of distinction being its color, which is a fine, clear, semi-transparent yellow. Flesh yellow, well filling the centre, and perhaps a little sweeter or milder than the Red; though generally not distinguishable when stewed or otherwise prepared for the table.
The variety is hardy, yields abundantly, and comes to perfection with the Large Red. It is, however, not generally cultivated; the Red descriptions being more commonly used, and consequently better adapted for cultivation for the market.
Mexican.
Fruit large, comparatively smooth, frequently of an oval form, bright-red, often tinted with rose or bright-pink; flesh pink, solid, filling the fruit to the centre.
It is similar to, if not identical with, the Perfected.
Perfected.
Lester's Perfected. Pomo d'Oro Lesteriano.
A recently introduced and comparatively distinct variety. Plant remarkably healthy and vigorous, often attaining a height or length of six or eight feet, and, in strong soil, of more than ten feet; fruit pinkish-red, or rose-red, of large size, comparatively smooth and regular, flattened, remarkably solid and well filled to the centre, and, when cooked, yielding a large return in proportion to its bulk; flesh firm, well flavored, with comparatively few seeds intermixed. In this last respect, not unlike the Seedless.
When started at the same time, it ripens two weeks after the early varieties, and continues to yield in great abundance until the plants are destroyed by frost. It is considered one of the best sorts for cultivation for the market, and by many is preferred to all others for the garden.
On the authority of a recent writer, the variety has already, to some extent, degenerated. Impure seed, or the influence of some peculiar locality, may have furnished grounds for the statement; but if the variety is genuine or unmixed, it will, in almost any soil or exposure, commend itself by its hardiness, solidity, and great productiveness.