Fig. 126.—BRACKEN.
This variety has caused much discussion among the Western Pomologists, on account of its resemblance to the Early Harvest. The late Dr. Barker, one of the most intelligent fruit-growers of the country, said it was introduced as a seedling from Kentucky in 1812. Elliott does not mention it in his work, but in the discussions of the Society he is reported as having declared it the same as Early Harvest, with which it agrees in peculiar growth of twigs. H.N. Gillett, and others, familiar with the fruits of southern Ohio, consider it a distinct seedling of Kentucky. The specimen described was from that gentleman.
Fruit medium, oblate, somewhat conical, irregular and angular; Surface smooth, pale yellow; Dots scattered, dark.
Basin abrupt, medium, folded; Eye small, closed. Cavity wide, deep, irregular, brown; Stem large, knobby.
Core irregular, closed, meeting the eye; Seeds angular, imperfect; Flesh white, very tender, fine grained; Flavor mild sub-acid; Quality good; Use, table and kitchen; Season, June, July; earlier than Early Harvest.
Canada Reinette.
Fig. 127.—CANADA REINETTE.
This fine fruit does not appear to be well known to our orchardists, and some of our writers have given the White Pippin among its numerous synonyms, and have suggested that they might be the same, which is not so; they are very distinct. I have omitted the synonyms, as they can be of little interest to our planters; they are not used in this country. The origin of this variety is uncertain, probably European. Downing says that Merlet, a French writer, described the fruit in the 17th century.