Fig. 173.—ESOPUS SPITZENBERG.
Origin New York, on the Hudson. This fruit has changed its character in progressing westward and southward, becoming larger and more irregular, less brilliantly colored, less highly flavored, and less productive.
Tree vigorous, upright, thrifty, but in some regions subject to blight and unprofitable; Shoots slender.
Fruit medium to large, conical, ribbed, irregular; Surface smooth, yellow, covered with bright red, marbled and mixed, striped more or less distinctly; Dots numerous, large, irregular, gray, always elongated near the base.
Basin deep, ribbed or folded, often leather-cracked; Eye small, closed.
Cavity deep, acute, regular, or wavy; Stem long.
Core large, closed; Seeds long, pointed; Flesh rich, yellow, breaking, juicy at the North, more fibrous than crisp at the South; Flavor quite acid till ripe, when it is rich, saccharine, highly aromatic, giving the idea of the Spitzenberg flavor; Quality best; Use, dessert and kitchen; Season, December to February.
Lansingburgh.
The origin of this long-keeper has not been traced. It has been common about Cincinnati, and along the Ohio River, for many years.