Fig. 200.—FALL SWAAR.
The origin of this apple is unknown. Like many others of our Western fruits, which have been received from various sources, and often from unreliable persons, and with wrong names, we have been obliged to re-christen this.
Fruit full medium to large, round, somewhat flattened, regular, handsome; Surface smooth, yellowish-green, with a bronzy blush; Dots numerous, large, gray.
Basin medium, regular; Eye small, closed.
Cavity medium, acute, regular, green; Stem medium to long, knobbed.
Core rather small, closed, clasping; Seeds numerous, large, plump; Flesh yellow, breaking, juicy; Flavor mild sub-acid, agreeable; Quality good; Uses table and kitchen; Season September.
Gloucester White.
This Virginia apple was highly prized by Coxe for its qualities as a cider fruit. Not having seen it, his description is quoted:
"This apple is of middling size, of a shape not very uniform, varying from oblong to flat; the color when ripe is a bright yellow, with clouds of black spots; the flesh is yellow, rich, breaking, and juicy; of a fine flavor as a table apple, and producing cider of an exquisite taste. The stalk is of the ordinary length, inserted in a cavity of medium depth; the crown is moderately deep. The time of ripening is about the first of October, after which the fruit soon falls and is fit for cider. It does not keep long, but while in season is a delicious table apple. The tree is very thrifty, hardy and vigorous, of a regular and beautiful form, and very productive. It is much cultivated in the lower counties of Virginia, from whence I procured it, as an apple of high reputation."