This variety has been long known in this country and esteemed as one of the finest apples. Worlidge, in 1676, says, “It is to be preferred in our plantations for all occasions.” Ellis, in his “Modern Husbandman,” 1744, says, “The Golden Rennet, when of the largest sort, may be truly said to be the farmer’s greatest favorite apple, because when all others miss bearing, this generally stands his friend, and bears him large quantities on one tree.”
150. GOLDEN RUSSET.—Ray.
- Identification.—[Raii Hist.] ii. 1447. [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 3, n. 740. [Lind. Guide], 89. [Fors. Treat.] 103. [Rog. Fr. Cult.] 105. [Down. Fr. Amer.] 132.
- Synonyme.—Aromatick, or Golden Russeting, [Worl. Vin.] 156.
- Figure.—[Ron. Pyr. Mal.] pl. xxix. f. 2.
Fruit, medium sized, two inches and three quarters wide, and two inches and a quarter high; ovate. Skin, thick, covered with dingy yellow russet, which is rough and thick on the shaded side, and round the base; and sometimes with a little bright red on the side next the sun. Eye, small and closed, set in a prominently plaited basin. Stalk, very short, inserted in an uneven cavity, and not protruding beyond the base. Flesh, pale yellow, firm, crisp, sugary, and aromatic; but not abounding in juice.
An excellent dessert apple of first-rate quality; in use from December to March.
The tree is healthy and an excellent bearer, but requires a warm situation to bring the fruit to perfection.
This is another of our old English apples. Worlidge calls it the Aromatick, or Golden Russeting, “it hath no compear, it being of a gold-color coat, under a russet hair, with some warts on it. It lives over the winter, and is, without dispute, the most pleasant apple that grows; having a most delicate aromatick hautgust, and melting in the mouth.”
151. GOLDEN STREAK.—H.
Fruit, medium sized, two inches and three quarters wide, and two inches and a quarter high; ovate. Skin, fine clear yellow, marked all over with broken streaks of fine bright crimson. Eye, large and open, considerably depressed. Stalk, short and slender, inserted in a russety basin. Flesh, yellow, brisk, and pleasantly flavored.
A Somersetshire cider apple.