The tree is a free grower, and is readily distinguished by the excessive pubescence of its leaves and shoots.
Mr. Lindley in the “Guide to the Orchard” considers this variety as identical with the Margaret of Ray, which is a mistake. It is no doubt the Margaret of Miller, but certainly not of any English author either preceeding, or subsequent to him. It is to be observed that the lists of fruits given by Miller in his Dictionary are chiefly taken from the works of the French pomologists, while the fruits of his own country are almost wholly neglected; and the only reason I can assign for him describing this variety for the Margaret is, because our own Margaret being by some authors called the Magdalene, he might have thought the two synonymous.—See Margaret.
218. MAIDEN’S BLUSH.—Coxe.
- Identification.—Coxe, View, 106. [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 3, n. 420. [Fors. Treat.] 213. [Down. Fr. Amer.] 90.
Fruit, large, three inches and a quarter wide, and two inches and a half high; roundish and flattened. Skin, of a fine, rich, pale-yellow color, tinged with a blush of beautiful red on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, pretty large and closed, set in a round, even, and rather deep basin, Stalk, short, inserted in a deep, and round cavity. Flesh, white, tender, brisk, and pleasantly acid.
A very beautiful culinary apple, but not of first-rate quality. It is in use during September and October.
The tree is a vigorous grower, and an abundant bearer.
This variety is of American origin. It is highly esteemed in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, and considered one of the best culinary apples in America; it is also much used for drying, for which purpose it is considered the best. It is not however held in great repute in this country, its size and color being its chief recommendation.
219. MANKS CODLIN.—Hort.
- Identification.—[Hort. Soc. Cat.] 161. [Lind. Guide], 32. [Rog. Fr. Cult.] 66.
- Synonymes.—Irish Pitcher, acc. [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 3. Irish Codlin, [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 1, 178. Eve, in Scotland. Frith Pippin, acc. [Lind. Guide].
- Figure.—[Ron. Pyr. Mal.] pl. iii. f. 1.