1. The convexity of the fruit next the base and the apex is the same.—2. The breadth does not differ from the height, except only about a quarter of an inch.—3. When laid on their sides they present a spherical shape.
ORDER II. CONTUBERNALIA.—STORING OR HOUSEHOLD APPLES.
1. Having the cells regular.—2. They are not striped, and are either of an uniform color, or washed with red on the side next the sun.—3. They do not decay readily.—4. They are not unctuous when handled.—5. They are never covered with bloom.
GROUP 1. FRUCTUS ACUMINATI.—FRUIT TAPERING.
Diminishing towards the eye.
GROUP 2. FRUCTUS DEPRESSI.—FRUIT FLAT.
They are constantly broader than high.
Such is the classification of Dochnahl, and although it is not all that could be desired, it is certainly the best which has yet been published, and will serve as a good foundation on which to raise a more perfect work.
I have not had an opportunity of applying either of these arrangements to the classification of our British apples, but for the purpose of affording a little assistance in identifying the different varieties described in this work, I have prepared the following, which, although I am aware is not what could be desired, will at least be sufficient for all general purposes. The period of duration, and the coloring of fruits, vary to a considerable extent according to circumstances of soil, situation, and season; but in the following arrangement, I have endeavored to embrace those characters which they are most generally found to possess.