The tree is an abundant bearer, and is extensively grown in the western parts of Sussex, where it is esteemed a first-rate fruit.
309. ROYAL RUSSET.—Miller.
- Identification.—[Mill. Dict.] [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 3, n. 749. [Fors. Treat.] 125. [Rog. Fr. Cult.] 108. [Lind. Guide], 96.
- Synonyme.—Passe Pomme de Canada, acc. [Hort. Soc. Cat.] Reinette de Canada Grise, [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 1, 870. Reinette de Canada Platte, Ibid. 871. Leather Coat, Laws. Orch. 65. [Raii. Hist.] 1448.
- Figure.—[Ron. Pyr. Mal.] pl. xix. f. 1.
Fruit, large, three inches and a half wide, and two inches and three quarters high; roundish, somewhat flattened and angular. Skin, covered with rough brown russet, which has a brownish tinge on the side next the sun; some portions only of the ground color are visible, which is yellowish-green. Eye, small and closed, set in a narrow and rather shallow basin. Stalk, half-an-inch long, inserted in a wide and deep cavity. Flesh, greenish-yellow, tender, crisp, brisk, juicy and sugary.
A most excellent culinary apple of first-rate quality; it is in use from November to May, but is very apt to shrink and become dry, unless, as Mr. Thompson recommends, it is kept in dry sand.
The tree is of a very vigorous habit, and attains the largest size. It is perfectly hardy and an excellent bearer.
This has always been a favorite old English variety, being mentioned by Lawson so early as 1597, and much esteemed by almost every subsequent writer.
310. ROYAL SHEPHERD.—H.
Fruit, above medium size, three inches wide, and two and three quarters high; roundish, inclining to ovate, slightly ribbed, and narrowing towards the eye. Skin, greenish-yellow in the shade; but covered with dull red next the sun, and strewed all over with minute russety dots. Eye, partially closed, set in a round and rather deep basin. Stalk short, inserted in a deep funnel-shaped cavity, which is lined with ramifications of russet. Flesh, greenish-white, firm, crisp, brisk and pleasantly flavored.