9. API NOIR.—Duh.
- Identification.—[Duh. Arb. Fr.] I. 311. [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 3.
- Synonyme.—Schwarzer Api, [Diel Kernobst.] ix. 214.
- Figure.—[Poit et. Turp.] pl. 137.
Fruit, small, but a little larger and somewhat flatter than the Api, to which it bears a close resemblance. Skin, tender, smooth, and shining as if varnished, and almost entirely covered, where exposed to the sun, with very dark crimson, almost approaching to black, like the Pomme Violette, but becoming paler towards the shaded side, where there is generally a patch of light yellow; it is strewed with fawn-colored dots, and some markings of russet. Eye, very small, set in a pretty deep and plaited basin. Stalk, slender, about three quarters of an inch long, inserted in a rather deep, wide, and funnel-shaped cavity, which is slightly marked with russet. Flesh, pure white, firm and juicy, tinged with red under the skin, and with a pleasant, vinous, and slightly perfumed flavor.
A dessert apple, inferior to the Api, and cultivated merely for curiosity. It is in use from November to April, but is very apt to become meally.
The habit of the tree is similar to that of the Api, but it is rather a larger grower.
[10. AROMATIC RUSSET.]—Lind.
- Identification.—[Lind. Guide], 86. [Rog. Fr. Cult.] 105.
- Figure.—[Ron. Pyr. Mal.] pl. viii.
Fruit, medium sized, two inches and a half wide, and about two inches and a quarter high; roundish-ovate, and flattened at both ends. Skin, greenish yellow, almost entirely covered with brownish grey russet, strewed with brownish scales on the shaded side, and slightly tinged with brownish red, strewed with silvery scales on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, small and open, with broad recurved segments, and set in a rather shallow basin. Stalk, short, inserted in a deep and round cavity. Flesh, greenish yellow, firm, crisp, brisk, sugary, and richly aromatic.
A dessert apple of the first quality, in use from December to February.