A culinary apple of first-rate quality, in use from November to February.
This variety was named in honor of Lady Caroline Suffield, the wife of Lord Suffield, of Blickling and Gunton Hall, Norfolk.—Lindley.
64. CATSHEAD.—Ray.
- Identification.—[Raii Hist.]ii. 1447, n. 8. [Lind. Guide], 65. [Down. Fr. Amer.] 103. [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 3, n. 130.
- Synonyme.—Cat’s Head, [Fors. Treat.] 97.
Fruit, large, three inches and a quarter broad, and the same in height; oblong, nearly as broad at the apex as at the base, with prominent ribs on the sides, which extend into the basin of the eye, and terminate in several knobs. Skin, smooth and unctuous, pale green; but with a brownish tinge next the sun, and strewed with minute russety dots. Eye, large and open, set in a large, angular, and rather deep basin. Stalk, short, and slender for the size of the fruit, inserted in a shallow and angular cavity. Flesh, tender, juicy, and sweet, with a pleasant, acid, and slightly perfumed flavor.
One of our oldest and best culinary apples; it is in use from October to January.
The tree is a strong and vigorous grower, and attains the largest size, and though not an abundant bearer during the early period of its growth, it is much more productive as it becomes aged.
In the Horticultural Society’s Catalogue of Fruits, and also in Lindley’s “Guide to the Orchard.” This is made synonymous with the Costard of Ray, which is undoubtedly an error, the Costard being a distinct variety.
The Catshead is one of our oldest varieties, and was always highly esteemed for its great size. Phillips, in his poem on Cyder, says—