- Identification and Figure.—Maund. Fruit, pl. 45.
Fruit, of medium size, two inches and three quarters wide, and the same in height; roundish, inclining to ovate, and ribbed round the eye. Skin, yellowish-green, with markings of russet on the shaded side, but covered with red, which is striped with darker red on the side next the sun. Eye, large, and somewhat closed, with broad flat segments like those of Trumpington, placed in a rather deep and somewhat undulating basin. Stalk, short, inserted in a rather shallow cavity, which is lined with delicate yellowish-brown russet. Flesh, yellowish, crisp, and tender, with a fine, brisk, sugary, and vinous flavor.
An excellent dessert apple of first-rate quality, in use from October to Christmas. The tree is a healthy and vigorous grower, and a good bearer.
The Elford Pippin is supposed to have been raised at Elford, near Lichfield, where it is a very popular variety, and to which locality it is at present chiefly confined.
111. EMPEROR ALEXANDER.—Hort.
- Identification.—[Hort. Trans.] vol. ii., p. 407. [Lind. Guide], 14.
- Synonymes.—Alexander, [Hort. Soc. Cat.] ed. 1, 6, and ed. 3, n. 7. Phœnix Apple, [Brook. Pom. Brit.] Aporta, acc. [Hort. Soc. Cat.] Russian Emperor, Ibid. Kaiser Alexander von Russland, [Diel Kernobst.] 2 B. 65. Aporta Nalivia, acc. [Diel Kernobst.]
- Figures.—[Hort. Trans.] vol. ii. t. 28. [Ron. Pyr. Mal.] pl. xxxv. f. 2.
Fruit, of the largest size; ovate. Skin, smooth, greenish-yellow, with a few streaks of red on the shaded side; and orange covered with streaks and patches of bright crimson on the side exposed to the sun, the whole strewed with numerous russety dots. Eye, large, and half open, with broad, erect, and acuminate segments, set in deep, even, and slightly ribbed basin. Stalk, an inch or more in length, inserted in a deep, round, and even cavity, which is lined with russet. Flesh, yellowish-white, tender, crisp, juicy, and sugary, with a pleasant and slightly aromatic flavor.
A beautiful and valuable apple, both as regards its size and quality. It is more adapted for culinary than dessert use, but is also desirable for the latter were it only on account of its noble appearance at the table. It is in use from September to December.
The tree is a strong and vigorous grower, producing long stout shoots, is perfectly hardy and a good bearer.