LEARDMAN DERFORDSHIRE.
Illustrations 117a, 117b, 117c.
Presumably of English origin, though not certain yet. This variety has not yet been described, but was only mentioned in a few catalogues. We received it from France.
SHAPE: sometimes more flat and broad, also more ribbed than the apple in our illustration.
SIZE: first grade.
EYE: half closed, sometimes closed, with pointed, dark brown sepals in a broad, shallow basin, with little folds and ribs which continue over the apple.
STALK: 20 - 25 mms long, thin, woody, in a broad, funnel-shaped, russeted cavity.
The COLOUR is greenish yellow, beautifully red and flamed at the sun side, few lenticels. The skin is thin and smooth.
The FLESH is greenish white, soft, not firm, refreshingly, winy, sourish, no aroma. The core is proportionately small, with long, narrow cells and long, oval and pointed, dark brown pips.
TIME OF USE: November - February; first grade for the kitchen, especially suitable for apple sauce; for the dessert it has only decorative value.
The TREE is a strong grower and bears well. The twigs are slender, olive-brown, with large, oval lenticels; the buds are rather broad and pointed; the shoots are violet; the leaves are rather large, lobbed and unevenly serrated.
Because of the size of this apple especially recommended as a pyramid, also suitable as a standard tree.