When white men first settled Grand Isle they planted fruit-seeds, espec-ially those of the apple, and the fruit of the trees so raised was of course of varying quality. A few proved to be very valuable in regard to hardiness of tree, productiveness, flavor and keeping quality, particularly some raised by Mr. James Tobias, one of the pioneers.

The first of these I will mention is the Tobias Black. The tree is very hardy with a large spreading top, and very productive. The fruit is large to very large, dark dull purplish-red with many dots all over it, flattish and often uneven, calyx and stem rather deeply set. Skin thick and tough ; stem small, a little over one-half inch long. The flesh is solid and brittle and when mellow is tender, retaining its brittleness; it is yellowish in color and juicy, with a very mild sub-acid flavor. A good apple for any purpose. Season from December to May.

The next of the Tobias seedlings is the Tobias apple. The tree is hardy, with spreading top, and is productive. The fruit is large, heart-shaped, a little corrugated, especially around the calyx, which is closed in a cavity of medium depth ; stem rather deeply set, slender, about one inch long. Skin yellow, dotted all over, slightly reddened on the sunny side near the stem. Flesh yellowish, firm, not crisp, with a peculiar aromatic odor and flavor which is very pleasing; mild sub-acid. A very good apple for the dessert. Season December to January.