After no little research for some months past, we have at length obtained a single specimen of this apple, and from a source, we suppose, that leaves no question of its being a true specimen of the apple called Plumb's Cider. We had prepared a truthful illustration of the fruit, with our impressions for the current number, but to give place to other matter longer on file, feel constrained to lay it over for another month; we can scarcely avoid, however, at this time, an expression of surprise over the long and persistent controversy had concerning the identity of this apple with Smith's Cider.

Plumb's Cider Apple #1

In our April number (1873), it will be remembered, the promise of a description of Plumb's Cider was made. It was subsequently sent to the printer, where the mechanical work upon the paper is done. After waiting two or three months, in expectancy of its appearance, word came that the copy was lost. Mr. Plumb has again favored us with more specimens of the apple, and we make a second attempt at getting it through.

There has been a good deal of controversy regarding the identity of this apple with Smith's Cider, and though there may be some little similarity, we think it too trifling to justify the decision made by the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society, in 1869, upon the question of identity. The origin of this apple is not clear-that of Smith's Cider is. Mr. Plumb tells us that " it was brought from Ohio, in 1844, to Wisconsin, by his father - that the original tree, planted by him, in Jefferson county, still stands, a model of form and fruitfulness." The tree, wherever known, is represented to be a good grower, hardy and productive. According to all the discouraging reports upon the destructive effects of the last winter, to our knowledge. Plumb's Cider went through, some degrees north of our locality, with little or no injury. Planted in 1844, the tree is now thirty. one years old; of course it went through the hard winter of 1855, '56. This endurance of a tree, with the fair quality and good appearance of the fruit, should certainly entitle it to a place in every orchard - especially in the more nothern latitudes, where bettor sorts are not safe.

We fear, however, the fruit has one serious fault - bitter rot, for we find some of the specimens faulty from this cause.

Fruit above medium; form round-ovate, slightly conic in some specimens; color yellowish, shaded with pale red, and somewhat striped with brighter red, slightly specked with fine gray dots; stem stout, short, set in a shallow, narrow cavity; basin very narrow and shallow, slightly plaited; calyx very small, closed; flesh of a greenish cast, fine textnre, breaking, juicy, a little above sub-acid; core little above medium; capsnles open; seeds pale brown, short, plump, pointed; season October to January.