The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-09-25

In looking over some old Southern Cul-
tivators, formerly the leading agricultural
journal for the Southern farmer, we find
in its issue for August, 1851. a communi-
cation from Robert Nelson on the subject
of Southern fruits. He describes visit
to Laurens county the autumn previous.
His letter being short. we give it here en-
tire and for the purpose of invoking a
little information if possible. Can any
reader tell US whether there are any re-
mains of the apple orchard referred to, and
if there are apes still grown in that sec
ton bearing the names given by the writ
er? Have we now a reliable apple that
ripens in October and November? The
letter is as follows:
Since the spirit for raising fine fruits
has been awakened amongst US, new Varl-
cites are constantly coming into notice,
many of them being found in remote and
out-of-the-way corners of the country. We
have long been used to look 10 the noun
famous sections of the South for fine APP
pies. not supposing that they would thrive
in the low-country; but last autumn
went down to Laurens county, Georgia,
and paid a visit to the orchards of Mr..
S. Yopp, who for many. years has devoted
his attention to the cultivation Of fine
fruits. 1t is Mr. Yopps principle to make
as much as possible within his own prem
ises. and TO buy as little as possible, and
I never met with man that comes so
near up to 1t as Mr.. Yopp, for, with the
exception of tea, coffee and sugar ! think
that everything is homemade, from shoes
ana clothes for white and black ones, to
wine and mO,asses. 1t was on Sept. 20,
and l found an abundance of splendid
peaches, apples and plums, the latter
however. being rather on the decline. l
will describe a few of his apples:
Yopp's Favorite.-This variety, being at
the time In full perfection, l sent ii to
the fruit committee, at Athens which.
in the February number of the Cultiva-
tor reported so favorably on it, that IL
would be useless to say anything more
about it IN the way of recommendation.
consider it the finest Southern apple in
its season; which, unfortunately, does not
extend much beyond the month Of Sep
TENDER
"Blackshear.-I cannot say where 1t
originated, as Mr.. Yopp had received the
gratis from Col. Backshear, from whom
this fruit has taken It's name If | am
not very much mistaken. Col Blackshear
| lived az that time in Telfair county still
farther TO the south The tree is of Wig
orous and upright growth, and a good
bearer Fruit very large, often measuring
IA to 10 inches in circumference rather
nat. Skin dun milky white, with a few
Coiored spots Flesh white, crisp, very
juicy, and with rich vinous flavor Fit
for use during October and November.
'Laureus Greoniug.-Ahove medium size
nearly globular. Skin dark glossy green
flesh greenieh white crisp subacid and
| highly Favored. somewhat resembling the
Rhode Island Greening. Fit for eating
during November and December.
Dean Crab-This is very pleasant
eating apple; its chief value. however con-
sisting in yielding an excellent cider. Fruit
below medium size, globular; skin deep
yellow, considerably covered with red
streaks and splashes. 1t is an immense
bearer, but will only last until the latter
part of October.
"On the same journey | also found an
excellent peach, a Seeding from Houston
county, Georgia, and bearing for the first
time. Its name is
"Osceoia.-It is a little above medium
size, nearly round; skin dark cream-col-
ored, with a deep red check. Flesh
orange colored. very juicy, with an exceed
ingly sweet and rich aroma, resembling
thai of a Jefferson plum. Most of the au-
tumn peaches are little deficient in
sweetness. This. however Is as delicious
as any peach in July and August; ripe the
last part of September; freostone."