The Northern Spy Apple.

Manawatu Herald, 29 March 1894, Page 3

The Northern Spy Apple.

The following brief account of the history of the Northern Spy may be of interest : —As far back as the year 1840 the Spy was raised in the New York State on a farm near Rochester. In process of time, as the character of the apple became more widely known, it proved a favourite among American fruitgrowers. In 184.3, at one of the pomological conventions it was recommended for trial, while j a few years later the fruit was sold in New York at 12£ cents each apple. The new variety gradually won its way into public favour ; trees were extensively planted, until at length j the fruit began to be exported from | the States to England and elsewhere, j The introduction of the Spy and Maj&tin into this country may be regarded as an epoch in apple culture, as, utilised for stocks, Lhey gave a deoided impetus to the planting tf apples. The Northern Spy has one failing, if it can be called a failing ; it is for a time rather a shy bearer. But once it begins to bear, crop.? are as plentiful as from most varieties of apples. The Spy is a strong and upright grower, and in time makes quite a handsome tree. It requires to be grown in rich ground, in order to the development of its best qualities.