_Synonyms_: New York Pippin, Victoria Pippin, Victoria Red, Red Pippin,
Kentucky Pippin, Baltimore Red, Baltimore Pippin, Baltimore Red Streak,
Carolina Red Streak, and Funkhouser.
The origin of this apple is unknown. J. S. Downer, of Kentucky, writes
that old trees are there found from which suckers are taken in way of
propagating. The tree is very hardy, a free grower, with very dark
reddish brown, slightly grayish, young wood, forming an erect, round
head, bearing early and abundantly. In quality it is not first rate, but
from its early productiveness, habit of blooming late in the spring
after late frosts, good size, fair, even fruit, keeping and carrying
well, it is very popular in all the Southwest and West. Fruit medium to
large. Form roundish, truncated conical, often sides unequal. Color
yellowish, almost entirely overspread, splashed and striped with two
shades of red, and dotted sparsely with aureole dots. Stalk medium,
rather slender. Cavity narrow, deep, russeted. Calyx partially open.
Basin wide, abrupt, slightly corrugated. Flesh white, tender, moderately
juicy, pleasant, subacid. Core medium to large. Good to very good.
December to March.
Remarks on the Ben Davis by members of the State Horticultural Society:
E. J. Holman (Leavenworth county): I favor Ben Davis because of its
large size and good appearance; because it is long-lived, and attractive
in appearance in market; because it is an early bearer; and, to sum it
all up, because it is profitable to grow.
J. W. Robison (Butler county): I favor Ben Davis because it is one of
the most hardy, even, regular bearers; because it succeeds on a great
variety of soils. It is handsome in appearance and attracts the eye in
every market.
F. W. Dixon (Jackson county): I favor Ben Davis because it is the most
profitable variety.
Phillip Lux (Shawnee county): It has a quality of sticking on until we
are ready to pick. It gives good returns for our investment.
J. F. Maxey (Franklin county): I favor it because of its large size and
attractive appearance.
G. L. Holsinger (Wyandotte county): I vote for it.
G. W. Bailey (Sumner county): The Ben Davis has been the most profitable
with us. It is very attractive and popular, and a good seller.
A member: On account of its large size, attractive appearance, and good
market qualities, I vote for it.
B. F. Smith (Douglas county): I vote for it because it is the best
commercial apple we have and stands high in the European markets. It
sells for six dollars a barrel in Hamburg.