This apple originated with John Crawford, near Ray's Mills, Washington
county, Arkansas. It is conceded to be a seedling of the Black Twig
(said to be a misnomer for the Winesap). It has been exhibited as the
"Arkansaw." Mr. Crawford says he brought to Arkansas and planted seeds
of the Limber Twig and Black Twig over fifty-five years ago, and this
apple sprang from one of those seeds. Really an enlarged and improved
Winesap. Tree a fine, upright, spreading grower.
Remarks on the Mammoth Black Twig by members of the State Horticultural
Society:
William Cutter: My trees set fruit for three years, but it all dropped
off.
President Wellhouse: Mr. Munger says his were very small this year, but
also that all his apples were small.
G. W. Bailey: I have a few, planted eight years, but the fruit this year
was very small.
E. J. Holman: Many Mammoth Black Twig trees have been extensively
propagated by nurserymen. We should know more about them. This variety
came before the public with a "hurrah," and people were told it was an
apple with the quality of Winesap and the vigor of Ben Davis.
Mrs. A. Z. Moore (Missouri): My husband and I superintended sixty acres.
We grew 500 bushels of them, all very fine. Of the tree I know little,
but the apples were beautiful. They are of dark color and very handsome.
B. F. Smith: Two years ago I was down the Port Arthur road, and saw
some, and they were fine-looking apples; but on testing it I thought
many others were better, though in the general trade I think it will do
well. We have a few trees and they are rapid growers, but I would not
recommend them for flavor.
Mr. Adams: I can give you no particular information on this apple, but
believe in the right location it is as fine as any grown. Location has
much to do with its success.
Walter Wellhouse: I examined some Mammoth Black Twigs in Leavenworth,
and they were of good size--as large as any Winesap I ever saw, and of
good color.