the present inventionrelates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree, resulting from a cross of the two known varieties, the Babcock, especially well known as a Southern California Peach, and the Stensgaard strain of July Elberta.
the new varietyis notably distinct, to begin with, because of the size which its fruit attains in the early period of ripening, which period is from a week to ten days earlier than the Babcock. In respect to size, it averages about one-half inch larger in diameter than the Babcock with a relatively larger pit or stone, and in shape also it differs from the latter in that it has a typical, although slight, apical point.
the skin color of the fruitis more attractive, as shown in the accompanying drawing, because of the pattern in which the colors are laid in predominate streaks or stripes and blotches, and often the-fruits will have white dotting in some of the more heavily colored areas.
the fruitWhen allowed to hang on the tree until soft-ripe, the fruit will develop considerable pink and red coloring in the tender fibers, although when first ripe they are what are commonly known as white-fleshed.
This new peachfurther differs from the Babcock variety because of its full-bodied flavor and. its excellent balance between sugar and acid, unusual in a peach of the early ripening characteristic.
SeedlingResulting from Babcock x Stensgaard strain of "July Elberta.
TreeLarge to medium; vigorous; upright to semi-spreading; open; modified vase formed; hardiness untested; very productive; regular bearer in Southern California.
Form-UniformForm-Uniform; some symmetrical, most unsymmetrical; globose. Suturea distinct but fairly shallow line from base to apex, on one side of fruit. Has marked depression beyond pistil point. Ventral surfacerounded strongly. No lips or lips indistinct. Stem cavityelongated in suture plane with suture showing on one side. Depthto 1 inch. Breadth-- inch. Markings-none distinct. Baseoblique. Apex-prolonged; rounded. Pisti1 point-apical to oblique.
Geranium Lake to near- GarnetBrown 00918/3, Chart 2, page 192. fruits are blotched with the Geranium Lake predominating, while others favor patches of Garnet-Brown. When the latter predominates, a purplish hue can be noticed if the fruit is turned toward'light. Darker colors are laid on in blotches, stripes and flecks. Down-moderate; short; does roll up when rubbed, but only slightly.
Anewand-distinct variety of peach treecharacterized as to noveltyby the size of its fruit, with smallpit, distinct'and unusual coloring ofthe fruit.
