Melrose:
Synonym: White Melrose, Hort. Soc. Cat. ed . 3, p. 25.
Fruit, large ; roundish-ovate, inclining to conical, and broad at the base ; it has an irregularity in its outline, caused by prominent ribs, which extend from about the middle, to the basin of the eye, where they form large and unequal ridges ; and also by several flattened parts on the sides, giving it the appearance as if indented by a blow.
Skin, smooth and shining, pale yellow tinged with green, on the shaded side ; but yellow tinged with orange, and marked with crimson spots and dots, on the side exposed to the sun. Eye, large and closed, with broad flat segments, and deeply set in a plaited, and prominently ribbed basin.
Stalk, very short, not more than a quarter of an inch long, inserted in a deep, irregular cavity, in which are a few streaks and patches of rough russet. Flesh, yellowish-white, firm, but tender and marrow-like, with a sweet, and pleasantly sub-acid flavor.
A very valuable and fine looking apple, of first-rate quality, suitable either for culinary purposes or the dessert ; it is in use from October to January (northern hemispgere)
The tree is a strong, healthy, and vigorous grower, and forms a large round head. It is also an abundant and free bearer.
This is an old Scotch apple, the cultivation of which is confined exclusively to the Border counties, where it was probably first introduced by the monks of Melrose Abbey. Though it is one of the most popular apples of the Tweedside orchards, it docs not seem to have been ever known beyond its own district. It is without doubt the largest, and one of the most useful apples of which Scotland can boast, and requires only to be more generally known, to be cultivated throughout the length and breadth of that country. Even in the south it is not to be disregarded, as both in size, and quality, it is one of the most attractive market apples. I have known them sold at two shillings a dozen. The figure given above is only from a medium-sized specimen of the fruit.
Robert Hogg, British Pomology
