Not only were many of our old Heirloom Apple varieties simply discovered, or stumbled upon (as opposed to the current process of designing hybrids), the naming of these classic varieties was also an informal affair. Here's an interesting brief account on the origins of the Baldwin and Russeting apples as provided in 1825 by our "obedient servant," a Mr. Joseph Harrington:
The New England Farmer
Boston, Friday, March 24, 1825
Vol. IV, No. 35
In the New England Farmer of the 17th instance I noticed an interesting account of various fruits giving their true names. Some embarrassment, it was stated, has arisen by reason of two names being given to the same kind of fruit, and particularly, the Baldwin Apple. I beg leave to explain this difficulty. This name was given to this apple, in honor of the discoverer. The grandfather of the present Col. BALDWIN was surveying in the wilderness late in autumn, when he discovered an apple tree baring this fruit; upon examination he found its qualities so superior, that he procured scions from it and introduced it into better company. This tree was defective on one side, and a wood-pecker had made a hole into it. Mr. BALDWIN from this circumstance, named the apple the Pecker apple.
The Russeting was first found on the farm in Roxbury belonging to the WARREN family, and on which were born the late Dr. WARREN, and his brother the General, so conspicuous in our revolutionary history. Hence this valuable fruit is sometimes called the Warren Russeting. Names are of little importance if the things intended to be made known by them are well understood. But when the reasons are at hand why things important in life are understood by different names, it may be well to give them; and though the intelligent will not be edified by the information, yet the ignorant, who have yet to learn the history of the most common things, may be essentially benefited.
Your ob't serv't, JOS. HARRINGTON
