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Description
Condit Monograph
Early Violet: Described by Thompson (1859), Hogg (1866), G. S. (1869), Coleman (1887b), Massey (1893), Wythes (1890a, 1893), Shinn (1893), Wright (1895), Hansen (1894), Eisen (1897, 1901), Price and White (1902), and by Starnes and Monroe (1907). Illustrated by Price, Eisen, and by Starnes and Monroe. In his account of Early Violet, Thompson referred to the description of Thomas Rivers, who probably introduced the variety into England and gave it a name. It was reported to be especially good for forcing in pots, as the tree ripened three crops in a season. Hogg stated: ''Though small and in the estimation of some, an insignificant variety, this is among figs what the Red Masculine is among apricots, and the Red Nutmeg among peaches-a nicely flavoured, very early, and remarkably prolific fig.''
The California Nursery Company, Niles, listed and described Early Violet in its catalogue for 1889-1890. During the next few years, it was tested at the California Experiment Stations and found to be early, but with fruit too small for commercial planting. Cuttings were obtained from Crisfield, Maryland, in 1940, and from the Custis estate near Cape Charles, Virginia, in 1943, and grafted in the variety orchard at Riverside. Very few, if any, brebas have been produced, and second-crop figs are smaller than those of any other variety in the collection. Many figs shrivel and drop when small.
Leaves small, thin, dull on upper surface lobes mostly three; upper sinuses shallow; base subcordate to truncate; margins crenate. Badly affected by mosaic, which dwarfs both leaves and fruit. Description of fruit is compiled from various sources; and from specimens grown at Riverside.
Brebas none. Second-crop figs small to very small, 1 inch long by 1-1/4 inches in diameter; average weight 9.2 grams; shape turbinate to oblate spherical; stalk slender, up to 3/4 inch long, somewhat enlarged toward body of fruit; ribs prominent, more darkly colored than body; eye large, open, scales rose; bloom delicate; color chocolate brown; pulp strawberry; seeds small; quality fair. Susceptible to spoilage. Reported by Eisen as preferable to the Ischias and Celeste; trees now very rare in the southern United States, in comparison with the latter variety. (Plate 27, E.)
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