From crime to apples, uncovering lost varieties

The speaker, a former FBI agent, transitioned from investigating bank robberies and political corruption to searching for lost apple varieties after retirement. In the late 1800s, apples were vital to settlers in Washington, and many old orchards still exist. The speaker uses investigative skills to locate these varieties, examining records and physical evidence. They collect apples, map their locations, and send samples to experts for identification. The speaker has found three lost varieties and is motivated by the fear of losing these apples forever. They continue to search for about 20 more varieties.

What career did the narrator pursue after retiring from law enforcement?

• Writing novels

• Investigating lost apple varieties

• Running a farm

• Teaching history

Why were apples significant to early settlers in Washington?

• They were a symbol of wealth.

• They were a primary export product.

• They were used for medicinal purposes.

• They were an important food source.

What tools does the narrator use to find clues about lost apple varieties?

• Weather reports

• Oral histories

• Old photographs

• Plat maps and museum records

How does the narrator ensure the identification of apple varieties?

• By consulting local farmers

• By tasting them personally

• By sending samples to apple identification experts

• By comparing them to modern varieties

What is the narrator's main concern regarding lost apple varieties?

• They might be harmful to health.

• They require too much effort to find.

• They are not as tasty as modern varieties.

• They could be lost forever if not found.