THE PEACH. 229 



The peach tree usually does not attain a large size, but in 

 soils and climates well adapted to its growth, its dimensions 

 are considerable, and it has a somewhat spreading form. In 

 rather cold climates, the branches become elongated and scat- 

 tering, in consequence of the new and tender wood of the 

 suckers and tAA'igs being annually killed by the frost or cold 

 of the winters, thereby throwing an undue portion of the sap 

 into the leading branches; which renders the shortening-in 

 system of pruning particularly applicable to such latitudes, 

 which forces the tree to fill up wdth numerous branches of 

 young wood; and, w^hich lessens the leverage of the long 

 horizontal limbs, and prevents their breaking off with the 

 w^eight of the fruit. The leaves are narrow, smooth, ard 

 separated. The blossoms are of a very gay and beautiful 

 pink color — some are double, and some much larger than 

 others. 



The peach is rather .more tender and not so long lived as 

 the most of fruits raised in temperate climates, but it is a 

 rapid grower, and commences to bear fruit usually the third 

 year from planting the seed. In the Northern States, the 

 trees often decay after bearing two or three good crops, and 

 sometimes the first good crop is the last; but this early decay 

 of the tree is not applicable to the Middle or Western States ; 

 and, in the more Southern climates it frequently attains the 

 age of thirty or forty years — and is never attacked by the 

 disease called the yclloivs. 



The fruit of the peach tree is various as to size, according 

 to the care in cultivation and the health of the tree; ranging 

 from the size of hulled w^alnuts to that of the largest apples; 

 specimens often measuring from twelve to thirteen inches in 

 circumference. It is not so distinctly marked as some other 

 fruits. There is a good deal of sameness in the general ap- 

 pearance, size, form and color. The variation is caused by 

 the climate, culture and soil. Some are of a waxy wdiite, 

 with a beautiful blush; some of a light wax color; others 

 nearly red in the sun, while some have a dark gray, or dark 

 blood red appearance; and all varieties are covered with a soft 

 downy substance pervading the entire surface of the fruit. 



