CIIERRIE8. 



CHERRIES. 



The Cherry is a biglily popular fruit in this country — planted much more extensively, 

 we think, than it is elsewhere. One reason for this is, that the Ueart and Bigarreau 

 varieties are generally rapid growing, beautiful trees; and are, on that account, 

 regarded as being suitable for fruit gardens and door-yards, where shade and orna- 

 ment are sought for as well as fruit. Another reason is, that it thrives and bears 

 well in a great variety of soils and situations, and over a very large portion of the 

 country. A third and very strong reason for its general cultivation is, that it ripens 

 early, while fruit is scarce; and forms a cooling, healthy, and agreeable dessert in 

 the warmest weather of the year. On all these accounts, as well as others, the 

 cultivation of the Cherry lias assumed an importance here that it never has in any 

 other country. We might be safe in saying that one nursery in the State of New 

 York grows and sells more Cherry trees in one season than the whole of England 

 or France. 



The most extensively grown varieties are still of foreign origin, such as the Black 

 Tartarian^ Black Eagle, Yellow Spanish, Elton, Knighi's Early Black, Napoleon 

 Bigarreau, Early PurpAe Guigne, May Duke, English Morcllo, <fcc. Among those 

 of American origin the Boimer^s Late Red has, no doubt, been the most widely 

 disseminated, and it may be justly considered as one of the leading sorts. Coe''s 

 Transjxirent, Burr''s Seedling, Manning'' s Mottled, Madison Bigarreau, Gridley, 

 Wilkinson, SparhawFs Honey, and some others, have been planted but sparingly, 

 and only as a general thing by way of making up collections. Among Dr. Kirtland's 

 list of fine seedlings the Gov. Wood and Rock2)ort Bigarreau have already acquired 

 deservedly a great popularity, and several others of his will be highly prized, we doubt 

 not, as soon as they become known. 



The last number of Hovey'^s Colored Fruits has a portrait of a seedling variety, 

 produced by Messrs. IIovey & Co. It is called the '■'■ Hovey,^'' and is described 

 as a very large and beautiful amber colored cherry, mottled with brilliant red. 

 Tree vigorous, upright, and pyramidal in its growth, and a profuse bearer. Ripe 

 middle of July to beginning of August. This, according to Mr. IIovey's descrip- 

 tion, must be a valuable acquisition. At this rate we shall soon be able to make 

 a very respectable catalogue of American cherries. But what we most want are 

 varieties of the Duke cherries that will bear the climate of the north, and of the 

 south, and west, where the Heart and Bigarreau classes fail. We hope the 

 attention of persons who are experimenting with seedlings will keep this in view. 

 Hardiness is a point of the utmost importance. At the present moment, after 

 all that has been done, we know of no cherry of such universal utility as the May 

 Duke. 



Among the large quantities of new foreign fruits we have received but a small 

 number of cherries. The Belle d' Orleans is an acquisition, being among our earl 

 ripening with Bauman''s May and Early Purple Guigne, and being 



