Descriptions of Select Varieties of Cherries. 387 



pollen of the May Duke." Though produced so long since, 

 and introduced into our gardens many years ago, it has not 

 yet been produced in sufficient quan- 

 tity to be found in our markets. It is 

 one of the very finest of the early 

 cherries, ripening soon after the May 

 Duke, an abundant bearer, and, in 

 the richness of its flavor, and the ten- 

 derness of its flesh, is surpassed by 

 no other variety. 



Tree spreading; wood strong, dark 

 brown ; leaves oblong, acuminate, 

 waved on the margin, doubly serrated, 

 and pendulous; petioles stout, with 

 reniform glands. 



Fruit, medium size, about one inch 

 broad, and seven eighths of an inch 

 long: Form, roundish heart-shaped, Fig. zt. Black Eagle Cherry. 

 depressed at each end, with a deep suture all round, and a 

 large and distinctly indented point at the apex : Skin, dark 

 shining red, nearly black when fully mature: Stem, medium 

 length, about one and a quarter inches long, rather stout, and 

 inserted in a moderately deep open cavity : Flesh, dark pur- 

 plish red, slightly firm, and very tender : Juice, abundant, 

 rich, and high-flavored : Stone, roundish, rather small. Ripe 

 from fhe first to the middle of July. 



6. Downer. New Am. Orchardist. 



Downer's Late. Fruils and Fruit Trees of America. 

 Downer's Late Red. Pum. Manual. 



Few of our American cherries hold so high a rank as this, 

 {fig- 38.) It was produced from seed by Samuel Downer, 

 Esq., of Dorchester, upwards of forty years ago, and the old 

 tree, which stands where it sprung up, is now in a vigorous 

 and healthy condition, never having failed to bear a fine crop 

 since it first fruited. It is one of the most saleable cherries 

 in our markets, and always commands a high price. Its 

 handsome appearance, uniform size, tender flesh, and high 



