408 BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



a branch bud (Fig. 170). In this respect, they are similar 

 to the apricot. 



Leaves. — These are conduplicate (Fig. 10 1) in the bud, 

 elHptic to lanceolate or oblong, and taper toward either end; 

 they are finely and sharply toothed, and on stout petioles. 



Inflorescence and Flowers.— The flowers are normally 

 solitary in the axils of leaves and appear before the leaves; 

 they are large, pink, fragrant, and showy. 



Fruit. — The fruit is subglobular, grooved slightly on one 

 side, has velvety skin, and hard flesh which may be free 

 (freestones) or adherent (clingstones) to the stone. The 

 stone is compressed, pointed, and pitted. The seed is of 

 the shape of an almond, aromatic, and sHghtly bitter. 



Geographical. — The peach is a native of Asia, probably China. It was in- 

 troduced into Europe at a very early date, coming by way of Persia. This 

 fact accounts for the specific name, persica, and common name, peach. 

 The tree is now cultivated in temperate regions. Occasionally it is escaped 

 from cultivation, especially throughout our Northern and Middle States. 



Types of Peaches.^ — The first system of classification of 

 peaches was worked out by Onderdonk, of Texas. He 

 divides the varieties of peaches into five classes or races, 

 based primarily upon the country in which they originated, 

 hence upon their range of adaptabihty. 



1. Peen-to Race. — The stone is almost spherical (Fig. 

 171, C, D), somewhat compressed at the end, and with small 

 and round corrugations; the fruit (of original peen-to) is much 

 flattened; the skin is white, blotched with red, and flesh 

 white; the stone is free or cling. It is adapted to subtropical 

 regions. Varieties: Angel, Clara, Hall, Waldo. 



2. South China Race ("Honey" Group). — The stone is 

 oval (Fig. 171, B), and its corrugations slight; the fruit is 

 slightly flattened, with a peculiar long, conical apex more 

 or less recurved, small, oval, and has a very deep suture at 



