ALKEKENGI. 581 



thin or transplant to the same distance, as practised in the 

 cultivation of the Tomato. On laud where it has been 

 grown, it springs up spontaneously in great abundance, and 

 often becomes troublesome in the garden. 



Use. The fruit has a juicy pulp, and, when first tasted, 

 a pleasant, strawberry-like flavor, with a certain degree of 

 sweetness and acidity intermixed. The after-taste is, how- 

 ever, much less agreeable, and is similar to that of the Com- 

 mon Tomato. 



By many the fruit is much esteemed, and is served in its 

 natural state at the table as a dessert. With the addition of 

 lemon juice, it is sometimes preserved in the manner of the 

 plum, as well as stewed and served like cranberries. 



If kept from the action of frost, the fruit retains its natural 

 freshness till March or April. 



This species grows naturally and abundantly Purple Alke- 



kengi. 

 in some of the Western States. The fruit is PURPI.B GROUND 



CHERRY. PURPLE 



roundish, somewhat depressed, about an inch *i*$o**f*ni~ 



. _ WINTER CHERRY. 



in diameter, of a deep purple color, and en- PHYSALIS SP. 

 closed in the membranous covering peculiar to the genus. 



Compared with the preceding species, the fruit is more 

 acid, less perfumed, and not so palatable in its crude state, 

 but by many considered superior for preserving. The plant 

 is less pubescent, but has much the same habit, and is culti- 

 vated in the same manner. 



A perennial species, much less stocky in Scarlet 



habit, and with smoother foliage than the Com- 

 mon Yellow Alkekengi. The fruit, as well as the calyx in 

 which the fruit is enclosed, is of a brilliant scarlet color at 

 maturity, and the plant is then highly ornamental. It makes 

 a beautiful garnish. 



49* 



